How to Log In to Apple TV on Any Device

You open Apple TV and hit a sign-in screen before anything plays. The right path depends on whether you are using an Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD box, the Apple TV app on another device, or tv.apple.com in a browser. Start with the device in front of you, then use the exact Apple Account, profile, or TV provider steps below.

1. Pick the account Apple TV is asking for

Apple TV uses your Apple Account for Apple TV subscriptions, purchases, rentals, and Apple TV app access.
Older instructions say Apple ID; Apple’s current name is Apple Account, and the same email address or phone number and password still work.
When you do not have an account yet, go to account.apple.com, sign in or create an Apple Account, then use that same account when Apple TV prompts you.

Use this path on a new or reset Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD.

1.Plug in Apple TV and follow Setup Assistant.
2.At the Apple Account step, choose Set Up with iPhone.
3.Unlock your signed-in iPhone and hold it next to Apple TV.
4.Follow the onscreen steps on both devices.

To enter the login yourself, choose Set Up Manually at the Apple Account step. Follow the onscreen steps to connect to Wi-Fi and sign in with your Apple Account.

3. Add a user after Apple TV is already set up

1.Open Settings.
2.Select Users and Accounts.
3.Choose a Suggested User or select Add New User.
4.Choose Use Another Apple Device or Sign in Manually.
5.For manual sign-in, enter the Apple Account email address or phone number and password.
6.Enter the six-digit verification code when the prompt appears.

This is the direct Settings route when the Apple TV box is already running and you need to add your account or another person’s account. For Use Another Apple Device, keep Bluetooth on and use compatible software on both devices.

4. Create and switch profiles on Apple TV 4K

Apple TV 4K supports two profile types: profiles signed in with an Apple Account, and managed profiles for household members who do not have an Apple Account. Managed profiles are created and assigned by an Apple Account profile. To add an Apple Account profile, the Settings path is Settings > Profiles and Accounts > Add New Profile > Sign in with Apple Account. Follow the onscreen instructions to finish.

There are two faster entry points. Press and hold the TV button on the remote, open Control Center, go to the profiles area, select Add Profile, then choose Sign in with Apple Account. Or open the Apple TV app, open the sidebar, select the profile at the top, choose Add Profile, then select Sign in with Apple Account.

To switch later, press and hold the TV button, open the profiles area, and select another profile. The Settings route is Settings > Profiles and Accounts > Switch Current Profile, then choose a name and sign in when prompted.

5. Log in on a smart TV or streaming device

1.Open the Apple TV app from the device home screen or app launcher.
2.When the first-run prompt appears, sign in with your Apple Account.
3.In the Apple TV app, use the controller’s back button or left button to open the sidebar.
4.Go to Settings.
5.Select Sign in.
6.Enter the Apple Account email address or phone number and password.

For phone-based sign-in, choose Sign In On Mobile Device. Scan the QR code with your phone camera, or go to link.apple.com and enter the code shown on the TV.

Use the store path for your platform when the app is not installed yet. On Roku, select Search Channels, search for Apple TV, add the channel, open it, and sign in. On Fire TV, select Search, search for Apple TV or say Apple TV app with Alexa, select the Apple TV app in Apps & Games, choose Get, open it from Apps & Channels, and sign in. On Android TV or Google TV, search for Apple TV, install the app, open it, and sign in.

6. Open Apple TV on consoles computers phones or the web

Start with the platform you are using, then sign in with your Apple Account when the Apple TV app or website asks.

On PlayStation, use the media area first. On PS5, from the media home menu, select All Apps, then choose the Apple TV app. On PS4, go to TV & Video, select the Apple TV app, and sign in when prompted.
On Xbox One, Xbox Series X, or Xbox Series S, go to Store, search for Apple TV, and install it. Open the app from Entertainment or My games and apps, then sign in with your Apple Account.
In a browser, go to tv.apple.com, choose Sign In, and sign in with your Apple Account.
On Mac, open the Apple TV app, click Apple Account in the bottom-left corner or choose Account > Sign In, then follow the onscreen instructions.
On Windows, open the Apple TV app, select Sign In at the bottom of the sidebar, select Sign In under View My Account, enter your Apple Account details, then select Sign In.
On Android mobile, open the Apple TV app, tap Sign In in the top-right corner, tap Sign In in Settings, then follow the onscreen instructions.
On iPhone or iPad, open Settings, tap Apple Account at the top, choose Use Another Apple Device or Sign in Manually, then open the Apple TV app and sign in there when prompted.

7. Connect a TV provider for cable access

1.On Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD, open Settings.
2.Go to Profiles and Accounts > TV Provider.
3.Select Sign In.
4.Enter the name of your TV provider or select it from the list.
5.Enter the TV provider email and password, then select Continue.

A TV provider login is separate from your Apple Account. Use it only for supported cable or satellite provider access and participating video apps.

During Apple TV setup, follow the onscreen prompts for single sign-on through a participating cable or satellite TV provider. When the Apple TV came from a pay TV or cable provider, set it up at home and connect to the provider’s internet service when required; it signs in automatically or prompts you to select your provider and sign in.

8. Clear purchase setup and managed account blocks

When Apple TV accepts your login but purchases or downloads stay blocked, complete account setup on the web.

1.Go to tv.apple.com or music.apple.com.
2.Choose Sign In.
3.Sign in with your Apple Account.
4.Follow the prompts to complete setup.
5.Return to Apple TV and sign in again.

Apple’s web sign-in can ask you to add or verify a credit card.

For organization-owned Apple TVs, setup and sign-in behavior can be controlled through device management. Managed Apple Accounts set up by schools or organizations are not supported on Apple TV 4K profiles, so use a personal Apple Account for Apple TV profile sign-in.

On a Mac, the Apple TV app path requires macOS Catalina 10.15 or later. On macOS Mojave or earlier, use tv.apple.com in a browser or update macOS before using the Apple TV app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I log in to Apple TV without typing my password on the TV?

Yes. On Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD, choose Use Another Apple Device during sign-in. In the Apple TV app on supported TVs and streaming devices, choose Sign In On Mobile Device and use the QR code or link.apple.com code.

Is Apple TV asking for an Apple ID or an Apple Account?

Apple now calls it Apple Account. Older guides may say Apple ID, but the same email address or phone number and password are used.

Why does Apple TV ask for a six-digit verification code?

Apple TV asks for the six-digit verification code after you enter your Apple Account email or phone number and password on supported sign-in flows. Enter the code shown on your trusted device to finish signing in.

Do I need a TV provider login to use Apple TV?

No. Your Apple Account handles Apple TV subscriptions, purchases, and rentals. A TV provider login is only for supported cable or satellite provider access and participating video apps.

Can I sign in to Apple TV from a web browser?

Yes. Go to tv.apple.com, choose Sign In, and use your Apple Account. Apple lists current browsers such as Chrome and Firefox for Apple TV web viewing.