The Apple TV app shows only Library when network access is blocked, you’re signed out, or regional content is unavailable—use the steps below.
The view that shows only the Library tab usually means the app can’t reach Apple’s catalog or partner services. Local purchases and downloads still appear, but the Browse and Watch Now areas don’t load. The good news: most cases come down to sign-in, connectivity, date and time, or a setting that limits data on mobile or managed networks. This guide walks through quick checks, deeper fixes, and platform-specific paths so you can bring back Watch Now and storefront rows without fuss.
Quick Diagnosis Cheat Sheet
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Fast Check |
|---|---|---|
| Only Library shows; Watch Now empty | No internet or DNS filter | Open Safari/Chrome; test a non-cached site |
| Only Library on cellular; Wi-Fi works | Cellular data disabled for TV app | Settings → Cellular → TV app switch on |
| Purchases visible; TV+ rows missing | Signed out or expired session | Account menu → sign out, then sign in |
| Everything blank outside Library | Wrong date & time | Auto-set date & time, then relaunch |
| Some services missing | Region mismatch or service outage | Check System Status; confirm Apple ID region |
| Only Library after app update | Corrupted cache or settings | Delete/reinstall app; reboot device |
What That “Library-Only” Screen Really Means
When the app can’t reach online catalogs, it falls back to what’s stored on your account and device. Your purchases, rentals, and downloads live in Library, so that tab still loads. The tabs that need live data—Watch Now, Store, and partner rows—stay empty. That’s why a quick web test, a sign-in refresh, or loosening a network filter often brings everything back in seconds.
Apple TV App Only Showing Library On iPhone Or Mac — Causes
There isn’t one single trigger. Here are the common roots, ordered from fastest fix to deeper causes.
1) Internet Or DNS Filters
Enterprise firewalls, school profiles, hotel captive portals, ad-blocking routers, or private DNS can block endpoints the app needs. If the device can’t reach those, only Library shows up. Try a regular mobile hotspot. If that works, your original network is filtering traffic. On Apple TV hardware, open Settings → Network and confirm a live connection; captive networks need the iPhone handoff sign-in flow.
2) Signed Out, Expired Token, Or Two Accounts
If the Apple Account token expires, storefront rows vanish. Open the account menu inside the app and sign out, then sign back in with the same Apple ID used to buy or subscribe. On Mac, you can use the account button in the lower-left corner of the app to re-authenticate. If you keep personal and work Apple IDs, make sure the TV app uses the right one for purchases and TV+.
3) Cellular Data Limits
On iPhone or iPad, the app may be blocked from using cellular. Go to Settings → Cellular, scroll to the app, and turn data on. If Low Data Mode is active, streaming rows may lag. Switch to Wi-Fi for a minute and relaunch.
4) Date And Time Drift
Content security depends on correct time. If your clock is off by a bit, tokens fail. Set time automatically from network settings, then relaunch the app.
5) Region And Availability
Catalogs vary by country. If the Apple ID region or device region changed, some tabs won’t populate. Sign out and sign in again after setting the correct region. Services may also pause during widespread outages; a quick status check saves guessing.
6) App Or OS Bugs After An Update
Updates fix issues, and once in a while they surface new ones. A clean reinstall of the app and a device reboot clears most stuck states. If the app was preinstalled, a reboot and fresh sign-in usually does the trick.
Step-By-Step Fixes That Work
Follow these in order. You should see Watch Now, Store, and channel rows return along the way.
1) Test The Connection
Open a browser and visit a site you haven’t loaded today. If the page won’t load, fix the network first. On Apple TV hardware, check Settings → Network. For hotel or campus Wi-Fi, complete the captive portal sign-in from your iPhone when prompted.
2) Force Quit And Relaunch
On iPhone or iPad, swipe up to the app switcher, flick the TV app away, then open it again. On Mac, press ⌘Q to quit, then relaunch. On Apple TV hardware, double-press the TV button, swipe up on the app, and reopen.
3) Refresh Sign-In
Open the account area inside the app, sign out, then sign in. On Mac, use the lower-left account button or the menu bar path. This resets tokens that gate TV+, channels, and recommendations.
