Getting Apple TV on Your Screen
To watch Apple TV on your television, you need either a device that runs Apple's tvOS operating system, a compatible streaming device connected to your TV, or a smart TV with Apple TV built in. The simplest route depends on what equipment you already own. If you have an Apple TV box, iPad, iPhone, or a supported smart TV, you can start watching within minutes. If you don't own any Apple devices yet, you'll need to choose which device makes sense for your setup and budget.
Apple TV is the name of both the streaming service (where you watch shows and movies) and the hardware devices that deliver it to your screen. This guide covers the hardware side — how to physically get the service onto your television.
Key Takeaways
- An Apple TV box (the small black device) is the most direct way to watch, and it works with any television that has an HDMI port.
- Many newer Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio smart TVs have Apple TV built in, so you may not need to buy anything extra.
- You can also watch through an iPad or iPhone connected to your TV using AirPlay, which mirrors your screen wirelessly.
- Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, and Google Chromecast devices can run the Apple TV app, giving you another hardware option.
- You will need an Apple ID and an active Apple TV+ subscription (or a one-time purchase for individual titles) to watch content.
Using an Apple TV Box
An Apple TV box is a dedicated device about the size of a small book that connects directly to your television. Apple currently sells the Apple TV 4K model, which supports the highest video quality. Older models like the Apple TV HD still work and are sometimes available used or refurbished.
To set up an Apple TV box, plug it into power, connect it to your TV using an HDMI cable, and turn on the television. The box will guide you through setup on your screen. You'll sign in with your Apple ID, connect to your Wi-Fi network, and then you can open the Apple TV app. The remote that comes with the box lets you navigate and select shows. If you lose the remote, you can use your iPhone or iPad as a replacement by opening Control Center and selecting the Apple TV device.
The advantage of an Apple TV box is that it's built specifically for this purpose, so performance is smooth and the interface is optimized for a television screen. The disadvantage is the upfront cost — the Apple TV 4K currently costs several hundred dollars.
Watching on a Smart TV with Built-In Apple TV
Many newer televisions from Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, and other manufacturers have the Apple TV app pre-installed. To learn about yours does, look in your TV's app store or menu system for the Apple TV icon, or check your TV's manual or the manufacturer's website.
If your TV has Apple TV built in, you don't need to buy any extra hardware. straightforward open the Apple TV app using your TV remote, sign in with your Apple ID, and start watching. The experience is nearly identical to using an Apple TV box, except the app runs directly on your television's operating system instead of on a separate device.
The catch is that not all smart TVs have this feature, and it depends on the brand and model year. If you're shopping for a new TV and want Apple TV built in, check the specifications before you buy. If your current TV doesn't have it, the other options below will work instead.
Streaming from an iPad or iPhone Using AirPlay
AirPlay is Apple's wireless technology that sends video from your iPhone or iPad to your TV. To use it, your TV must support AirPlay 2 (most newer smart TVs do), or you need an Apple TV box or AirPlay-compatible device connected to your TV.
Open the Apple TV app on your iPhone or iPad, start playing a show or movie, and swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open Control Center. Tap the AirPlay icon and select your television from the list. The video will begin playing on your TV while you can use your phone as a remote. You can also mirror your entire phone or iPad screen to the TV if you prefer.
This method works well for occasional watching or if you want to use your phone for other things while the show plays on the TV. The downside is that your phone or iPad must stay connected to the same Wi-Fi network, and the battery will drain faster than normal.
Using Third-Party Streaming Devices
If you already own a Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, or Google Chromecast with Google TV, you can read the Apple TV app on those devices and watch there. This is a good option if you want to avoid buying Apple hardware but already have one of these devices plugged into your TV.
To set up, go to your device's app store, search for "Apple TV," and read the official app. Sign in with your Apple ID, and you're ready to watch. The interface will look slightly different than it does on an Apple TV box because it's adapted for that device's operating system, but the content and functionality are the same.
Keep in mind that these devices are not made by Apple, so updates and features may arrive later than they do on Apple TV hardware. Also, not every older model of Roku or Fire Stick supports the Apple TV app, so check your device's specifications first.
What You Need Before You Start Watching
Regardless of which device you choose, you'll need an Apple ID to sign in. If you don't have one, you can create it for free on Apple's website or during the setup process on your device. You'll also need to be connected to the internet via Wi-Fi or ethernet.
To actually watch content, you have two options: subscribe to Apple TV+, which is Apple's subscription service with original shows and movies, or purchase individual movies and TV shows through the iTunes store. Apple TV+ costs a monthly fee (the price varies by region and whether you bundle it with other Apple services). Individual purchases are one-time charges that vary by title.
Some content on Apple TV is free to watch with ads, though the selection is limited. Check the app to see what's available in your region without paying.
Troubleshooting Connection Problems
If your device won't connect to your TV, first check that the HDMI cable is plugged in firmly on both ends (for Apple TV boxes) or that your wireless device is on the same Wi-Fi network as your TV. Restart both your device and your television by unplugging them for 30 seconds, then plugging them back in.
If you're using AirPlay and it's not finding your TV, make sure your phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network and that your TV supports AirPlay 2. Some older TVs and all TVs without built-in AirPlay will need an Apple TV box or compatible device to use AirPlay.
If the Apple TV app itself won't open or keeps crashing, try signing out and signing back in with your Apple ID. If that doesn't work, delete the app and reinstall it from your device's app store. For Apple TV boxes, you can also try a factory reset by going to Settings > System > Reset and choosing "Reset and Update."
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an Apple TV box if my TV is a smart TV?
Not necessarily. If your smart TV has the Apple TV app built in, you can watch without buying extra hardware. Check your TV's app menu or manual to see if it's there. If it's not, you'll need to buy a device like an Apple TV box, Roku, Fire Stick, or use AirPlay from an iPhone or iPad.
Can I watch Apple TV on a TV that doesn't have Wi-Fi?
Yes, if you connect an Apple TV box or streaming device with an ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi. Most of these devices have an ethernet port on the back. You can also use AirPlay to send video from your phone to an older TV if you have an Apple TV box or AirPlay-compatible device connected to it.
What's the cheapest way to start watching Apple TV?
If you already own an iPhone or iPad, using AirPlay to your TV costs nothing beyond your Apple TV+ subscription. If you don't own Apple devices, a Roku or Fire Stick with the Apple TV app installed is typically cheaper than an Apple TV box. Prices vary, so compare current options in your region.
Can I watch Apple TV on multiple TVs in my house?
Yes. You can sign in with the same Apple ID on multiple devices or TVs. However, your Apple TV+ subscription typically allows streaming on only a few devices at once (usually four), so you may not be able to watch on every TV simultaneously.
Do I need a special HDMI cable for Apple TV?
A standard HDMI cable works fine. Apple TV boxes support HDMI 2.1, but any HDMI cable will work. If you want the highest video quality (4K), make sure your TV supports 4K and your cable is rated for it, though most modern cables are.