Adding a New User to Apple TV

To add a user to Apple TV, go to Settings on your Apple TV home screen, select Users and Accounts, then choose Add User. The person you're adding can sign in with their own Apple ID, or you can create a new account for them on the device. Once they sign in, their profile appears on the home screen and they can access their own shows, movies, and recommendations.

Each user gets a separate profile with their own watch history, recommendations, and saved content. This means family members won't see each other's viewing habits, and the device can remember settings for multiple people without them interfering with one another.

Key Takeaways

  • New users are added through Settings > Users and Accounts > Add User on your Apple TV device.
  • Each person can sign in with their own Apple ID, or you can set up a device-only account without an Apple ID.
  • Users appear as separate profiles on the home screen and each person sees their own recommendations and watch history.
  • You can switch between users by pressing the menu button on the remote and selecting a different profile.
  • Removing a user deletes their profile and watch history from that Apple TV, but does not affect their account elsewhere.

Setting Up a User with an Apple ID

If the person you're adding has their own Apple ID, this is the fastest route. On your Apple TV, go to Settings, then Users and Accounts, and tap Add User. Select Sign in with Apple ID. The screen will show a code.

The new user can then open the Apple TV app on their iPhone, iPad, or Mac, go to Account, select Sign in on Apple TV, and enter that code. Their Apple ID signs in automatically, and their profile is ready to use. This method syncs their preferences across devices and lets them access their purchased content.

Creating a Device-Only Account Without an Apple ID

If someone doesn't have an Apple ID or you want to set up a profile without linking an account, you can create a device-only user. In Settings > Users and Accounts > Add User, select Create Account instead of signing in with an Apple ID.

You'll be asked to enter a name for the account. This user can then watch content on your Apple TV, but they won't be able to purchase shows or movies, and their profile won't sync to other devices. This works well for children or guests who only use that specific Apple TV.

Switching Between Users on Your Apple TV

Once you've added multiple users, switching between them is straightforward. Press the Menu button on your Apple TV remote. A menu appears at the top of the screen showing all user profiles on the device. Tap the name of the person who wants to use Apple TV next.

The home screen changes to show that user's profile, recommendations, and watch history. You can switch users as many times as you need without signing anyone out. If no one uses the device for a set period, Apple TV can automatically switch to a default user or show the user selection screen.

Managing User Settings and Restrictions

After adding a user, you can adjust what they can see and do. Go to Settings > Users and Accounts, select the user's name, and you'll see options for Parental Controls and Restrictions. These let you limit access to content based on rating, prevent purchases, or restrict app downloads.

You can also set a PIN code for parental controls so that children can't change these settings themselves. The PIN is separate from the user's password and only you need to know it. These controls explore only to that specific user's profile on that specific Apple TV.

Removing a User from Apple TV

If you need to remove someone's profile, go to Settings > Users and Accounts, select the user you want to remove, and choose Delete User. You'll be asked to confirm. The profile and all of that user's watch history on that device will be deleted.

Removing a user from your Apple TV does not delete their Apple ID account or affect their profile on other devices. If they sign back in later, they'll start with a fresh profile on your Apple TV. This is useful when a family member moves out or you want to reset a profile.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If a user can't sign in with their Apple ID, make sure your Apple TV is connected to the internet and that the person knows their correct Apple ID and password. If they've forgotten their password, they can reset it on their iPhone, iPad, or Mac before trying to sign in on Apple TV again.

If the code for signing in expires before the user enters it, go back to Add User and start over—a new code will appear. If a user's profile appears but they can't access certain content, check the parental controls and restrictions for that profile. You may need to adjust the rating limits or remove a PIN code if one is set.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can multiple people watch Apple TV at the same time?

No, Apple TV can only display one user's profile at a time. However, you can switch between users quickly using the Menu button on the remote. If multiple people want to watch simultaneously, you would need a separate Apple TV device for each person or group.

What happens to a user's watch history if I delete their profile?

Their watch history on that specific Apple TV is permanently deleted. However, if they signed in with an Apple ID, their watch history on other devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac) is not affected. If you delete a device-only account, all data for that profile is gone.

Can I change a user's name after I create the account?

Yes. Go to Settings > Users and Accounts, select the user, and choose Edit Name. Type the new name and confirm. This works for both Apple ID accounts and device-only accounts.

Do I need a different Apple ID for each user?

Yes, each person should use their own Apple ID if they want their own profile and recommendations. You can't use the same Apple ID for multiple user profiles on the same Apple TV. If someone doesn't have an Apple ID, you can create a device-only account instead.

What's the difference between a user account and a guest account?

Apple TV does not have a separate guest account feature. Instead, you can create a device-only user account for someone who visits occasionally. This gives them their own profile without requiring an Apple ID, and you can delete it afterward if needed.