If you can't or simply don't want to tap to set up your new Apple TV, you can still do it manually.
The new Apple TV is incredibly easy to set up—just tap it with an iOS 9.1 device and you're good to go. If you don't have an iOS 9.1 device handy, or want to use different account information on your Apple TV, you can also set it up manually. It's a chore, mind you, but it's doable!
How to manually set up your new Apple TV
You need to use your Siri Remote to set up your Apple TV. Swipe the trackpad at the top to navigate, click it to select.
- Click on your preferred Language. (Apple TV will offer you the one it thinks is correct but you can swipe to scroll down and choose another.)
- Click on your Region. (Apple TV will offer you the one it thinks is correct but you can swipe to scroll down and choose another.)
- Click on Set Up Manually.
- Click on your Wi-Fi Network, if you're not connected to Ethernet.
- Enter your Wi-Fi password.
- Click Continue.
- Wait a few moments for your Apple TV to activate.
- Enter your Apple ID (the one you use for iTunes and App Store, if you have multiple).
- Click Continue.
- Enter your Apple ID password.
- Click Continue.
- Click to Accept the terms and conditions.
- Choose whether you want to Enable or Disable location services. Location services, among other things, help select the ariel screen savers.
- Choose whether to Use Siri or Don't Use Siri. Siri lets you search and command your Apple TV using natural language voice control.
- Choose whether you want to Automatically Download screen savers or download them Later. It's roughly 600 MB a month if you choose the automatic option. But, you'll get all the new locations and scenes as they're added.
- Choose weather to Send to Apple or Don't Send any diagnostic information. The information helps Apple improve products and fix bugs.
- Click to agree to the Warranty.
- Click to agree to the Terms and Conditions.
And—phew!—you're done!
Reader comments
How to manually set up your new Apple TV
I'm curious how the automated set-up works. You wrote, "Just tap it with an iOS 9.1 device and you're good to go." Is there a start screen directing you to do this?
I've ordered mine and am looking forward to the fun.
Thanks!
Here you go! http://www.imore.com/how-automatically-set-your-apple-tv-your-iphone
Thanks!! You guys rock!
I am trying to set up my Apple TV Automatically but I can't seem to get beyond a screen that states "Can't activate your Apple TV right now. Try again later or contact support" My iPhone 6s+ indicates on Bluetooth a connection but that's it. I have rebooted the Apple TV but get the same result. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
Bill Jackson, Gorham NH
I see how they totally ignored you with your problem activating your appletv. I am having the same problem with it not activating.
I'm wondering the same thing.
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I'm also expecting my new Apple TV early next week (my third one) and I have wondered about this since the first one. Before using my Apple TV I have to manually change the input on my Mitsubishi tv and then turn on ATV. Is there a way to automate changing the input on my tv from the ATV?
In theory, the Apple TV should auto-switch inputs for you, though I've yet to see it do so successfully.
Hmmm... I can't activate. I keep getting an error saying - well it can't activate.
I've tried both the automatic and the manual way.
Does anyone know if this version will allow use at places such as hotels? Every other streaming media device I've owned hasn't allowed for the hotel's network log in page to come up, thus stopping the set up process in its tracks. I know there are work around a using a MacBook but that's of no interest to me.
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[I'm stalking my ATV] My ATV got into town at 3:23am this morning but it won't be unloaded until Monday ... Whaaa! And no, I'm not a little kid ... I'm a big one! Ye Haw! A new Apple TV. And, in case iMore is keeping a tally, I'm going to use manual setup mode as I do with most of my new gadgetry, mostly because it helps me get to know the thing a little better/a little sooner.
Oh and, thanks for the demo Rene.