How to share Apple TV apps and games with friends

How-to
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If you're familiar with the Apple ecosystem, you're probably used to how easy it is to share apps between different devices. Unfortunately, Apple TV, even with the new tvOS, doesn't share this feature.

There's currently no simple way to share apps from your Apple TV with someone else. Perhaps this is because tvOS apps are so different from iOS or macOS apps or Apple just doesn't see a demand for it. In either case, not all hope is lost, there are some workarounds available if you really want to share.

Log into your iTunes account on your friend's Apple TV

It's not the easiest solution, but you could always log in to your iTunes account on your friend's Apple TV. This will allow you to re-download any apps you have previously downloaded on your account to your friend's Apple TV.

The problem with this method is you would have leave your account logged in on your friend's Apple TV for those apps to stay on there. So it may not be the option for everyone.

The other workaround requires a bit of work and knowledge to pull off correctly, but you can always send your friend a link to an app from the App Store online.

Important Note: There is no to access the Apple TV App Store on the web, so any apps that only work on Apple TV you won't be able to share this way. If you're not sure an app is compatible with Apple TV, the description on the App Store will tell you.

  1. Go to the App Store on your mobile or desktop browser.
  2. Click or tap on the search button. It's the magnifying glass icon.

  1. Type in the name of the app you want to share.
  2. Hit Enter on your keyboard.

  1. Click or tap on the app.
  2. Copy the URL.

Now you can paste that link into an email, iMessage, Facebook message, or any other app or service you want to use to send your friend the link.

Your friend can then download the app via the iTunes link onto an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. The app will appear automatically in the Purchased section of Apple TV, where it can be downloaded again.

Is there a better way?

Have you come across a better way to share Apple TV apps? Let us know in the comments below!

Luke Filipowicz
Luke Filipowicz
Staff Writer

Luke Filipowicz has been a writer at iMore, covering Apple for nearly a decade now. He writes a lot about Apple Watch and iPad but covers the iPhone and Mac as well. He often describes himself as an "Apple user on a budget" and firmly believes that great technology can be affordable if you know where to look. Luke also heads up the iMore Show — a weekly podcast focusing on Apple news, rumors, and products but likes to have some fun along the way. 

Luke knows he spends more time on Twitter than he probably should, so feel free to follow him or give him a shout on social media @LukeFilipowicz.