If you have an Apple TV (3rd generation), use these steps instead.
Plug into power
Plug your Apple TV into power. If you plan to use Ethernet, connect your Apple TV to your router with an Ethernet cable.
Connect to your other home-theater devices
Connect an HDMI cable to the back of your Apple TV. If you have a receiver, connect the other end of the cable to it, then connect your receiver and television with another HDMI cable. If not, connect your Apple TV directly to your television with your HDMI cable.
Find the pairing screen and connect your remote
When you see the Pair Your Remote screen,1 press to click the Touch surface of your remote.
If a message asks, bring your remote closer to your Apple TV. For a remote that won't connect, press and hold the Menu and Volume Up buttons for two seconds.
Pick language settings and choose a setup method
Click the Touch surface of your remote to choose your language and country or region. If asked, choose whether to use Siri.
To finish setting up your Apple TV, choose either Set Up with Device or Set Up Manually2 and follow the steps below.
Set up with your iOS Device
Set up manuallySet up your Apple TV with your iOS device
Before you continue, make sure that you have iOS 9.1 or later.
- After you select Set Up with Device, unlock your iOS device. Check that Bluetooth is on and make sure that you're connected to Wi-Fi.
- Set your device next to your Apple TV and wait until a message on your iOS device asks to set up your Apple TV. Tap Continue. If the message doesn't appear, lock and unlock your device. Set your device beside your Apple TV again and wait for the message.
- Finish the steps on your iOS device, then finish the steps on your Apple TV.
Now you can enjoy your Apple TV. Remember to go to the App Store to download and set up your favorite apps, like Hulu, Netflix, and more.
Set up your Apple TV manually
- After you select Set Up Manually, choose your Wi-Fi network and enter your password.
- Wait for your Apple TV to activate, then sign in with your Apple ID. If you prefer to sign in later, choose Skip this Step.
- If asked, choose a device to send a verification code to. Then enter the code on your Apple TV.
- Finish the onscreen steps to choose settings for Location Services, Siri, screensavers, and analytics sharing.
Now you can enjoy your Apple TV. Remember to go to the App Store to download and set up your favorite apps, like Hulu, Netflix, and more.
Learn more
- Get set up with the App Store.
- Get help with apps.
- Contact app providers directly.
- Get help with your Apple TV.
- If you don't see the setup screen, check that your television is on and using the correct input.
- If you select Set Up with Device, you can transfer settings from your iOS device to your Apple TV (like login information for iTunes, iCloud, Game Center, and Wi-Fi). If you select Set Up Manually, you can enter this information with the onscreen keyboard and your remote.