# Getting started with Apple TV app management

Hexnode UEM provides IT administrators with centralized control to secure, manage, and distribute applications on tvOS devices. A key feature of this system is the ability to manage apps remotely, including silent installations on supervised devices.

Below is the structured workflow for managing Apple TV applications.

Prerequisites: Device Enrollment 
---------------------------------

Before you can manage apps, the tvOS devices must be [enrolled](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/enroll-apple-tvs-in-hexnode-mdm/) in the Hexnode UEM portal.

- **Requirement**: Devices must be enrolled and communicating with the MDM server.
- **Best Practice**: For advanced features like silent installation, ensure devices are **Supervised** (typically via Apple Business Manager or Apple Configurator).

Installing Apps 
----------------

Hexnode allows for the distribution of various app types.

### Enterprise App Installation 

For internal or custom-built applications (.IPA files):

1. **Add to Inventory**: Upload the enterprise app to the Hexnode App Inventory.
2. **Assign to Device**: Deploy the app to a single device or a device group.
3. **[Silent Install](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/distribute-apple-tv-enterprise-apps-using-hexnode-mdm/)**: On **Supervised** tvOS devices, these apps install silently without requiring user interaction or Apple ID entry.

### VPP (Volume Purchase Program) Deployment 

[VPP deployment](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/how-to-deploy-apple-vpp-apps-with-hexnode-mdm/), for App Store apps and bulk licensing:

- **Integration**: Link your **Apple Business Manager (ABM)** account with Hexnode using a VPP token.
- **App Types**: Deploy Public Store apps, Enterprise apps, or Custom B2B apps.
- **Benefit**: Allows organizations to purchase licenses in bulk and assign them to devices, bypassing the need for personal Apple IDs on the device.

Updating Apps 
--------------

Keep applications [up-to-date](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/how-to-update-enterprise-apps-in-apple-tv-using-hexnode/) to ensure security and feature parity.

- **Process**: To update an **Enterprise App**, upload the new version of the IPA file to the Hexnode portal (replacing the old one).
- **Action**: Execute the “Install Application” command again. The system detects the newer version and updates the app on the target devices.

App Uninstallation 
-------------------

Administrators can remove applications remotely to free up space or enforce compliance.

- [**Remote Removal**](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/how-to-remove-apps-from-apple-tv-using-hexnode-mdm/): Initiate the uninstall command from the Hexnode console.
- **No Physical Access**: The process is entirely over-the-air and does not require physical access to the Apple TV.

Troubleshooting Apple TV App Management 
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Common issues encountered when you manage apps on Apple TV and their solutions.

### Issue: App Installation Status is Stuck at “Pending” 

**Cause 1**: The device is asleep or disconnected from Wi-Fi.

*Fix*: Wake the device and ensure it is connected to the network.

**Cause 2**: The VPP Token has expired.

*Fix*: Renew the server token in Hexnode using your Apple Business Manager account.

### Issue: “No Available Application License” Error 

**Cause**: You are trying to install a VPP app, but all purchased licenses are already in use.

*Fix*: Log in to Apple Business Manager, purchase additional licenses for the specific app, and sync the VPP token in Hexnode.

### Issue: Silent Installation Failed 

**Cause**: The device is not Supervised.

*Fix*: Silent installation of apps is restricted to Supervised devices. Unsupervised devices may prompt the user for confirmation or Apple ID credentials.

### Issue: Enterprise App “Integrity Could Not Be Verified” 

**Cause**: The provisioning profile or the enterprise certificate used to sign the app has expired or is not trusted.

*Fix*: Re-sign the app with a valid certificate and upload the new IPA file to the Hexnode inventory.