How to set up multiple accounts on your Apple TV

By Bryan M Wolfe
published

Apple TV multiple accounts
Apple TV multiple accounts (Image credit: Bryan M. Wolfe / iMore)
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Since the Apple TV is meant for family rooms, classrooms, and meeting rooms, it needs to support more than one person. That means it needs to support more than one Apple ID (iTunes/App Store account) at a time. And it does! It may not be as smooth or as powerful as multiuser on the Mac, but it's more than we've had on any iPhone or iPad. Here's how it works!

How to add multiple accounts to Apple TV

Before you can use multiple accounts, you need to log into any additional accounts you want available. Here's how to set up multiple accounts on Apple TV.

  1. Launch Settings from your Home screen.
  2. Click on Accounts.

To add multiple accounts to Apple TV, launch Settings from your Home Screen, then click Accounts. (Image credit: iMore)
  1. Click on iTunes and App Store.
  2. Click on Add new Apple ID.

To add multiple accounts to Apple TV, click iTunes and App Store, then click on Add new Apple ID. (Image credit: iMore)
  1. Click on Enter New... if prompted to do so.
  2. Enter the additional Apple ID username.

To add multiple accounts to Apple TV, click Enter New... if prompted, enter new Apple ID username (Image credit: iMore)
  1. Click on Continue.
  2. Enter the additional Apple ID password.

To add multiple accounts to Apple TV, click Continue, enter Apple ID password (Image credit: iMore)
  1. Click on Sign In.

To add multiple accounts to Apple TV, Click Sign In (Image credit: iMore)

Repeat this process for each account that you wish to add.

How to switch between multiple accounts on Apple TV

While you have multiple accounts, you can only use one account at a time. That means switching!

  1. Launch Settings from your Home screen.
  2. Click on Accounts.
  3. Click on iTunes and App Store.
  4. Click on the account you want to use.

To switch between multiple accounts on Apple TV, launch Settings on your Home Screen, click Accounts, then iTunes and App Store. Click on the account to use. (Image credit: iMore)

You'll now be able to download or re-download any apps or content available on that account.

A note on Family Sharing

Multiple accounts work with Family Sharing, so kids can switch to their accounts and "ask to buy," just like on iPhone or iPad.

How to use Control Center to switch between users

Members of your family can now enjoy their own entertainment experience with multiuser support. Users can see their unique Up Next list and receive TV and film recommendations based on their tastes. Besides offering multiuser support, the Control Center also provides quick access to key Apple TV features, such as sleep and audio routing.

Here's how to switch between different users on Apple TV.

  1. From the Siri remote, hard-press the Home/TV button.
  2. Change users at the top right of the device from the Control Center on Apple TV.

To use Control Center to switch between users, hard-press the Home/TV button on your Siri remote. Change users at the top right of the screen. (Image credit: iMore)

You've now switched between users on Apple TV.

Apple TV Control Center: other uses

The Control Center on Apple TV isn't just to switch users. It also offers additional functions.

How to put your Apple TV to sleep using Control Center

You can use Control Center to put your Apple TV to sleep:

  1. From the Siri remote, hard-press the Home/TV button to bring up the Control Center on Apple TV.
  2. Select Sleep.

To put your Apple TV to sleep using Control Center, hard-press the Home/TV button on your Siri remote, select Sleep. (Image credit: iMore)

That's it; your Apple TV is now asleep. Click on the Home/TV button on your Siri Remote to wake it up.

How to change your Apple TV's audio destination with Control Center

You can play music from your Apple TV on HomePods, other AirPlay speakers, and different Apple TVs with ease by making a change in Control Center.

  1. From the Siri remote, hard-press the Home/TV button to bring up the Control Center on Apple TV.
  2. Select the Audio icon.
  3. Scroll down, then choose your new audio selection.

To change your Apple TV's audio destination with Control Center, hard-press the Home/TV button on your Siri remote. Select the Audio icon, scroll down, choose new audio selection. (Image credit: iMore)

How to search with Control Center on Apple TV

To find great content using the search button on the Control Center.

  1. From the Siri remote, hard-press the Home/TV button to bring up the Control Center on Apple TV.
  2. Select the Search icon.
  3. Type or use Siri to search.

To search with Control Center on Apple TV, hard-press the Home/TV button on your Siri remote, then select the Searchicon. Type or use Siri to search. (Image credit: iMore)

View current music selection

The Control Center on Apple TV also includes a display of what is currently playing on the Apple TV, including videos, music, or other audio content.

Entertainment for everyone

As you can see, you can use Apple TV with various accounts. For added benefit, consider one of the many great Apple TV accessories. Check out the best Apple TV accessories of the year.

Updated April 2022: Updated for tvOS 15.

Bryan M Wolfe
Bryan M Wolfe
Staff Writer

Bryan M. Wolfe has written about technology for over a decade on various websites, including TechRadar, AppAdvice, and many more. Before this, he worked in the technology field across different industries, including healthcare and education. He’s currently iMore’s lead on all things Mac and macOS, although he also loves covering iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Bryan enjoys watching his favorite sports teams, traveling, and driving around his teenage daughter to her latest stage show, audition, or school event in his spare time. He also keeps busy walking his black and white cocker spaniel, Izzy, and trying new coffees and liquid grapes.