Apple TV is a device that lets you enjoy various kinds of entertainment on your big screen. Whether you want to watch movies, shows, live TV, sports, news, or play games, Apple TV has something for everyone. In this guide, we will show you how to get the most out of your Apple TV, from setting it up to exploring its features and apps.
What is Apple TV?
Apple TV is a set-top box that connects to your TV via an HDMI cable. It allows you to stream video and audio content from various sources, such as iTunes, Apple TV+, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and other streaming services. You can also use it to mirror or extend your iPhone, iPad, or Mac screen to your TV via AirPlay. Apple TV comes with a Siri Remote that lets you control it with voice commands, touch gestures, or physical buttons. You can also use your iPhone or iPad as a remote with the Apple TV Remote app.
There are two models of Apple TV available: Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K. The main difference between them is the resolution they support. Apple TV HD supports up to 1080p HD resolution, while Apple TV 4K supports up to 4K Ultra HD resolution with HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. Apple TV 4K also has a faster processor (A12 Bionic) and more advanced features, such as high frame rate HDR, HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi 6, and ARC/eARC support.
How to Set Up Your Apple TV?
Setting up your Apple TV is easy and fast. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Connect your Apple TV to your TV with an HDMI cable. If you have an Apple TV 4K, make sure you use a compatible HDMI cable that supports 4K and HDR.
- Connect your Apple TV to a power outlet with the power cord.
- Turn on your TV and select the HDMI input that your Apple TV is connected to.
- Follow the onscreen instructions to pair your Siri Remote with your Apple TV. You can also use your iPhone or iPad to set up your Apple TV automatically if they are nearby and have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on.
- Choose your language and region.
- Connect your Apple TV to your Wi-Fi network or use an Ethernet cable for a wired connection.
- Sign in with your Apple ID and password. You can also use your iPhone or iPad to sign in quickly if they are nearby and have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on.
- Agree to the terms and conditions.
- Choose whether you want to use Siri on your Apple TV. Siri can help you find what you want to watch, control playback, adjust settings, and more.
- Choose whether you want to share analytics data with Apple and app developers.
- Choose whether you want to turn on Location Services on your Apple TV. Location Services can help you get personalized recommendations, weather information, and more based on your location.
- Choose whether you want to turn on Screen Time on your Apple TV. Screen Time can help you monitor and manage how much time you and your family spend on apps and games on your Apple TV.
- Choose whether you want to turn on Home Screen Sync on your Apple TV. Home Screen Sync can help you keep the apps and folders on your Home screen consistent across all of your Apple TVs that are signed in with the same Apple ID.
- Choose whether you want to download any free apps that are recommended by Apple, such as Apple TV+, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, etc.
- Enjoy your new Apple TV!
How to Stream Content on Your Apple TV?
One of the main reasons to get an Apple TV is to stream content from various sources on your big screen. Here are some of the ways you can do that:
Use the Apple TV app: The Apple TV app is a hub for all of your streaming needs. It lets you access content from various channels and services, such as Apple TV+, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, ESPN+, etc., all in one place. You can also rent or buy movies and shows from iTunes within the app. The app also provides personalized recommendations based on what you watch and like. You can browse the app by categories, such as Watch Now, Movies, Shows, Kids, Library, Search, etc., or use Siri to find what you want.
Use other streaming apps: Besides the Apple TV app, you can also download and use other streaming apps from the App Store on your Apple TV. Some of the popular ones include YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, Paramount+, Discovery+, etc. You can also watch live TV from various providers, such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, etc., if you have a subscription.
Use AirPlay: AirPlay is a feature that lets you wirelessly stream content from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to your Apple TV. You can use AirPlay to stream photos, videos, music, podcasts, web pages, and more. You can also use AirPlay to mirror or extend your device’s screen to your TV. To use AirPlay, make sure your device and your Apple TV are on the same Wi-Fi network, then tap or click the AirPlay icon on your device and select your Apple TV. You can also use Siri to start AirPlay by saying something like “Hey Siri, play this on my Apple TV.”
How to Play Games on Your Apple TV?
Another reason to get an Apple TV is to play games on your big screen. Here are some of the ways you can do that:
Use Apple Arcade: Apple Arcade is a game subscription service that offers unlimited access to over 200 premium games, with new ones added regularly. You can play Apple Arcade games on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV, all without ads or in-app purchases. You can also share your subscription with up to five family members. To play Apple Arcade games on your Apple TV, you need to sign up for the service on the App Store for $4.99 per month after a one-month free trial. You can then browse and download games from the Arcade tab on the App Store on your Apple TV. Some of the popular Apple Arcade games include Sneaky Sasquatch, Oceanhorn 2, The Pathless, Fantasian, etc.
