The Apple TV is fairly easy to set up with a tap, but if you either can't or don't want to set it up that way, there's always the manual option. It's not the easy thing to do, but it can be done.
Here's what you need to do to set up your Apple TV manually.
How to manually set up your Apple TV
Using the Siri remote, you can set up your Apple TV by setting up Wi-Fi networks, entering Apple IDs, and more.
- Click the trackpad on your Siri Remote to pair it with your Apple TV.
- Select the language you want to use with Apple TV.
- Select the country you're in.
- Choose whether or not to use Siri.
- Select Set Up Manually.
- Select your Wi-Fi network.
- Enter the password for the Wi-Fi network.
- Click Continue. Your Apple TV will now activate
- Enter your Apple ID or click Use different Apple IDs for iTunes and iCloud? if you have multiple Apple IDs. If you only have one, however, skip from here to Step 19.
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Enter your iCloud email address if you're entering separate iCloud and iTunes credentials.
- Click Continue
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Enter your iCloud password.
- Click Continue
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Enter your iTunes email address if you're entering in separate iCloud and iTunes credentials.
- Click Continue.
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Enter your iTunes password.
- Click Continue.
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Choose when to require your password for purchases from the iTunes Store.
- Sign in to your cable provider for single sign-on if your provider is supported.
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Turn on Home screen syncing if you want to keep the Home screen and apps up to date between multiple Apple TVs.
- Select Enable Location Services or Disable Location Services.
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Select Automatically Download or Not Now to choose whether or not to automatically load Apple's Aerial screensavers.
- Select Send to Apple or Don't Send on the Analytics screens.
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Choose whether or not to share app analytics with developers.
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Agree to the Terms and Conditions.
Enhance your Apple TV experience
There's a long list of awesome accessories for Apple TV, including these two:
SteelSeries Nimbus Bluetooth Mobile Gaming Controller ($49 at Amazon)
If you're a gamer, you need the Nimbus. The perfect controller offers all the standard gaming buttons and a comfortable grip. Because it's Bluetooth compatible, it's also a fantastic controller for your iPhone or iPad, making it our favorite! Recharge it with ease using Apple Lightning.
Apple AirPods 2 (from $159 at Apple)
For those times when you don't want to disturb others in your home, but you still want to listen to your favorite movie or TV show, go with the Apple AirPods 2. Now offering a wireless charger case, the popular earbuds feature the new Apple H1 headphone chip that delivers a faster wireless connection to your devices.
Belkin Ultra High Speed 4K HDMI Cable ($30 at Apple)
Belkin's Ultra High-Speed 4K HDMI cable is Dolby Vision HDR compatible and supports up to 4096x2160 resolution with a bandwidth up to 48Gbps. The cable is 6.5-feet long, giving you plenty of wiggle room for finding the perfect spot for your Apple TV.
Questions?
If you have any more questions about manually setting up your Apple TV, drop them in the comments.
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