4) Allow Cellular Data (Mobile Only)
Go to Settings → Cellular, find the app, and toggle data on. If streaming still stalls on mobile, switch to Wi-Fi once to pull fresh catalog data, then try again on cellular.
5) Fix Date & Time
Set time to automatic, then restart the app. DRM handshakes and catalog calls start working again when the clock matches the server.
6) Update App And OS
Install the latest updates for the app and your device. On Apple TV hardware and smart TVs, updates often include catalog and playback fixes. If you’re on Windows, update the app from the Microsoft Store.
7) Reboot, Then Reinstall If Needed
Power the device off and back on. If rows still won’t load, delete the app, reboot again, reinstall, and sign in fresh. This clears stale settings and cached endpoints that keep the app in Library-only mode.
8) Try A Different Network
Join a mobile hotspot or a home network without VPN or custom DNS. If Watch Now loads there, your original network is filtering. Adjust firewall rules, disable DNS blocking for Apple domains, or use your ISP’s default DNS.
9) Check Region And Subscriptions
Open your account settings and confirm the region matches where you live and subscribe. If your plan is active but rows stay empty, sign out of media and purchases, then sign in again. Family Sharing members should check which collection is selected inside Library.
Where To Tap Or Click On Each Platform
Menus live in different places across devices. Use this table to reach the right area fast.
| Platform | Open This | Path To Watch Now/Store |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone / iPad | Sidebar or tabs | Watch Now appears in the bottom bar or sidebar |
| Mac | Left sidebar | Click Watch Now near the top; Store appears below |
| Apple TV hardware | Top navigation bar | Watch Now is the first tab; Store and Search sit to the right |
| Smart TV apps | Hamburger or sidebar | Look for Watch Now or Home in the side panel |
Extra Checks That Often Get Missed
Private Relay, VPNs, And DNS
Network privacy tools can route traffic in ways that confuse regional catalogs or block certificate checks. Turn the tool off briefly, relaunch the app, and test. If that restores Watch Now, add an allow-list rule or switch to a DNS service that doesn’t filter Apple media endpoints.
Screen Time And Managed Profiles
Restrictions can hide storefront tabs or block ratings beyond a set level. On mobile, check Settings → Screen Time. On work-managed devices, ask your admin if content restrictions are applied.
Storage Pressure
When a device runs low on free space, temporary files and caches fail. Free up a bit of storage and try again. Downloads inside Library still play, but online rows may not refresh until there’s some headroom.
Partner Service Rows Missing
Some partners expose their rows to the app; others keep that content inside their own app. If a partner changed integration, you may see fewer rows in Watch Now while your subscriptions still work in the partner app.
When It’s Not You: Outages And Regional Gaps
Even perfect setups hit snags when services have an outage or a slow rollout. A quick peek at Apple’s status page shows if TV+, Store, or account sign-in is degraded. If status is green yet rows still stall, it could be a regional catalog gap that resolves on its own after a short time window.
Fast Paths And Reference Links
Use these official pages when you need a definitive toggle or sign-in step mid-troubleshoot: Apple TV app streaming troubleshoot and sign in to your Apple Account in the Mac app.
Make It Stick: A Short Prevention List
- Keep automatic date and time turned on.
- Allow cellular data for the app if you stream on mobile.
- Avoid heavy DNS or firewall blocks on media devices.
- Update the app and OS during off-hours to reduce churn.
- Use one Apple ID for purchases and TV+ across devices when possible.
Still Stuck? A Clean Reset Plan
Mobile (iPhone/iPad)
- Delete the app.
- Power off the device for 30 seconds.
- Power on, reinstall from the App Store, and open.
- Sign in with the Apple ID tied to your purchases or TV+.
Mac
- Quit the app with ⌘Q.
- Hold Option while launching to pick a fresh media library folder if your local files are corrupted.
- Sign out and sign in again from the account area.
Apple TV Hardware
- Press and hold the Back and TV buttons to restart, or unplug power for 30 seconds.
- Open Settings → Network and verify the connection.
- Reinstall the app if you removed it, then sign in again.
Quick Wrap-Up
That Library-only screen is a clue, not a brick wall. Start with a live connection and a fresh sign-in. Fix time drift. Loosen any network filters. Update or reinstall if needed. In most cases, Watch Now and Store reappear within a few minutes.