Look for the Apple TV app on the home screen or apps folder of your Smart TV or streaming device (you may need to install the app first), then open the app and sign in with an Apple ID.
If you need more help, follow the instructions for your device below.
Smart TVs
Make sure your Smart TV is connected to your WiFi network and follow the instructions below to download it on your Smart TV.
Note: Some Smart TVs and streaming devices don’t support purchases in the Apple TV app. Use your Apple ID to buy, rent, or subscribe in the Apple TV app on an Apple device or other supported streaming device, then sign in with the same Apple ID on your TV to watch.
Do any of the following, depending on your Smart TV model:
Samsung: Select the Apps icon on the home screen.
LG: Select the Search icon or the Apps icon on the home screen.
Sony: For 2020, 2019, and 2018 models, make sure your TV’s software is up to date. See Sony support.
For 2021 or later models, follow the instructions below for either Android TV or Google TV.
Panasonic: Select the Apple TV+ app
on the apps list page, then go to step 4 in this task.(Video) Streaming TV BasicsVIZIO: Go to step 4 in this task.
HiSense: If you have a HiSense Roku TV, follow the instructions in the Roku task below.
If you have a HiSense Android TV, follow the instructions in the Android TV task below.
VIDAA: Select My Apps on the home screen, then select App Store.
Browse or search for “Apple TV.”
Follow the onscreen instructions to download the Apple TV app
or Apple TV+ app (whichever is available for your Smart TV).On your Smart TV’s home screen or app launcher, select the Apple TV or Apple TV+ app to open it, then sign in with an Apple ID if prompted.
Note: If you don’t already have an Apple ID, you can create one on the Apple ID website. You need only one Apple ID to use Apple TV app services. For more information, see the Apple ID FAQ.
on the apps list page, then go to step 4 in this task.
or Apple TV+ app Roku
On your Roku home screen, select Search Channels.
Search for “Apple TV.”
Follow the onscreen instructions for adding a channel, then choose the Apple TV app
.When added, the Apple TV app appears in the channels section of the home screen.
Select the Apple TV app to open it, then sign in with an Apple ID if prompted.
(Video) Best Streaming Device (Roku vs Apple TV vs Chromecast vs Fire TV)Note: If you don’t already have an Apple ID, you can create one on the Apple ID website. You need only one Apple ID to use Apple TV app services. For more information, see the Apple ID FAQ.
Optionally, you can go to the Apple TV App in the Roku Channel Store, select Add Channel, then follow the instructions to sign in with your Roku Account.
Fire TV
Amazon Fire TV doesn’t support purchases within the Apple TV app, but when you sign in with your Apple ID, you can find everything you purchased, rented, or subscribed to using the same Apple ID on other devices.
On your Amazon Fire TV home screen, select Search.
Search for “Apple TV” or use Alexa and say “Apple TV app” as your search query.
Select the Apple TV app
in Apps & Games, then select Get.When downloaded, the Apple TV app appears in the Apps & Channels section of the home screen.
Select the Apple TV app to open it, then sign in with an Apple ID if prompted.
Note: If you don’t already have an Apple ID, you can create one on the Apple ID website. You need only one Apple ID to use Apple TV app services. For more information, see the Apple ID FAQ.
Optionally, you can go to the Apple TV App in Amazon.com and sign in to your account, follow the onscreen instructions to select the Amazon Fire TV device on which you want the app installed, then select Deliver.
Android TV
Android TV doesn’t support purchases within the Apple TV app, but when you sign in with your Apple ID, you can find everything you purchased, rented, or subscribed to using the same Apple ID on other devices.
On the Android TV home screen, select Search, then search for “Apple TV.”
Follow the onscreen instructions to download and install the Apple TV app
.After it’s installed, you can find the Apple TV app in the Apps tab, or you can add it to your Favorites on the home screen.
Select the Apple TV app to open it, then sign in with an Apple ID if prompted.
Note: If you don’t already have an Apple ID, you can create one on the Apple ID website. You need only one Apple ID to use Apple TV app services. For more information, see the Apple ID FAQ.
Google TV
Google TV doesn’t support purchases within the Apple TV app, but when you sign in with your Apple ID, you can find everything you purchased, rented, or subscribed to using the same Apple ID on other devices.
On the Google TV home screen, do either of the following:
Select Search, then search for “Apple TV.”
Select Apps, then select “Search for apps” and search for “Apple TV.”
Follow the onscreen instructions to download and install the Apple TV app
.After it’s installed, you can find the Apple TV app in the “Your apps” section of the “For you” screen.
Select Open, then sign in with an Apple ID if prompted.
