Getting Started With Your Apple TV

📺 Your first Apple TV! In this article we’ll walk you through connecting it, setting it up and getting comfortable using it right away.

🎒 Before you start

A few things to check before you start saves headaches later.

📺 An HD or 4K TV with HDMI

For the best picture quality with 4K, HDR or Dolby Vision you need a TV that supports it, plus a suitable HDMI cable.

🔌 An HDMI cable

For streaming you need a Wi-Fi network, for a wired connection an ethernet cable.

🔑 Apple Account

Needed to set up your profile, rent or buy shows, and download apps from the App Store. Don’t have an account yet? You can create one for free during setup.

🔌 Connecting and setting up

Make sure you have your Wi-Fi network name and password handy, and keep your iPhone or iPad nearby for the fastest setup.

Connect the HDMI cableConnect one end to the Apple TV and the other to an HDMI port on your TV.
Connect powerConnect the power cord to the Apple TV and plug it into the outlet.
Turn on the TV and select the right inputTurn on your TV and select the HDMI input the Apple TV is connected to.
Follow the on-screen instructionsUse the remote to set up your internet connection, language and country.
Quick setup with iPhone or iPadChoose “Set Up with iPhone or iPad” as soon as this option appears, and keep your device nearby: settings and your Apple Account are then carried over automatically.
Sign in with your Apple AccountEnter your details if you didn’t set up using your iPhone or iPad.

💡 Tip: Only an iPhone with iOS 9.1 or later, or an iPad with iPadOS 13 or later, supports the lightning-fast setup transfer. Don’t have such a device nearby? Then just enter everything manually, it only takes a little longer.

🎮 Pairing and using the Siri Remote

The remote is usually already paired automatically as soon as you set up the Apple TV. Not responding, or do you have a replacement remote? Then pair it manually.

Reset the remote (if needed)Hold down the Menu button and the volume up button together for at least 5 seconds.
Hold it close to the Apple TVHold the remote about 3 to 4 inches away, pointed at the front of the Apple TV.
Hold down the pairing buttonsHold down the Menu button and the Volume Up button together for two seconds, until you see a confirmation on screen.

Once paired, the Siri Remote works with a few simple gestures.

👆 Swiping on the clickpad

Swipe your finger across the top surface to navigate through menus and content.

🏠 Pressing the Home button

Press it to instantly return to your home screen, from any app.

🔄 Switching between apps

Hold down the Home button to open the app switcher and quickly switch between open apps.

🗣️ Using Siri

Hold down the Siri button and speak your question or command, for example to search for a movie.

👤 Profiles, the Home app and streaming apps

Once the Apple TV is set up, you can arrange it entirely to your liking.

👥 Adding profiles

Add a profile for everyone in the household, so recommendations, watchlists and progress are remembered per person.

📺 Apple TV app

Watch Apple Originals and all your purchased or rented shows and movies in one place.

⬇️ Installing streaming apps

Download extra apps from the App Store such as Netflix, Disney+ or Videoland to watch all your services on the Apple TV.

🏠 Home app and HomeKit

Use the Apple TV as a hub for your smart home devices, so you can control lights, doorbells and cameras even when you’re away.

👶 Parental controls

Set restrictions in Settings for age ratings, purchases and screen time, handy if children are watching too.

🔧 Troubleshooting

Isn’t setup going smoothly? Try this first.

🎮 Remote not responding

Reset it by holding down the Menu button and Volume Up together for 5 seconds, then pair it again as described above.

📺 No picture on the TV

Check that your TV is on the right HDMI input, and that the HDMI cable is properly connected on both ends.

📶 No Wi-Fi connection

Check your Wi-Fi password, and try turning your router off and back on.

🔄 Updating tvOS

Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check whether a newer version of tvOS is available.

With this foundation you have everything you need to confidently get started with your new Apple TV. Still stuck, or have a specific question? Feel free to get in touch.