To get started with your Apple TV, follow these steps.
Here’s what you need
- Personal Internet*
- A TV or other display with an HDMI port
- An HDMI cable (On Apple TV 4K, you need an HDMI 2.0 or later compatible cable)
If you want to set up your Apple TV with your iOS device, do these things first on your iOS device:
- Update to the latest version of iOS.
- Sign in to iCloud with your Apple ID and turn on two-factor authentication for your Apple ID.
- Turn on iCloud Keychain in iCloud Settings.
- Turn on Bluetooth and connect to your home Wi-Fi network.*
*Apple TV doesn’t support public or subscription networks with sign-in requirements.
To go back to a previous screen during setup, press the Menu button on your remote. To start over, unplug your Apple TV from power, then plug it back in.
Set up your Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD
Plug it in and turn on your TV
Plug your Apple TV into power and connect it to your TV with an HDMI cable. To watch movies in 4K HDR on Apple TV 4K, make sure that you’re using an HDMI 2.0 or later cable, and have a TV that supports 4K, HDR, or both. Then turn on your TV and select the HDMI input that your Apple TV is connected to.
If you don’t want to connect to Wi-Fi during setup, you can connect your Apple TV to your router with an Ethernet cable.
Choose your language, and turn on Siri
Swipe on the Touch surface of your Apple TV Remote to find your language and country or region. To choose an option, click the Touch surface. If you choose the wrong language, press the Menu button to return to the previous screen.
If asked, choose whether to use Siri.
Continue setup with your iOS device or set up manually
To automatically add your Apple ID and Wi-Fi settings to your Apple TV, choose Set Up with Device. Then unlock your iOS device, hold it next to your Apple TV, and follow the onscreen steps on your iOS device and Apple TV.
If you don’t want to set up your Apple TV with your iOS device, choose Set Up Manually. Then follow the onscreen steps on your Apple TV to connect to your home Wi-Fi network and sign in with your Apple ID.
If you don’t have an Apple ID, you can create one. If you forgot your Apple ID, learn what to do.
Sign in with your TV provider
In some countries and regions, you might be able to sign in with your TV or cable provider on your Apple TV to watch TV shows and movies included in your cable or TV subscription.
Choose settings
Turn on One Home Screen to keep the Home screen and apps the same across every Apple TV. Choose a room where your Apple TV is to automatically add it to the Home app on your iOS device and Mac. Or add users to your Apple TV.
Get apps and start streaming
When setup is complete, you’ll see the Home screen. From here, you can watch your favorite shows, movies, and discover more of what you love to watch in the Apple TV app. You can also download games and apps from the App Store.
You might also want to check for updates on your Apple TV.
To learn more about your Apple TV, read the Apple TV user guide.
