Yes, you can play Apple Music on your TV through several methods

Apple Music works on your TV if you have an Apple TV device, an AirPlay-compatible smart TV, or a TV connected to another device that supports Apple Music. The simplest route is an Apple TV box (4K or HD model), which lets you open the Music app directly on your TV and play songs, playlists, and albums the same way you would on your phone. If you don't own an Apple TV, you can still stream music to your TV using AirPlay from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, or by connecting a device like an iPad, Mac, or even a gaming console that has Apple Music installed.

The method you choose depends on what devices you already own and whether you want dedicated music controls on your TV or just want to send audio from another device. Each approach works reliably, but they differ in how you control playback and whether you need to keep another device active.

Key Takeaways

  • An Apple TV box (4K or HD) runs the Apple Music app natively, so you can browse and play music directly from your TV remote.
  • AirPlay lets you send music from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to any AirPlay-compatible TV or speaker connected to your TV.
  • You need an active Apple Music subscription to play music on any of these devices; a free Apple ID alone does not unlock the full catalog.
  • Smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, and others support AirPlay on newer models, so check your TV's settings to see if AirPlay is built in.
  • If your TV does not support AirPlay, you can connect a Mac, iPad, or streaming device to your TV via HDMI and play Apple Music through that device.

Playing Apple Music directly on an Apple TV device

If you own an Apple TV (4K or HD model running tvOS 12.3 or later), the Music app is already installed. Open it from the home screen, sign in with your Apple ID, and you will see your library, playlists, and recommendations. You control everything with your Apple TV remote—search for songs, add them to playlists, and play them on your TV speakers or through a connected sound system.

This is the most straightforward method because you do not need to keep another device active. Your Apple Music subscription syncs to the Apple TV, so you can start playing music without picking up your phone. If you have a HomePod or other AirPlay speakers in the same room, you can also send the music to those devices instead of your TV speakers.

Using AirPlay to send music from your phone or tablet

AirPlay is Apple's wireless technology for sending audio and video from one device to another. If your TV supports AirPlay (built into newer models from Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, and others), you can open Apple Music on your iPhone or iPad, tap the AirPlay icon (it looks like a triangle with sound waves), and select your TV from the list. The music then plays through your TV speakers while you control it from your phone.

This method works even if you do not own an Apple TV. However, your phone or tablet must stay unlocked and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your TV. If you lock your phone or switch apps, the music may pause. Check your TV's settings menu under AirPlay or Connectivity to confirm it is turned on; the option is sometimes called "AirPlay and HomeKit" or straightforward "AirPlay".

Connecting a Mac or iPad to your TV via HDMI

If your TV does not have AirPlay built in, you can plug a Mac or iPad directly into your TV using an HDMI cable (or USB-C to HDMI adapter for newer models). Open Apple Music on the connected device, and the audio plays through your TV speakers. You control playback from the Mac or iPad keyboard and trackpad, or from the device's screen.

This method is reliable and does not depend on Wi-Fi, but it requires a cable and keeps the device tethered to your TV. It works well if you want to play music while doing other things on that device, since you can minimize the Music app and use other programs at the same time.

Using a streaming device or gaming console

If you own a Roku, Fire TV, Google Chromecast, or gaming console like PlayStation or Xbox, you may be able to install the Apple Music app on it. Roku and Fire TV have Apple Music available in their app stores. PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S also support Apple Music. Once installed, sign in with your Apple ID and play music directly on the device, which sends audio to your TV.

Availability varies by device and region, so check your device's app store to see if Apple Music is listed. This approach works similarly to using an Apple TV—you control playback from the device's remote or controller, and you do not need to keep another device active.

What you need to play Apple Music on your TV

You must have an active Apple Music subscription. A free Apple ID gives you access to some features like playlists and radio, but the full catalog of songs requires a paid subscription. Apple Music is available as a standalone subscription, as part of Apple One (which bundles Music, TV+, iCloud storage, and other services), or through a family plan that covers up to six people.

All your devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network if you are using AirPlay or a streaming device. If you are using an HDMI cable or an Apple TV, Wi-Fi is not required, though you will need it to sign in to your Apple ID the first time. Make sure your TV's software is up to date; older TVs may not support AirPlay even if the manufacturer released an update.

Troubleshooting common problems

If your TV does not appear in the AirPlay menu on your phone, check that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network and that AirPlay is enabled in your TV's settings. Restart your TV and your phone, then try again. If the problem persists, restart your Wi-Fi router and wait a minute before attempting to connect.

If music stops playing when you lock your phone, that is normal behavior for AirPlay—your device must stay awake. Disable auto-lock in your phone's settings, or use an Apple TV or streaming device instead, which does not have this limitation. If you see an error message saying you are not signed in, sign out of your Apple ID on the TV or device, restart it, and sign back in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an Apple TV to play Apple Music on my TV?

No. You can use AirPlay from your iPhone or iPad if your TV supports it, or connect a Mac, iPad, or streaming device via HDMI or the device's own app. An Apple TV is the most convenient option, but not the only one.

Can I play Apple Music on my smart TV without AirPlay?

Yes. If your TV does not have AirPlay, connect a device that does—a Mac, iPad, Roku, Fire TV, or gaming console—via HDMI or through the device's app. You can also use an Apple TV box, which connects to any TV with an HDMI port.

Will Apple Music keep playing if I lock my iPhone?

No. When you lock your iPhone while using AirPlay, the music pauses. Keep your phone unlocked, or use an Apple TV or streaming device instead, which does not have this limitation.

Can I play Apple Music on my TV without a subscription?

You can access some features like playlists and radio with a free Apple ID, but the full catalog requires an Apple Music subscription. A free trial is often available when you first set up the service.

What if my TV is too old to support AirPlay?

Connect an Apple TV, Mac, iPad, or streaming device to your TV via HDMI, or use a device that has the Apple Music app installed. Any TV with an HDMI port can work with these methods.