Set up your Apple TV (3rd generation)
Follow these steps to set up your Apple TV.
Plug into power and connect your TV
Connect the power cord to your Apple TV and plug it in to a power outlet. Then connect your Apple TV to your TV with an HDMI cable.
Turn on your TV and select the input
Turn on your TV and click any button on the Apple Remote to see the setup screen. If you don't see the setup screen, check that you've selected the HDMI input that your Apple TV is connected to.
Select a language and connect to Wi-Fi
Use the remote that came with your Apple TV to select a language and connect to your home Wi-Fi network. To connect to the Internet using Ethernet, connect your Apple TV to your router with an Ethernet cable.
Then wait for your Apple TV to complete setup. Once setup is complete, you'll see the Home screen.
Change settings and check for updates
Go to Settings on your Apple TV to hide apps from the Home screen, change AirPlay settings, and check for new software updates.
To buy or rent movies from the iTunes Store or Apple TV app, go to Settings > iTunes Store and sign in with your Apple ID.
You can also sign in to iCloud to see your iCloud Photos and use Family Sharing on your Apple TV. Just go to Settings > iCloud and sign in with your Apple ID.
If you have two-factor authentication set up for your Apple ID and are asked to enter a verification code, learn what to do.
Need help?
To learn what to do next, find your issue below.
If your Apple TV won't turn on
Make sure that your Apple TV is plugged in to power and check the HDMI cable is securely connected to your Apple TV and television. If your Apple TV still doesn’t power on, show video, or play sound, learn what to do.
If you're asked to enter a verification code
If you have two-factor authentication turned on for your Apple ID, you might be asked to enter your six-digit verification code when you sign in to your Apple TV with your Apple ID. Get your verification code from a trusted device with iOS 9 or later or OS X El Capitan or later, or have it sent to your trusted phone number. Then enter the six-digit verification code on your Apple TV.
If you can't use the remote
You might need to replace the battery in the remote. If you purchased an Apple TV from someone and it didn't come with a remote, then you need to buy an Apple Remote (aluminum) to set up your Apple TV.
