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—but no HDMI cable. You will need to purchase an HDMI cable separately to connect your Apple TV to your television. This is standard across all current Apple TV models, including the Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD.

The Apple TV has an HDMI port on the back where the cable connects. Any standard HDMI cable will work; you do not need an Apple-branded cable. Most people already have an HDMI cable at home from another device, which is likely why Apple stopped including one.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple TV ships with a power cable and remote, but you must buy an HDMI cable separately to connect it to your TV.
  • Any standard HDMI cable works with Apple TV—you do not need to buy an Apple-branded version.
  • HDMI cables are inexpensive and widely available at electronics stores, online retailers, and many grocery stores.
  • If your TV is older and lacks an HDMI port, you will need an adapter, which is a separate purchase.
  • The HDMI cable carries both video and audio from the Apple TV to your television in a single connection.

What's actually in an Apple TV box

The Apple TV box contains three items: the Apple TV device, a USB-C power cable, and a Siri Remote. The power cable plugs into a standard wall outlet. The remote controls the Apple TV and lets you search, navigate menus, and play content.

Apple removed the HDMI cable from the box years ago to reduce packaging waste and lower the cost of the device. Since most households already own HDMI cables from other electronics—streaming devices, gaming consoles, Blu-ray players—including one seemed redundant.

Which HDMI cable to buy

You need a standard HDMI cable. Look for one labeled HDMI 2.0 or HDMI 2.1; both work fine with Apple TV. The length you choose depends on how far your TV is from where you plan to place the Apple TV. Common lengths are 6 feet, 10 feet, and 15 feet.

Price varies widely—cables range from $5 to $30 depending on brand and length. A mid-range cable ($10 to $15) is reliable and will last years. You do not need to pay extra for premium cables; the picture quality is the same whether you spend $5 or $50.

Buy HDMI cables from electronics retailers like Best Buy, online from Amazon or Walmart, or even from grocery stores and pharmacies that stock tech accessories. They are one of the most common cables sold, so finding one is straightforward.

Connecting your Apple TV to the TV

Once you have an HDMI cable, the connection is straightforward. Locate the HDMI port on the back of your Apple TV—it is clearly labeled. Plug one end of the HDMI cable into that port. Plug the other end into an HDMI port on the back or side of your television.

Then plug the Apple TV's power cable into a wall outlet or power strip. Turn on your TV and use its remote to switch to the correct HDMI input. Your TV will display the Apple TV setup screen, and you can begin configuring the device.

Most TVs have multiple HDMI ports. If one port is already in use by another device, straightforward use a different port. Make a note of which port you used so you can switch back to it later if needed.

What if your TV doesn't have HDMI

Older televisions may have different video ports—composite (red, white, yellow cables), component (red, green, blue cables), or S-video. If your TV lacks an HDMI port, you will need an HDMI-to-composite or HDMI-to-component adapter, which is a separate purchase.

These adapters are available online and at electronics stores for $15 to $40. However, adapters reduce picture quality compared to a direct HDMI connection. If you plan to use Apple TV regularly, upgrading to a TV with HDMI is a better long-term choice.

Why HDMI is the standard

HDMI carries both video and audio through a single cable, which is why it became the standard for home entertainment. Before HDMI, you needed separate cables for video and audio. HDMI is also more durable and reliable than older connection types.

Every modern TV has at least one HDMI port, and most have three or more. This makes HDMI the simplest way to connect any streaming device, including Apple TV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any HDMI cable with Apple TV?

Yes. Any standard HDMI cable works with Apple TV. You do not need an Apple-branded cable or a premium cable. A basic HDMI 2.0 cable from any retailer will work perfectly and deliver the same picture quality as an expensive one.

Do I need a special HDMI cable for 4K?

HDMI 2.0 cables support 4K video, so you do not need to upgrade if you already have one. HDMI 2.1 cables also work and support higher frame rates, but for most viewers the difference is not noticeable. Either type will work with Apple TV 4K.

What if I lose the HDMI cable later?

You can buy a replacement HDMI cable anytime from any electronics retailer. They are inexpensive and widely stocked. Keep the receipt or remember where you bought it so you can get the same length and type if needed.

Can I connect Apple TV without HDMI?

Not directly. Apple TV requires an HDMI connection to display on a television. If your TV lacks HDMI, you will need an adapter. Wireless casting from an iPhone or Mac is possible but does not replace the HDMI connection for normal use.