Use other gaming apps: Besides Apple Arcade, you can also download and play other gaming apps from the App Store on your Apple TV. Some of the popular ones include Crossy Road, Asphalt 8, Minecraft, Sonic Racing, etc. You can also play web browser games on your Apple TV by using apps like AirBrowser or Web Browser for TV.
Use a game controller: While you can play most games on your Apple TV with the Siri Remote, you can also use a compatible game controller for a better gaming experience. You can connect a game controller to your Apple TV via Bluetooth or USB-C. Some of the supported game controllers include PlayStation DualShock 4, Xbox Wireless Controller, SteelSeries Nimbus+, etc.
How to Customize Your Apple TV?
You can customize your Apple TV to suit your preferences and needs. Here are some of the things you can do:
Change the appearance: You can change the appearance of your Apple TV by going to Settings > General > Appearance and choosing between Light and Dark modes. You can also change the screensaver by going to Settings > General > Screen Saver and choosing between Aerial (videos of landscapes), Photos (your own photos or those from Apple), Music (album art), or Home Sharing (photos from your computer).
Change the sound: You can change the sound settings of your Apple TV by going to Settings > Video and Audio and adjusting options such as Audio Format (Dolby Atmos or Stereo), Sound Effects and Music (on or off), Reduce Loud Sounds (on or off), etc. You can also change the audio output by going to Settings > Video and Audio > Audio Output and choosing between HDMI (your TV speakers), AirPlay (wireless speakers), Bluetooth (wireless headphones), etc.
Change the accessibility: You can change the accessibility settings of your Apple TV by going to Settings > Accessibility and turning on or off features such as VoiceOver (spoken feedback), Zoom (magnification), Closed Captions (subtitles), Audio Descriptions (narration), etc. You can also use Siri to control accessibility features by saying something like “Hey Siri, turn on VoiceOver” or “Hey Siri, zoom in.”
Change the privacy: You can change the privacy settings of your Apple TV by going to Settings > General > Privacy and managing options such as Location Services (on or off), Analytics (on or off), Advertising (on or off), etc. You can also use Siri to control privacy settings by saying something like “Hey Siri, turn off Location Services” or “Hey Siri, limit ad tracking.”
Conclusion
Apple TV is a versatile device that lets you enjoy various kinds of entertainment on your big screen. Whether you want to watch movies, shows, live TV, sports, news, or play games, Apple TV has something for everyone. You can also customize your Apple TV to suit your preferences and needs. We hope this guide has helped you get started with your Apple TV and discover its features and apps.
Frequently Asked Questions on Apple TV
1. What is the difference between Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K?
- The main difference between Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K is the resolution they support. Apple TV HD supports up to 1080p HD resolution, while Apple TV 4K supports up to 4K Ultra HD resolution with HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. Apple TV 4K also has a faster processor and more advanced features than Apple TV HD.
2. How can I sign up for Apple Arcade on my Apple TV?
- To sign up for Apple Arcade on your Apple TV, you need to go to the App Store and tap on the Arcade tab. You can then start a one-month free trial or pay $4.99 per month for unlimited access to over 200 premium games. You can also share your subscription with up to five family members.
3. How can I use AirPlay on my Apple TV?
- AirPlay is a feature that lets you wirelessly stream content from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to your Apple TV. To use AirPlay, make sure your device and your Apple TV are on the same Wi-Fi network, then tap or click the AirPlay icon on your device and select your Apple TV. You can also use Siri to start AirPlay by saying something like “Hey Siri, play this on my Apple TV.”
4. How can I change the appearance of my Apple TV?
- You can change the appearance of your Apple TV by going to Settings > General > Appearance and choosing between Light and Dark modes. You can also change the screensaver by going to Settings > General > Screen Saver and choosing between Aerial, Photos, Music, or Home Sharing.
5. How can I use a game controller on my Apple TV?
- You can use a compatible game controller on your Apple TV for a better gaming experience. You can connect a game controller to your Apple TV via Bluetooth or USB-C. Some of the supported game controllers include PlayStation DualShock 4, Xbox Wireless Controller, SteelSeries Nimbus+, etc.
