Apple TV does not include an HDMI cable in the box

When you unbox an Apple TV, you get the device itself, a power cable, and a Siri Remote. The HDMI cable is not included. You will need to buy one separately if you don't already own one that works with your television.

This is true for all current Apple TV models: the Apple TV 4K (third generation and newer) and the Apple TV HD. Apple stopped including HDMI cables years ago to reduce packaging waste and lower the retail price. Since most households already own at least one HDMI cable from a previous device, the company assumes you can reuse it.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple TV ships with a power cable and remote, but not an HDMI cable, so you must purchase one separately.
  • Any standard HDMI cable works with Apple TV, including older cables you may already own from other devices.
  • HDMI cables cost between $5 and $20 depending on length and brand, and longer cables (10 to 25 feet) are not more expensive than shorter ones.
  • If your television has only one HDMI port and it's occupied, you can use an HDMI switch to connect multiple devices without unplugging.

Which HDMI cables work with Apple TV

Any HDMI cable will work with Apple TV. You do not need a special cable or a premium brand. A cable you already own from a Blu-ray player, gaming console, or streaming device will function identically to a new one.

HDMI versions (1.4, 2.0, 2.1) do not matter for Apple TV. Even older cables labeled HDMI 1.4 will carry the video and audio signal without issue. The only practical difference between cables is length: measure the distance from your television to where the Apple TV will sit, then add a foot or two for slack. Cables come in lengths from 3 feet to 50 feet.

Avoid cables marketed as "gold-plated" or "high-speed premium" at inflated prices. These claims do not improve picture or sound quality. A $5 cable from a hardware store performs the same as a $30 cable.

Where to buy an HDMI cable and what to expect to pay

HDMI cables are sold at every electronics retailer: Best Buy, Walmart, Target, Amazon, and most grocery stores with an electronics section. You can also find them at hardware stores like Home Depot.

A basic 6-foot HDMI cable costs $5 to $10. A 10-foot cable costs $7 to $12. A 25-foot cable costs $10 to $15. Longer cables are not proportionally more expensive because the manufacturing cost difference is small. Avoid buying cables at checkout counters in phone stores or airports, where prices are often double the retail standard.

If you order online, cables arrive within two days on most platforms. If you need one when ready, any physical store will have stock.

What else comes in the Apple TV box

The Apple TV box includes the streaming device, a USB-C power cable (roughly 6 feet long), and a Siri Remote with a Lightning charging port. Some older Apple TV models shipped with a different remote design, but all current models use the Siri Remote.

You do not need to buy anything else to start using Apple TV except the HDMI cable. The power cable is long enough to reach most wall outlets near a television. The remote charges via USB-C, and you can use any USB-C charger you already own—or the power adapter that comes with the Apple TV itself if you have a USB-C to USB-C cable.

What to do if your television doesn't have an available HDMI port

Modern televisions have at least two HDMI ports, but older models sometimes have only one. If your TV's single HDMI port is occupied by another device (a cable box, gaming console, or soundbar), you have two options.

The first is an HDMI switch, a small device that lets you connect multiple HDMI cables to one port and toggle between them with a remote or button. A basic switch costs $15 to $30 and requires no power source. You plug the switch into your TV's HDMI port, then plug your Apple TV and other devices into the switch. When you want to watch Apple TV, you press a button on the switch to route the signal to your TV.

The second option is an HDMI splitter or hub, which is similar but often includes additional features like USB ports or audio output. These cost $20 to $50. For most people, a straightforward switch is sufficient and cheaper.

Troubleshooting HDMI connection problems

If you connect the HDMI cable and see no picture, first check that both ends of the cable are fully inserted—push firmly until you hear or feel a click. Then power off the Apple TV, wait 10 seconds, and power it back on. The television should detect the device automatically.

If the picture still does not appear, try a different HDMI port on your television. Some ports are disabled by default on certain TV models, or a port may be faulty. If a different port works, you have found your answer and can leave the Apple TV connected there.

If no port works, the HDMI cable itself may be damaged. Borrow a cable from another device (a Blu-ray player or game console) and test it. If that cable works, buy a replacement for $5 to $10. If the borrowed cable also fails, the problem is the Apple TV or television, not the cable, and you should contact Apple Support or your TV manufacturer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an HDMI cable from an old device with Apple TV?

Yes. Any HDMI cable you own from a previous device—a DVD player, Roku, Fire Stick, or gaming console—will work perfectly with Apple TV. There is no reason to replace a working cable.

Do I need a special HDMI cable for 4K video?

No. The Apple TV 4K works with any HDMI cable, including older ones. HDMI 1.4 cables can carry 4K video without any problem. You do not need to buy a cable labeled "4K" or "high-speed."

What if my TV doesn't have HDMI at all?

Older televisions with only composite (red, white, yellow) or component (red, green, blue) ports cannot connect to Apple TV. Apple TV requires HDMI. If your TV lacks HDMI, you would need to replace the TV or use a different streaming device.

Can I use a wireless connection instead of HDMI?

No. Apple TV requires a physical HDMI cable to send video and audio to your television. There is no wireless alternative for the TV connection, though Apple TV does connect to the internet wirelessly for streaming content.

How long of an HDMI cable do I need?

Measure the distance from your TV to where the Apple TV will sit, then add one to two feet for slack. Cables longer than 25 feet may experience signal degradation, but most living rooms need 6 to 10 feet. Length does not significantly affect price.