Sign in with your Apple ID on the Apple TV app
To watch shows and movies in the Apple TV app on your Mac, you need to sign in with an Apple ID. Open the Apple TV app, go to the menu in the top left corner, and select Sign In. You'll see a prompt to enter your Apple ID email address and password. Type both in and click Next. If you have two-factor authentication turned on for your Apple ID—which most people do—you'll get a verification code on another device. Enter that code when prompted, and you're signed in.
The whole process takes about two minutes. Once you're signed in, the app remembers you, so you won't have to do this again unless you sign out manually or your Mac forgets the login (which rarely happens). Your purchases, watchlist, and viewing history sync across all your devices, so anything you add on your iPhone shows up on your Mac.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Apple TV app on your Mac, click the menu in the top left, and select Sign In to begin.
- Enter your Apple ID email and password, then provide the two-factor authentication code that arrives on another device.
- After signing in, your watchlist and viewing history sync automatically across your Mac, iPhone, iPad, and other devices.
- If you don't have an Apple ID yet, you can create one during the sign-in process by clicking Create Apple ID.
- Two-factor authentication is required for most Apple IDs and adds a security step, but you only complete it once per device.
What to do if you don't have an Apple ID
If you've never created an Apple ID, you can make one right from the sign-in screen. Click Create Apple ID instead of entering credentials. You'll be asked for your name, email address, and a password you choose. Apple will send a verification code to your email—check your inbox and enter it to confirm the address is real.
Once your Apple ID is created, you're automatically signed into the Apple TV app. You don't need to buy anything or add a payment method unless you want to purchase shows or movies. Many shows and movies are included free with an Apple TV+ subscription, but you can browse and watch without paying anything upfront.
Signing in when you see a code on your TV screen
Sometimes you'll start watching on an Apple TV device (like an Apple TV box connected to your television) and see an eight-digit code on the screen. This code lets you sign in on your Mac instead of typing your full password on the TV remote, which is much faster. On your Mac, open the Apple TV app, go to Sign In, and look for an option that says Sign in with code or Enter code. Type the eight digits from your TV screen, and your Mac will sign in automatically.
This method is useful if you're setting up multiple devices or if you want to avoid typing a long password on a device with a remote control. The code expires after a few minutes, so complete the process quickly. If the code times out, just ask for a new one on your TV screen.
Fixing sign-in problems on your Mac
If you enter your password correctly but the app won't let you in, the first step is to check your internet connection. Open a web browser and visit a website to confirm you're online. If the connection is fine, try signing out and signing back in. Go to the menu in the top left of the Apple TV app, select your account name, and click Sign Out. Wait a few seconds, then go through the sign-in process again.
If you still can't sign in, your Apple ID password may have been changed recently, or your account may have a security issue. Visit appleid.apple.com in a web browser on your Mac, sign in there, and check that your account is in good standing. If you see any warnings or notices, follow the steps to fix them. You can also reset your Apple ID password from that website if you think it's been compromised. After fixing your account, try signing into the Apple TV app again.
Another common issue is an outdated version of macOS. The Apple TV app works best on recent versions of the operating system. Go to the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen, select System Settings (or System Preferences on older Macs), then look for General and Software Update. Install any updates available, restart your Mac, and try signing in again.
Managing multiple accounts on one Mac
If more than one person uses your Mac, each person can have their own Apple TV account. When you open the Apple TV app, look at the top right corner—you'll see a profile icon or your account name. Click it and select Switch User or Sign Out. The next person can then sign in with their own Apple ID. Each account keeps its own watchlist, viewing history, and recommendations.
If you want to let someone else watch without signing them in separately, you can share your Apple TV+ subscription through Family Sharing. This is a feature in your Apple ID settings that lets up to six family members watch on their own accounts while you pay for one subscription. Set this up at appleid.apple.com under Family Sharing, and each family member can sign in with their own Apple ID on the Apple TV app.
What happens after you sign in
Once you're signed in, the Apple TV app shows your personalized recommendations based on what you've watched before. Your watchlist appears in the sidebar so you can quickly find shows you've saved. If you have an Apple TV+ subscription, all included shows and movies are ready to watch when ready—no additional steps needed.
Your sign-in stays active until you manually sign out or your Mac hasn't been used for an extended period. If your Mac goes to sleep or you close the app, you'll still be signed in when you open it again. This is by design—it's meant to be convenient for the person who uses the Mac regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an Apple TV+ subscription to sign in?
No. You can sign in with any Apple ID and browse the app. An Apple TV+ subscription is only required if you want to watch shows and movies that are part of that service. Many other content options are available through the app without a subscription.
What if I forgot my Apple ID password?
Go to appleid.apple.com in a web browser and click Forgot Apple ID or password. Follow the steps to verify your identity using your email address or phone number. Apple will send you a link to reset your password. Once you've created a new password, use it to sign into the Apple TV app on your Mac.
Can I use a different Apple ID on the same Mac?
Yes. Sign out of the current account by clicking the profile icon in the top right of the Apple TV app and selecting Sign Out. Then sign in with a different Apple ID. Each account has its own watchlist and history, though they share the same app installation.
Why does the app ask for a verification code every time I sign in?
This happens when two-factor authentication is on for your Apple ID. After you enter your password, Apple sends a code to a trusted device to confirm it's really you. This is a security feature. You should only have to do this once per Mac—after that, the app remembers the device and won't ask again unless you sign out.
What if I see an error message about my account?
Common errors include "Account Disabled" or "This Apple ID has been locked for security reasons." Visit appleid.apple.com, sign in, and look for any alerts or prompts. Follow the instructions to unlock your account or answer security questions. If you can't fix it yourself, contact Apple Support through that website.