How to add apple tv to my tv

(Pocket-lint) - Apple's TV service - Apple TV+ - offers a range of new and exclusive content to subscribers. Apple is taking on the likes of Netflix, Amazon Video and Disney+, looking to get you to subscribe to its service - but you'll also be able to access Apple TV+ on a wide range of platforms.

Access through Apple devices is easy enough - just head to the Apple TV app on your iPad, iPhone or Mac - but you'll also be able to access it through smart TVs and, importantly, a range of streaming boxes.

While your TV might not offer the app - the cheapest way to get access to Apple's content is going to be via Roku or Amazon's Fire TV Stick. Apple TV+ costs $4.99 / £4.99 per month for a family subscription.

The cheapest route to Apple TV+

The cheapest way to get Apple TV+ on your TV is with either the Roku Express or the Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite. Both these devices are affordable, but only support up to 1080p streaming.

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If you are connecting to a TV that only supports Full HD then that's no problem, you won't be missing out, making either of these devices a great choice for a second TV or a bedroom TV. The Roku Express is a small box that connects via cable to your TV's HDMI input. 

It comes with an IR remote - so you need line of sight - but it's very easy to navigate the interface and there's support for a wide range of TV services beyond Apple TV+ - Netflix, Amazon Video, BBC iPlayer, Now TV, Hulu, HBO Now and more depending on your region. The downside is that it doesn't support HDR.

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Alternatively, the Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite plugs straight into your TV giving you access to a wide range of services. Naturally it's designed for Amazon's content first, but also supports Netflix, Apple TV+ and a lot more.

Coming from Amazon it supports Alexa too, meaning you can use voice searching right from the remote. While it's also 1080p only, it does support some HDR formats.

How to get the best quality Apple TV+ on your TV

If you're more interested in taking advantage of Apple's support for 4K HDR content, then you'll need something a little more advanced, although not much more expensive. While Apple TV 4K might seem like the obvious choice, you can get access to the TV services for much less money.

Remember that you not only get access to Apple TV+ through the Apple TV app - but all the iTunes TV content you may have purchased in the past too.

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The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the obvious choice for those wanting the best quality from Apple TV but without paying more than you need to. This streaming stick is very similar to the Fire TV Stick above, but it supports 4K resolutions and it supports Dolby Vision - which Apple TV also offers - and it's Amazon's most powerful Fire TV Stick.

Otherwise the experience is very much the same, with a full range of services (Netflix and Amazon both offer Dolby Vision too), but note that you need to have a TV that supports Dolby Vision if that's what you want to watch. 

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Alternatively the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is a fantastic alternative. It supports Dolby Vision so your content will look great and we've always been impressed with the performance of this device, with the advantage that it also supports AirPlay 2.

There's also the Roku Express 4K which is cheaper than the Streaming Stick 4K, but we prefer to have the stick tucked away behind the TV and out of sight.

Those are the cheapest ways to get Apple TV+ on your TV, whether it's a small Full HD TV, or if you want to go for the best quality that the service will offer.

Writing by Chris Hall.

It’s easy to set up the Apple TV app

How to add apple tv to my tv
and start watching right away. Once you open the app on your smart TV or streaming device, you can explore the app and browse movies and TV shows.

When you’re ready to start watching, you just need an Apple ID to sign in. Afterward, you can subscribe to channels, purchase or rent movies, or purchase TV shows.

If you have an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch (iOS 11 or later), or an Android device that supports QR scanning, you can sign in using your device’s camera to scan a QR code that appears onscreen.

Download and install the Apple TV app

Smart TV and streaming device interfaces vary by manufacturer, so check to see if the Apple TV app

How to add apple tv to my tv
is already installed. For details, see your smart TV or streaming device user guide.

  • On your smart TV or streaming device, find the Apple TV app

    How to add apple tv to my tv
    , then follow the onscreen instructions to download and install it. (To download the app, you may need a separate account with the TV manufacturer.)

    For more information, see the Apple Support article Set up the Apple TV app on your smart TV.

Sign in to the Apple TV app

  1. Open the Apple TV app

    How to add apple tv to my tv
    on your smart TV or streaming device.

  2. Navigate to Settings.

  3. Select Accounts, then select Sign In.

  4. Follow the onscreen instructions to do either of the following:

    • Sign in using an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch (iOS 11 or later), or an Android device that supports QR scanning: Use your camera to scan the QR code that appears onscreen, then follow the instructions on your device to sign in.

    • Sign in manually: Select “Sign in manually,” then follow the onscreen instructions to enter your Apple ID.

If you don’t already have an Apple ID, you can create one on the Apple ID webpage. You need only one Apple ID to use Apple TV app services. For more information, see the Apple ID FAQ webpage.

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Can you add Apple TV to any TV?

To use Apple TV, you need: A high-definition or 4K TV with HDMI. An HDMI cable to connect Apple TV to your TV (for 4K HDR, you may require a compatible Ultra High Speed HDMI cable, sold separately)

Can U Get Apple TV on a smart TV?

The Apple TV app is the ultimate way to watch TV on smart TVs, streaming devices, and gaming consoles. It's the place to find original shows and movies from Apple TV+, as well as the premium channels you want, thousands of movies to buy or rent, and popular streaming services and cable TV providers.

Why can't I watch Apple TV on my TV?

Try watching on a different device using the same Wi-Fi or cellular connection. If it doesn't work, contact your internet service provider to see if there's an issue with your network. If other people are using Apple TV+ or Apple TV channels, make sure it doesn't exceed the limits for streaming on multiple devices.

How do I add Apple TV to my home?

Add your Apple TV to the Home app.
Open Settings on Apple TV..
Select Users and Accounts. ... .
Go back to Apple TV Settings, then select AirPlay and HomeKit..
Scroll down and select Room, then choose a room or add a new room..