How to Set Up an Apple TV

Apple TV connects to your television and gives you access to Apple TV+ shows, plus Netflix, Hulu, and hundreds of other streaming apps.

In this guide (4 steps):

1.Connect Apple TV to your television
2.Set up using your iPhone (easiest method)
3.Navigate with the Siri Remote
4.Download apps and start watching

Connect Apple TV to your television

~17s

Use the included HDMI cable to connect the Apple TV to an HDMI port on your television. Plug the power cord into the Apple TV and a wall outlet. Turn your TV on and switch to the HDMI input you used. The Apple TV setup screen will appear.

Set up using your iPhone (easiest method)

~21s

The quickest way to set up Apple TV is to bring your iPhone near it. A notification will appear on your iPhone offering to set up Apple TV — tap "Continue." Your iPhone transfers your Apple ID, WiFi password, and preferences to the Apple TV automatically. This takes about 2 minutes and is much faster than entering everything manually with the remote.

Navigate with the Siri Remote

~31s

The Apple TV remote has a touch-sensitive surface at the top — swipe across it to move the cursor. Press the center to select. The Back button goes back one screen. The TV icon takes you to the Apple TV home screen. Press and hold the Siri button (looks like a microphone) on the remote and say what you're looking for — "Find thriller movies," "Open Netflix," or "Play the news."

Quick Tip

You can also control Apple TV from your iPhone. Open the Control Center (swipe down from top right) and tap the Apple TV Remote icon.

Download apps and start watching

~26s

On the Apple TV home screen, you'll see apps like Apple TV+, Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, and others. The App Store on Apple TV has hundreds more. Tap the App Store, search for the app you want (like Hulu), and tap "Get" to install it for free. Then open the app and sign in with your existing account. Apple TV+ content (shows like Ted Lasso, Severance) requires a separate subscription — $9.99/month or free with new Apple device purchase.

You Did It!

You've completed: How to Set Up an Apple TV

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Apple TV is a small box (about the size of a hockey puck) that connects to your television and provides access to Apple TV+, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and hundreds of other streaming apps. It's the best option if you already use Apple devices and want seamless AirPlay integration.

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