The fastest way to play Apple Music on your TV
If you have an Apple TV device connected to your television, you can stream Apple Music directly through the Music app built into tvOS. Open the Music app on your Apple TV home screen, sign in with your Apple ID, and browse or search for songs, playlists, and albums the same way you would on your phone. Your TV speakers will play the audio while you see album artwork, lyrics, or a visualizer on screen.
If you don't have an Apple TV box, you can still play Apple Music on your TV through AirPlay — Apple's wireless casting system — using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. You can also connect a device directly to your TV with an HDMI cable, or use a third-party streaming device that supports Apple Music, like a Roku, Amazon Fire TV, or Samsung Smart TV.
Key Takeaways
- Apple TV devices have the Music app built in; sign in with your Apple ID and start playing when ready.
- AirPlay lets you send music from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to any Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible speaker connected to your TV.
- If your TV is a Samsung, LG, or Roku model, you can read the Apple Music app directly without needing a separate device.
- Connecting an iPhone or iPad with an HDMI cable works on any TV but requires the device to stay plugged in during playback.
- Apple Music requires a paid subscription; a free trial is available for new subscribers.
Using Apple Music on an Apple TV device
The Music app comes pre-installed on all Apple TV models running tvOS 12.2 or later. Open it from the home screen and tap Sign In. Enter your Apple ID and password — the same credentials you use for iCloud, iTunes, or the App Store. If you have two-factor authentication turned on, you'll need to approve the sign-in from another device.
Once signed in, you can search for songs by title or artist, browse playlists and albums, or view your library of saved music. Use the Siri remote to navigate, or ask Siri to play a specific song or artist by voice. The Music app will display album artwork and, for many songs, synchronized lyrics on your TV screen.
If multiple people in your household use the same Apple TV, each person can sign in with their own Apple ID to access their own library and recommendations. Go to Settings > Users and Accounts to add another user.
Casting Apple Music from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac with AirPlay
AirPlay is the simplest way to send music from your phone or tablet to your TV without installing anything new. Open Apple Music on your iPhone or iPad, find the song or playlist you want, and tap the AirPlay icon — it looks like a triangle with sound waves. A list of available devices will appear; select your Apple TV or any AirPlay-compatible speaker in your home.
Music will now play through your TV speakers while the app stays open on your phone. You can lock your phone, switch to another app, or put it in your pocket — the music keeps playing. To stop, open Control Center on your iPhone (swipe down from the top right), tap the Now Playing card, then tap the AirPlay icon and select your TV to disconnect.
On a Mac, open Apple Music, find what you want to play, and click the AirPlay icon in the player controls at the top of the window. Select your Apple TV from the dropdown menu. The same process works with other audio apps like Spotify or YouTube Music if they support AirPlay.
Playing Apple Music on Samsung, LG, and Roku TVs
Many modern smart TVs have the Apple Music app built in or available for read. On a Samsung TV, go to the Apps section, search for Apple Music, and read it. Sign in with your Apple ID. LG TVs with webOS 5.0 or later also have Apple Music available in the LG Content Store. Roku devices — including Roku TVs and Roku streaming boxes — have Apple Music in the Roku Channel Store.
Once installed, the app works the same way as on Apple TV: sign in, search, and play. Your TV remote controls playback. This is the best option if you own one of these TV brands and want to avoid buying a separate device.
Not all TV models support Apple Music. Check your TV's app store or visit Apple's website to see if your model is compatible. If it isn't, AirPlay or an HDMI cable connection are your alternatives.
Connecting your iPhone or iPad to your TV with an HDMI cable
If your TV doesn't have Apple Music built in and you don't have an Apple TV device, you can plug your iPhone or iPad directly into your TV using an HDMI adapter. For newer iPhones and iPads with USB-C, use a USB-C to HDMI adapter. For older devices with a Lightning connector, use a Lightning to HDMI adapter. Both are available from Apple or third-party retailers for $15 to $30.
Plug the adapter into your device, connect an HDMI cable from the adapter to your TV, and switch your TV to the HDMI input. Your phone or tablet screen will appear on the TV. Open Apple Music and play what you want. Your TV will show the app exactly as it appears on your device, and audio will play through your TV speakers.
The downside is that your device must stay plugged in and connected to the TV the entire time. You can't use your phone for other things while music is playing without interrupting playback. This method works on any TV with an HDMI port, but it's less convenient than AirPlay or a dedicated app.
Using third-party streaming devices
If you already own a Roku, Amazon Fire TV, or Google Chromecast device, you can read the Apple Music app to it. Go to your device's app store, search for Apple Music, and install it. Sign in with your Apple ID. The app will work the same way as on Apple TV or a smart TV.
This is a good option if you use multiple streaming services and want everything in one place. However, if you don't already own one of these devices, buying an Apple TV is usually simpler because the Music app is already there — no read or setup needed.
Troubleshooting common problems
If the Music app won't open on your Apple TV, restart the device by going to Settings > System > Restart. If you're signed in but can't see your library, sign out and sign back in. Go to Settings > Users and Accounts, select your account, and choose Sign Out.
If AirPlay isn't working, make sure your iPhone and Apple TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart both devices. On your Apple TV, go to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit and confirm that AirPlay is turned on. If you still don't see your TV in the AirPlay menu, forget the Wi-Fi network on your phone and reconnect to it.
If you're using an HDMI adapter and your TV shows a black screen, try a different HDMI cable or port. Some older TV HDMI ports don't support video from adapters; switching ports often fixes this. If audio plays but video doesn't, your adapter may be faulty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an Apple Music subscription to use the Music app on my TV?
Yes, Apple Music requires a paid subscription. New subscribers can try it free for one month. After that, a standard subscription costs $10.99 per month for an individual, or you can share a family plan with up to six people for $16.99 per month.
Can I play Apple Music on my TV without an Apple TV device?
Yes. You can use AirPlay from your iPhone or iPad, read the Apple Music app directly on a Samsung, LG, or Roku TV, connect your phone with an HDMI cable, or use a third-party streaming device like Roku or Fire TV that has the app.
Will AirPlay work if my Apple TV is on a different Wi-Fi network than my phone?
No. Your iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for AirPlay to work. If you have a guest network, make sure both devices are on the main network, not the guest network.
Can I control Apple Music playback from my phone while it's playing on my TV?
Yes, when you're using AirPlay. Your phone stays connected and you can pause, skip, or change the volume from the Music app or Control Center. If you're using an HDMI cable, your phone controls the app directly since it's mirrored on the TV.
What if my TV doesn't have an app store or Apple Music isn't available for my model?
Use AirPlay from an iPhone or iPad, connect with an HDMI cable, or buy an Apple TV device. These methods work on any TV with HDMI ports and Wi-Fi capability.