How to set up Apple TV 4K

After you connect Apple TV 4K to your HD or 4K TV and turn both on, you’re guided through a simple setup process. If you have an iPhone with iOS 9.1 or later or an iPad with iPadOS 13 or later, you can set up your Apple TV 4K even faster.

Before you start, you’ll need an HDMI cable, access to broadband internet, and an Apple Account. To get the most out of Apple TV 4K’s audio and visual capabilities, you’ll want a TV that supports 4K, HDR, or Dolby Vision.

Here’s how to set up your Apple TV 4K.

Before you begin

Here’s what you’ll need to use Apple TV 4K:

A high-definition or 4K TV with an HDMI port: To take full advantage of Apple TV 4K’s audio and visual capabilities, you need a TV that supports 4K, HDR, or Dolby Vision, and a sound system that’s Dolby Atmos–compatible.

Note: Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) supports TVs with HDR10+.
An HDMI cable: To connect Apple TV 4K to your TV, you need an HDMI cable. If you have a 4K TV that supports HDR, you need a compatible Ultra High Speed HDMI cable (sold separately).
Access to broadband internet: You can use a Wi-Fi network or an Ethernet network. Wireless streaming requires an 802.11-compatible Wi-Fi network. Ethernet requires an Ethernet cable.

Note: Ethernet is not available on Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) Wi-Fi.
An Apple Account: You need an Apple Account to set up your profile, purchase and rent movies and TV shows, use services like Apple Music and Apple Fitness+, and download apps from the App Store. If you don’t already have an Apple Account, you can create one on the Apple Account page.

Set up Apple TV 4K

Know your Wi-Fi network name and password before you start, and keep your iPhone or iPad nearby for expedited setup.

Connect one end of an HDMI cable to the HDMI port on your Apple TV 4K. Connect the other end to the HDMI port on your TV.
Connect one end of the power cord to the power port on your Apple TV 4K and the other end to a power outlet.

To locate the ports on your Apple TV, see Which Apple TV 4K model do I have?
Turn on your TV and select the HDMI input that’s connected to your Apple TV 4K if it’s not already selected.
Use the remote to follow onscreen instructions for setting up your internet connection, single sign-on through your cable or satellite TV provider, and more.

Tip: You can use your iPhone or iPad to automatically set up Apple TV 4K. When prompted, select Set Up with iPhone or iPad and follow the onscreen instructions.

To use VoiceOver during setup, press the Back button or the Menu button on your remote three times. For more information, see Use VoiceOver on Apple TV 4K.

Once your Apple TV 4K is set up, you can:

Add profiles so you can share Apple TV 4K with multiple people in your household
Find things to watch on the Apple TV app
Download other streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max from the App Store
Use your Apple TV 4K to play music, listen to podcasts, do workouts, and more

Not all features and content are available in all countries or regions or on all Apple TV hardware models.

See also