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 (4th generation or newer), which lets you open the Music app directly on your TV and browse, search, and play songs the same way you would on your phone. If you don't have an Apple TV box, you can use AirPlay to send music from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to your TV, or you can use a Roku, Samsung, LG, or other smart TV that has built-in AirPlay support.
The method you choose depends on what devices you already own and how often you plan to listen. Each approach has different setup steps and different limitations on what you can control.
Key Takeaways
- An Apple TV box (4th generation or newer) runs the Apple Music app directly, so you control everything from your TV remote.
- AirPlay lets you send music from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to any AirPlay-compatible TV or speaker, but you control playback from your phone, not your TV.
- Some smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Roku, and others have built-in AirPlay support, so you don't need a separate device.
- Older Apple TV models (3rd generation and earlier) do not support the Apple Music app and cannot play music through AirPlay.
Playing Apple Music directly on an Apple TV box
If you have an Apple TV 4th generation or newer, the Music app is built in. Open it from the home screen, sign in with your Apple ID, and you can browse your library, playlists, and the Apple Music catalog. You control everything with your TV remote, just as you would on your phone. Your music plays through your TV's speakers or through any audio system connected to your Apple TV.
To set this up, make sure your Apple TV is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your other Apple devices. Open Settings on your Apple TV, go to Users and Accounts, select your Apple ID, and sign in. Once you're signed in, open the Music app and you're ready to play. If you have an Apple Music subscription, all your music and playlists sync automatically.
The Apple TV remote lets you pause, skip, and adjust volume without picking up your phone. You can also use Siri on the Apple TV remote to search for songs or artists by voice.
Using AirPlay to send music from your phone or computer
AirPlay is Apple's wireless technology that lets you send audio from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to your TV or speaker. Open Apple Music on your phone or computer, tap or click the AirPlay icon (it looks like a triangle with sound waves), and select your TV or Apple TV from the list. The music plays on your TV, but you control it from your phone or computer.
Your TV must support AirPlay for this to work. Most newer smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio have AirPlay built in. If your TV doesn't have AirPlay, you can use an Apple TV box, an AirPlay-compatible speaker, or a device like an AirPort Express (though Apple no longer makes these). Make sure your phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network.
AirPlay is useful if you want to play music without leaving the app open on your TV screen, or if you want to keep using your phone for other things while music plays in the background. The downside is that you can't control playback from your TV remote—you have to use your phone.
Playing Apple Music on a smart TV with built-in AirPlay
Many newer smart TVs have AirPlay built in, which means you can send Apple Music directly to your TV without an Apple TV box. Samsung, LG, Roku, Sony, and Vizio all offer AirPlay support on recent models. Check your TV's settings or manual to confirm it has AirPlay, then follow the steps above to send music from your phone.
Some smart TVs also have the Apple TV app, which includes access to Apple Music if you have a subscription. Open the Apple TV app on your TV, sign in with your Apple ID, and navigate to the Music section. This gives you direct control from your TV remote, similar to using an Apple TV box.
If your TV has neither AirPlay nor the Apple TV app, you can still connect a separate device—an Apple TV box, a Roku, or even a Fire TV—to add Apple Music support.
What to do if your Apple TV is older than 4th generation
Apple TV 3rd generation and earlier do not have the Music app and do not support AirPlay audio. If you have an older Apple TV, your options are to upgrade to a newer model, use AirPlay from your phone to a different device (like a smart speaker or compatible TV), or connect a different streaming device to your TV.
A newer Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD is relatively affordable and gives you access to Apple Music plus all other Apple services. If you prefer not to buy an Apple TV, a Roku, Fire TV, or other smart TV device can also play Apple Music through AirPlay or through their own apps.
Connecting Apple Music to your TV through a soundbar or speaker
If you have an AirPlay-compatible soundbar or speaker connected to your TV, you can send Apple Music to it instead of your TV's built-in speakers. This is useful if your TV's audio is poor or if you want better sound quality. Open Apple Music on your phone, tap the AirPlay icon, and select your speaker or soundbar from the list.
Many soundbars from Sonos, Bose, and other brands support AirPlay. Check your device's manual or settings to confirm AirPlay is enabled. Once it is, your phone will see it in the AirPlay menu whenever it's on the same Wi-Fi network.
Troubleshooting common issues
If your phone doesn't see your TV in the AirPlay menu, make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and that AirPlay is turned on in your TV's settings. Restart your phone and TV if the connection drops. If you're using an older TV without AirPlay, it won't appear in the list—you'll need to add a compatible device like an Apple TV box or Roku.
If the Music app on your Apple TV won't open or shows an error, sign out of your Apple ID in Settings, restart the Apple TV, and sign back in. Make sure your Apple Music subscription is active and that your Apple TV has the latest software version. You can check for updates in Settings > System > Software Updates.
If music plays but the sound is very quiet, check the volume on your TV remote, your Apple TV remote, and in the Apple Music app itself. Some TVs have separate volume controls for different inputs, so make sure the input connected to your Apple TV is turned up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an Apple Music subscription to play music on my TV?
Yes, you need an active Apple Music subscription to access the full catalog and your library through the Music app on Apple TV. Without a subscription, you can still use AirPlay to send music from your phone to your TV if you have music stored locally on your phone, but you won't have access to Apple Music's streaming catalog.
Can I use Apple Music on a TV that doesn't have AirPlay?
Not directly through AirPlay, but you can connect an Apple TV box, Roku, Fire TV, or another compatible device to your TV to add Apple Music support. You can also use AirPlay to send music from your phone to a compatible speaker connected to your TV.
Will my Apple Music playlists show up on my TV?
Yes, if you're using an Apple TV box or the Apple TV app on a compatible smart TV. Your playlists, library, and listening history all sync across your devices. If you're using AirPlay from your phone, you control the playlist from your phone screen, not your TV.
Can I control Apple Music on my TV with my voice?
Yes, if you have an Apple TV 4th generation or newer with Siri. Press and hold the Siri button on your remote and say commands like "Play Taylor Swift" or "Skip this song." Voice control is not available through AirPlay—you have to use your phone or computer to control playback.
What's the difference between AirPlay and the Apple TV app?
AirPlay sends audio from your phone or computer to your TV, but you control it from your phone. The Apple TV app (on compatible smart TVs) or the Music app (on Apple TV boxes) runs directly on your TV, so you control everything from your TV remote. The Apple TV app also includes other services like Apple TV+, while AirPlay is audio-only.