How to set up Apple TV

💡 Need to know

• You’ll need Wi-Fi, an HDMI cable, and your Apple Account info ready.
• Make sure your TV is on the correct HDMI input before you assume things are awry.
• You can auto-transfer settings with your iPhone—or set it up manually.
• Let any tvOS update finish before downloading apps.

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Apple TV®—whether you’re using the 4K or HD model—lets you stream exclusive shows, watch live TV from your cable or broadcast provider, and enjoy sports and other popular streaming apps. However, setting it up can be tricky if it’s your first time, and you aren't sure where to begin.

That’s okay. Asurion’s Apple TV setup guide can walk you through the process. Every day, we help people solve tech problems. Whether it’s how to use Apple TV without a remote or how to reset your Apple TV, we’ve got your back. Here’s how to set up Apple TV step by step.

1. Connecting your Apple TV hardware

What you’ll need

• Internet
• HDMI cable—a wire that sends audio and video between devices
• A TV with an HDMI port

How to set up your Apple TV

1. Connect one end of the Apple TV power cable to the power port on the back of the device.
2. Plug the two-pin end of the power cable into a wall outlet.
3. Connect your Apple TV to your TV using an HDMI cable.
4. Press the Power button on your Apple TV remote to turn it on. (The remote is already paired.)
5. Turn on your TV screen.
6. If your TV has multiple HDMI ports, use your TV remote to switch to the HDMI input where the Apple TV is connected.

If your TV doesn’t recognize the HDMI connection

1. Try a different HDMI port on your TV.
2. Make sure the HDMI cable is firmly plugged in on both ends.
3. Test another HDMI cable if the issue continues.

2. Joining your Wi-Fi network

1. After your HDMI connection is set up, use your Apple TV remote to choose your language and region.
2. Follow the on-screen prompts until you reach Automatically Set Up Your Apple TV.
3. Choose Set Up with iPhone if you want to transfer your phone’s Wi-Fi settings.
   • Hold your iPhone® next to your Apple TV.
   • Follow the instructions that appear on both devices.
4. Choose Set Up Manually if you don’t want to use your iPhone.
   • Set your preferences, including whether to turn on Siri and share recordings.
   • Continue until you reach Select Your Wi-Fi Network.
   • Pick your home Wi-Fi network, enter the password, and connect.
5. Check your Wi-Fi signal strength.
   • Full bars in the Wi-Fi icon mean you have a strong connection.
   • If the bars are low, move your Apple TV closer to your router.

3. Signing in and enabling key features

If you chose Set Up with iPhone earlier, your Apple TV will sign in automatically using the Apple Account on your iPhone. If you selected Set Up Manually, you can sign in with your Apple ID and password after connecting to Wi-Fi.

Signing in lets you use Apple services on your Apple TV, like the App Store®, iCloud®, and your past purchases. From there, you can set your Siri preferences, location, and privacy settings. If you have a cable or broadcast TV subscription, you can add it when prompted by your Apple TV.

After setup, your Apple TV may ask you to update to the latest version of tvOS®. If it does, you can choose to install the update right away.

You can also turn on AirPlay®, which lets you stream from your iPhone or iPad® to your TV. Just go to Settings > AirPlay > On from the Apple TV home screen.

4. Updating software and completing setup

How to manually update your Apple TV software

1. Go to Settings > System > Software Updates and select Update Software.
2. Choose Download and Install.
   • Don’t turn off your Apple TV while the update downloads.
3. When the download finishes, your Apple TV will power off, install the latest version of tvOS, and turn back on automatically.

If you want your Apple TV to always stay up to date, you can turn on automatic updates. Go to Settings > System > Software Updates and switch on Automatically Update.

Adjust video and audio settings

Once your Apple TV is updated, you can fine-tune your video and sound for the best experience.

1. Go to Settings > Video and Audio > Format and choose a quality option like 4K SDR.
2. Under Video and Audio, select Match Content.
3. Turn on Match Dynamic Range and Match Frame Rate so your videos play at their original quality.

Start streaming

When setup is complete, download your favorite streaming apps—like Apple TV+®, Netflix®, and Hulu®—to start watching.

You can also use your iPhone® to control your Apple TV, making navigation easier and potentially helping you set up Apple TV without a remote.

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FAQ

Can I set up Apple TV without an iPhone?

Yes. Choose Set Up Manually during the setup process and enter your Wi-Fi details directly on the Apple TV.

What should I do if my TV doesn’t detect Apple TV?

Switch to the correct HDMI input, try a different HDMI port, or test another HDMI cable.

Do I need to update Apple TV during setup?

It’s recommended. Updating tvOS ensures better performance, security, and compatibility with apps.

Can I use my iPhone as an Apple TV remote?

Yes. You can use the Apple TV Remote feature in Control Center or download the Apple TV Remote app for easier navigation.