Apple TV Setup Guide

New Apple TV 4K? Here's the easiest path from box to watching Ted Lasso. Setup is mostly painless if you have an iPhone.

What you need

• HDMI cable (Apple TV doesn't include one anymore)
• Power cord (included)
• An iPhone or iPad with same Apple ID (makes setup much easier)
• Your Wi-Fi password

Step 1: Plug everything in

1. Plug the HDMI cable into Apple TV and into a free HDMI port on your TV
2. Plug the power cord in
3. Turn on the TV, switch input to the HDMI port you used
4. Apple TV powers on automatically

If your screen is black, double-check the HDMI port and TV input selection.

Step 2: Pair the remote

The 2021+ Siri Remote should pair automatically. If not:

1. Place remote on top of Apple TV (literally touching it)
2. Hold the Back arrow and Volume Up together for 5 seconds
3. Wait for pairing confirmation

For older Siri Remote (2015-2020):

1. Hold Menu + Volume Up for 5 seconds

Step 3: Choose setup method

You'll see a screen with two options: "Set Up with iPhone" or "Set Up Manually."

With iPhone (recommended, takes 2 minutes)

1. Unlock your iPhone and bring it close to Apple TV
2. iPhone shows a "Set Up Apple TV" prompt. Tap it
3. Position iPhone over the camera viewfinder shown on TV (like pairing AirPods)
4. Wait while it transfers your Apple ID, Wi-Fi, and preferences

Manual setup

1. Choose language, region
2. Select your Wi-Fi network, enter password
3. Sign in with Apple ID
4. Two-factor authentication code goes to your iPhone/Mac
5. Enter the code
6. Choose room (Living Room, Bedroom, etc.) for Apple Home integration
7. Agree to terms, opt into analytics

Step 4: Sign into apps

Each streaming app needs its own sign-in. Common ones:

• Netflix: open app, get a code, enter it on netflix.com/tv8
• Disney+: same flow with disneyplus.com/begin
• Hulu: hulu.com/activate
• YouTube: youtube.com/activate
• Amazon Prime Video: amazon.com/code
• HBO Max: hbomax.com/tvsignin

You don't have to type passwords on the Apple TV. Most apps show a code; you sign in on your phone or computer using that code.

Step 5: Set up Apple TV+ subscription (optional)

Apple includes 3 months free with new Apple TV hardware. To activate:

1. Open TV app on Apple TV
2. You'll be prompted to start your trial
3. Confirm with your Apple ID

Useful settings to change

• Settings > Apps > TV: turn on "Use Up Next" so the TV app shows shows from all apps in one queue
• Settings > Video and Audio > Match Frame Rate: On (smoother movies)
• Settings > Video and Audio > Match Dynamic Range: On (better HDR)
• Settings > Sleep After: 30 minutes (saves power)
• Settings > Apple TV Remote app on iPhone: install for backup remote (Control Center widget)

Connect to your Wi-Fi if it doesn't auto

1. Settings > Network
2. Wi-Fi: select your network
3. Enter password
4. For best quality, use Ethernet if you can

Set up HomePod or speakers as audio output

1. Settings > Video and Audio > Audio Output
2. Select your HomePod, AirPods, or stereo system
3. You can also use Apple TV as the hub for two HomePod minis in stereo