The 3rd Gen Apple TV Can’t Add Apps: What to Do

ByKern Campbell, MBA

The 3rd generation Apple TV cannot add apps. It has no App Store, so you are limited to the built in channels Apple loaded on it.

If you want more to watch, you have two honest choices. AirPlay from an iPhone or iPad to the old box, or upgrade to an Apple TV HD or 4K, which do have a real App Store.

Older guides that say you can log in on a phone and have apps appear on the 3rd gen box are mixing this up with AirPlay. The apps never install on the box itself.

Can you add apps to a 3rd generation Apple TV?

No. Apple never put an App Store on the 3rd generation Apple TV.

The box only shows the fixed set of channels Apple pushed to it, like Netflix and a handful of others. You cannot browse a store and install anything new.

The App Store first arrived on the 4th generation Apple TV. So a store on the 3rd gen is not hidden or locked. It simply was never built.

Why is there no App Store on the 3rd gen?

The 3rd generation runs older software that predates tvOS and its App Store.

A software update can refresh the channels you already have, but it cannot add the store. That is a hardware and software line Apple drew at the 4th generation.

What you can do instead

Here are the ways to watch more without an App Store.

1. AirPlay from your iPhone or iPad

This is the real trick people mean. You run the app on your phone and beam the picture to the TV through the Apple TV box.

2. Refresh your built in channels

Keep the box updated so the channels you do have keep working. Go to Settings, then General, then Software Updates. Our guide on how to add channels on an Apple TV covers what you can still turn on.

3. Upgrade to an Apple TV HD or 4K

If you want apps installed right on the box, a newer Apple TV is the only fix. Those models have the full App Store with thousands of apps.

How to AirPlay to a 3rd generation Apple TV

Your phone and the Apple TV must be on the same WiFi network.

  1. Open the app you want on your iPhone or iPad, like a streaming app or your photos.
  2. Swipe down from the top right corner to open Control Center.
  3. Tap Screen Mirroring (the icon of two overlapping rectangles).
  4. Tap your Apple TV in the list.
  5. If a code shows on the TV, type it on your phone.

Whatever plays on your phone now shows on the TV. To stop, open Control Center again and tap Stop Mirroring.

FAQ

How do I know which Apple TV I have?

Go to Settings, then General, then About, and look at the model. The 3rd generation is a small black box with no App Store icon on the home screen.

Can I get Disney Plus or newer apps on the 3rd gen?

Not installed on the box. You can only watch them by AirPlaying from your phone, since the box takes no new apps.

Is it worth upgrading from the 3rd gen?

If you stream a lot, yes. A newer Apple TV adds the App Store, faster menus, and current apps. See how to get the App Store on an Apple TV.

Can a 3rd gen Apple TV work on an old TV?

Yes, as long as the TV has an HDMI port. Here is how to get an Apple TV to work on a non smart TV.

Sources

Meet Kern Campbell, a tech-savvy writer with a passion for consumer electronics and gadgets. With an undergraduate degree in Computer Information Systems and marketing paired with a Master's in Business Administration, Kern brings a unique blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and personal experience to his writing.

Since launching his career, Kern has become a go-to source for insightful and informative articles on the latest gadgets and trends in the world of consumer electronics. Whether breaking down the latest smartphone release or diving into the intricacies of smart home technology, Kern approaches each topic with thorough research and a critical eye, ensuring that their readers always get the most accurate and useful information.

With a deep understanding of the constantly evolving world of consumer electronics, Kern is poised to continue bringing his unique perspective and valuable insights to readers for years to come.

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One Comment

  1. You need to revise or remove this article. The first two methods do not work at all. There is no way to actually install the Netflix app on this Apple TV. And the third method is just using a different plug in device, so it’s also not a solution to get Netflix on the Apple TV.

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