How to Set Up Apple TV (with Pictures)

Table of contents:

How to Set Up Apple TV (with Pictures)
How to Set Up Apple TV (with Pictures)

Video: How to Set Up Apple TV (with Pictures)

Video: How to Set Up Apple TV (with Pictures)
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Apple's digital media device, the Apple TV, allows users to watch or enjoy videos, music, and television shows over a high-speed Internet connection. This device is compatible with other Apple products and internet television. You must have an HDMI connection and a wireless or Ethernet connection in order to set up Apple TV.

Step

Part 1 of 4: Connecting the Hardware

Install an Apple TV Step 1
Install an Apple TV Step 1

Step 1. Gather the required equipment

Apple TV comes with an Apple TV set, power cable, and remote control device. You can only connect your Apple TV to an HDTV, and you'll need an HDMI cable to connect the two hardware devices. An HDMI cable is not included in the Apple TV package, but you can get one from electronics stores or the internet for a fairly affordable price. When it comes to choosing an HDMI cable, there really isn't a practical difference between a $30 cable and a $100 cable. You'll also need to be able to connect your Apple TV to the internet, either via WiFi or an Ethernet cable.

  • The first generation Apple TV can be connected via a component cable (five-prong cable), but this option may no longer be available for newer versions/models of hardware.
  • If you want to connect your Apple TV to a home theater system, you'll need a digital audio optical (S/PDIF) cable.
Install an Apple TV Step 2
Install an Apple TV Step 2

Step 2. Place the Apple TV where it is easily accessible from the television and power sockets

Make sure that the cable is not stretched tightly when connecting the Apple TV to the television. Also, make sure your Apple TV has free space to "breathe" as the device's temperature can rise during use.

If you're using a wired connection to a network router, make sure the Ethernet cable you're using can reach the router and Apple TV

Install an Apple TV Step 3
Install an Apple TV Step 3

Step 3. Connect your Apple TV to your HDTV or home theater receiver via an HDMI cable

You can find HDMI ports on the back or side of an HDTV, or the back of a home theater receiver. Your HDTV may have one or more HDMI ports. Some HDTVs may not have an HDMI port at all.

Pay attention to the label of the HDMI port used to connect the Apple TV. These labels help you find or select the right input when turning on the television

Install an Apple TV Step 4
Install an Apple TV Step 4

Step 4. Connect the power cable to the Apple TV and plug the other end of the cable into a power socket

To be extra careful, make sure the wires are connected to a surge protector so that you avoid electrical surges.

Install an Apple TV Step 5
Install an Apple TV Step 5

Step 5. Connect the Ethernet cable (if available)

If you want to connect your Apple TV to a network via Ethernet, connect the cable to the back of the Apple TV and attach the cable to your router or network switch. If you connect the device via WiFi, you don't have to bother setting up or preparing an Ethernet cable.

Install an Apple TV Step 6
Install an Apple TV Step 6

Step 6. Connect the Apple TV to the home theater system (optional)

Normally Apple TV will send sound waves to the television via an HDMI cable, but if you're using an audio receiver, you can connect it to your Apple TV via an optical digital audio (S/PDIF) cable. Plug the cable into the back of the Apple TV and plug the other end of the cable into the appropriate port on the audio receiver or television.

Part 2 of 4: Setting Up Apple TV

Install an Apple TV Step 7
Install an Apple TV Step 7

Step 1. Turn on the television and select the appropriate input

Press the " Input " or " Source " button on the television control device to select the HDMI port that the Apple TV is connected to. Usually Apple TV will turn on automatically so you can see a menu to select a language. If you don't see anything, check the connection again and press the center button on the Apple TV remote control device.

Install an Apple TV Step 8
Install an Apple TV Step 8

Step 2. Select the interface language

Use the remote control device to select the interface language. Use the center button on the device to select an option.

Install an Apple TV Step 9
Install an Apple TV Step 9

Step 3. Connect Apple TV to the network

If you connect your device to a network via Ethernet, Apple TV automatically detects the network and connects. If you connect your Apple TV via WiFi, a list of available wireless networks appears. Select the network you want to use. Enter the password if the network is secured.

Install an Apple TV Step 10
Install an Apple TV Step 10

Step 4. Wait for the Apple TV to turn on

It may take a while for the Apple TV to finish going through the initial setup process. Once the process is complete, the device will ask you if you want to join the data usage collection program for Apple.

Install an Apple TV Step 11
Install an Apple TV Step 11

Step 5. Check for updates

Apple TV can work more effectively if its software is updated to the latest version. You can check for updates via the settings menu (“Settings”).

  • Open the “Settings” menu from the Apple TV home screen.
  • Open the "General" option and select "Software Update". Apple TV will check for and install any available updates.

Part 3 of 4: Connecting Apple TV to iTunes

Install an Apple TV Step 12
Install an Apple TV Step 12

Step 1. Open the settings menu (“Settings”) on the Apple TV

You can find this menu on the main page or home screen of Apple TV.

Install an Apple TV Step 13
Install an Apple TV Step 13

Step 2. Select “iTunes Store” from the “Settings” menu

Sign in using your Apple ID and password. You can now access iTunes purchases through Apple TV. You can also connect your home computer to your Apple TV using the Home Sharing feature.

Install an Apple TV Step 14
Install an Apple TV Step 14

Step 3. Update iTunes to version 10.5 or later on the computer

Most people are now running a newer version of iTunes as version 10.5 is fairly old. Also, you'll still need at least iTunes version 10.5 to be able to share your iTunes library to Apple TV.

To update iTunes on a Mac, use the "Software Update" option on the Apple menu to update. To update iTunes on a Windows computer, click the " Help " menu and select " Check for Updates"

Install an Apple TV Step 15
Install an Apple TV Step 15

Step 4. Click the “File” menu on iTunes and select “Home Sharing” → “Turn On Home Sharing“

Enter the Apple ID and password, then click the Turn On Home Sharing button. With this option, iTunes' Home Sharing feature/function will be enabled so that you can share your iTunes library with other computers and devices (including Apple TV).

Repeat this process for all the computers you want to connect to

Install an Apple TV Step 16
Install an Apple TV Step 16

Step 5. Open the “Settings” menu on the Apple TV

You can go to the previous page on Apple TV by pressing the " Menu " button on the remote control.

Install an Apple TV Step 17
Install an Apple TV Step 17

Step 6. Select “Computers” on the “Settings” menu

Select "Turn On Home Sharing Option", and specify whether you want to use the same Apple ID as the Apple ID used in iTunes. You can use a different Apple ID if you set up the Home Sharing feature with another account.

Part 4 of 4: Watching Apple TV

Install an Apple TV Step 18
Install an Apple TV Step 18

Step 1. Browse purchases from iTunes

You can enjoy all purchased movies and television shows after connecting your Apple TV to your iTunes account. Recent purchases will appear at the top of the Apple TV home screen. You can select the " Movies ", " TV Shows ", and " Music " libraries to view the iTunes main page and all the content you have purchased.

Install an Apple TV Step 19
Install an Apple TV Step 19

Step 2. Use a streaming app

Apple TV comes with a variety of streaming applications that can be used to watch videos. Some of the apps offered, such as Netflix and Hulu+, require a separate paid subscription before you can use them to enjoy video content.

Install an Apple TV Step 20
Install an Apple TV Step 20

Step 3. Review the shared iTunes library

If you enable the Home Sharing function/feature on all devices, you can access different libraries using the "Computers" option on the home screen. Selecting this option will display all computers that are connected to the network and have the Home Sharing function enabled in iTunes. Select the computer you want to use as a streaming content source, then browse the library to select the video or music you want to play.

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