The fastest way to play Apple Music on your TV

You can play Apple Music on your TV through an Apple TV device, an AirPlay-compatible smart TV, or a Bluetooth speaker connected to your television. The method depends on what hardware you own and whether you want to control playback from your phone or use your TV remote.

If you have an Apple TV box (any generation from 4th generation onward), you can read the Apple Music app directly to the device and sign in with your Apple ID. If your TV supports AirPlay 2, you can stream music from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac without needing a separate device. For older TVs or non-Apple devices, you can use AirPlay to send audio to a compatible speaker or receiver in the same room.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple TV boxes running tvOS 12.1 or later have the Apple Music app built in and can play music directly without a phone.
  • AirPlay 2 lets you send Apple Music from your iPhone or Mac to any compatible smart TV, soundbar, or receiver in your home.
  • You need an active Apple Music subscription to sign in and stream; a free trial counts as an active subscription.
  • Playback controls work from your phone, TV remote, or voice commands through Siri on Apple TV.

Setting up Apple Music on an Apple TV device

Open the App Store on your Apple TV and search for "Apple Music." The app appears in the results because it comes pre-installed on tvOS 12.1 and later. Select it and press the select button on your remote. If you already own the app, you will see an "Open" button instead of a read button.

Launch the app and you will be prompted to sign in with your Apple ID. Use the on-screen keyboard to enter your email address and password, or hold your iPhone near the Apple TV to sign in faster using your phone's camera. Once you sign in, your Apple Music library, playlists, and recommendations appear on the TV screen. You can browse by artist, album, playlist, or search for specific songs using the remote or by speaking to Siri.

To play music, navigate to a song, album, or playlist and press select. Playback starts when ready through your TV speakers or through any audio device connected to your Apple TV via HDMI or optical cable. Use the remote's play and pause buttons to control playback, or ask Siri to play a specific song or artist by pressing the microphone button on the remote.

Using AirPlay 2 to stream from your phone or computer

AirPlay 2 is Apple's wireless audio standard that works with most modern smart TVs, soundbars, and receivers. To use it, open Apple Music on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac and tap or click the AirPlay icon—it looks like a triangle with sound waves—while a song is playing or before you start playback.

A list of available AirPlay devices appears. Select your TV or audio device from the list. Music will now stream to that device instead of your phone's speaker. The AirPlay icon changes to show which device is active. You can continue using your phone normally while music plays on the TV; the connection stays active until you manually switch to a different device or stop playback.

To check whether your TV supports AirPlay 2, look for the AirPlay logo in your TV's settings or manual. Most Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio TVs made in 2018 or later support it. If your TV does not have AirPlay 2 built in, you can use AirPlay to send music to a compatible speaker or soundbar instead, which can sit near your TV.

Signing in with your Apple ID

Apple Music requires an active subscription tied to your Apple ID. When you sign in on your Apple TV or through AirPlay, the device checks whether your account has an active subscription. If you have a free trial, it counts as active and you can stream without restriction.

If your subscription has expired, you will see a message asking you to renew. You can renew through the Apple Music app on your TV, through Settings on your Apple TV, or through the Apple Music app on your phone. Once renewed, sign out and sign back in on your TV to refresh your access.

If you share your Apple ID with family members, each person can sign in with their own Apple ID on the Apple TV to see their own library and recommendations. This requires setting up Family Sharing in iCloud Settings on your primary device first.

Controlling playback from your remote or phone

When Apple Music plays on your Apple TV, you control it using the TV remote's play, pause, next, and previous buttons. The remote also has a microphone button that activates Siri; press it and say "play [artist name]" or "skip this song" to control playback hands-free.

You can also control playback from your iPhone or iPad while the music is playing on the TV. Open the Control Center on your phone, tap the Now Playing card, and select your Apple TV from the AirPlay menu. Your phone becomes a remote for the music playing on your TV. This is useful if your TV remote is out of reach or if you want to queue up songs from your phone while music plays.

Troubleshooting common connection problems

If the Apple Music app does not appear on your Apple TV, check that your device is running tvOS 12.1 or later. Go to Settings, then System, then Software Updates to see your current version. If an update is available, install it and the app will appear in the App Store afterward.

If AirPlay is not working, make sure your phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart both devices by turning them off for 10 seconds and turning them back on. If your TV still does not appear in the AirPlay menu, check your TV's settings to confirm AirPlay 2 is enabled. Some TVs require you to turn it on in the network or connectivity settings.

If music starts playing but cuts out frequently, move your phone or Apple TV closer to your Wi-Fi router or reduce the number of devices using the network. A weak Wi-Fi signal is the most common cause of dropouts. If the problem persists, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.

Playing music through non-Apple devices

If your TV does not support AirPlay 2 and you do not have an Apple TV box, you can still play Apple Music through a compatible Bluetooth speaker or soundbar placed near your TV. Open Apple Music on your phone, tap the AirPlay icon, and select your Bluetooth speaker from the list. Music will play through the speaker while your TV displays whatever you are watching.

Some older receivers and soundbars support AirPlay 1 instead of AirPlay 2. These work the same way but may have slightly slower connection times. Check your device's manual or manufacturer website to see which AirPlay version it supports.

For Android TVs or other non-Apple televisions without AirPlay support, your only option is to use a Bluetooth speaker or to connect a separate Apple TV device via HDMI.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an Apple TV box to play Apple Music on my TV?

No. If your TV supports AirPlay 2, you can stream directly from your iPhone or Mac without a separate device. Most smart TVs made after 2018 support it. If your TV does not have AirPlay 2, you can use a compatible Bluetooth speaker or soundbar instead.

Can I play Apple Music on my TV without my phone?

Yes, if you have an Apple TV box. read the Apple Music app, sign in with your Apple ID, and control playback using the TV remote or by speaking to Siri. Your phone does not need to be nearby or even turned on.

What happens if my Wi-Fi drops while music is playing?

Playback will pause or stop. Once your Wi-Fi reconnects, you can resume playback from where it stopped. If dropouts happen frequently, move your device closer to your router or reduce the number of devices using the network.

Can multiple people use Apple Music on the same Apple TV?

Yes. Each person can sign in with their own Apple ID to see their own library and recommendations. You switch between accounts in the Apple Music app settings on your TV.

Is there a cost to use AirPlay?

No. AirPlay is built into Apple devices and most modern smart TVs at no extra cost. You only need an active Apple Music subscription to stream music.