Note: If you don’t already have an Apple ID, you can create one on the Apple ID website. You need only one Apple ID to use Apple TV app services. For more information, see the Apple ID FAQ.
(Video) TOP 5 STREAMING STICKS 2020 - (Fire TV vs Apple TV vs Roku vs Chromecast vs...)
Start using the Apple TV or Apple TV+ app
If you have the Apple TV app, select any of the following screens:
Watch Now: Start watching movies, TV shows, and sports in one place. Use the Up Next row to find items you’ve added or content you’ve started watching but haven’t finished.
Apple TV+: Browse and watch Apple TV+, a subscription streaming service featuring Apple Originals—award-winning films, series, compelling dramas, groundbreaking documentaries, kids’ entertainment, comedies, and more—with new items added every month.
MLS: Get immediate access to live and scheduled Major League Soccer events when you subscribe to MLS Season Pass.
Store: Use this all-in-one destination to browse, buy, and rent the world’s best movies and TV shows.
Library: Find your purchases and rentals, organized by category.
Search: Find TV shows and movies by title, cast, or crew.
If you have the Apple TV+ app, select Apple TV+ to:
Browse and watch the subscription streaming service featuring Apple Originals—award-winning films, series, compelling dramas, groundbreaking documentaries, kids’ entertainment, comedies, and more—with new items added every month.
Get immediate access to live and scheduled Major League Soccer events when you subscribe to MLS Season Pass.
Note: The Apple TV+ app is limited to Apple TV+ movies and TV shows and doesn’t include Apple TV channels or other features found in the Apple TV app on other devices.
To learn more about what you can do in the Apple TV or Apple TV+ app, see the Apple TV App User Guide for TVs and Other Devices.
Don’t have a streaming device or supported Smart TV?
Apple TV+ is now free for three months when you buy an Apple TV 4K. Or you can watch Apple TV+ now on your web browser at tv.apple.com.
FAQs
Do I need a streaming device if I have a smart TV? ›
Streaming devices provide more content. If you want endless options for entertainment, a streaming device is more beneficial. Some streaming devices offer software updates to improve the speed, the interface and the apps. For those who despise loading lags, a streaming device is the better option.
What is the difference between a smart TV and a streaming device? ›While smart TVs offer a wide range of services, they may not support some content providers or streaming services. You won't have access to them automatically and may need to get a specialized streaming stick to compensate.
What equipment do I need to stream on a smart TV? ›What equipment do I need to stream TV? First things first, you'll need a good internet connection. Past that, a compatible device, a streaming service account and a streaming app are all necessary as well.
What should I look for in a streaming device? ›- Fast, fluid performance with dependable Wi-Fi connectivity.
- Easy-to-operate interface with powerful voice control features.
- Full of nice touches that other cheap streamers lack, such as AirPlay and a Replay button.
Quick Answer: No, you don't necessarily need a Fire Stick if you have a smart TV. There are various choices for you if you're looking for streaming sticks that'll allow you to watch your favorite content on the planet. The Amazon Fire Stick is one of them!
Is it worth getting a Firestick if you have a smart TV? ›Although you don't need a Fire Stick to use a smart TV, it's not unusual to see folks pairing the two. A smart TV offers a limited number of apps. But the Fire Stick is the doorway to thousands of apps and streaming services.
Do I need a Roku device if I have a smart TV? ›The answer is no. Roku is a separate streaming device that you need to purchase and connect to your TV. However, some smart TVs come with built-in streaming capabilities that allow you to access popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video without the need for a separate device.
Do smart TVs come with streaming? ›Smart TVs come with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. This allows them to provide you with a variety of streaming services and content. You can choose to connect your smart TV to the internet either wirelessly or using an ethernet cable. An ethernet cable will provide you with a stronger, more stable internet connection.
Is streaming the same as watching TV? ›The main difference between streaming and watching TV is the content transmission technology. Streaming depends on the internet, while watching regular TV depends on an antenna, cable networks, or satellite service. Streaming also allows you to watch what you want when you want.
What are the disadvantages of streaming? ›Potential Disadvantages
The main disadvantage associated with streaming TV is that some popular channels may not be available depending on the service you choose. In addition, streaming can be unreliable at times due to slow internet connections or buffering issues.
Is it cheaper to have cable or streaming? ›
Streaming is still (usually) cheaper. If you want to have the cable TV experience without the fees and contracts, then live TV streaming is the next best thing. These services can offer a program guide, DVR and most of the familiar channels you're used to with cable.
What can you watch on a smart TV without cable? ›Streaming video on demand (or “SVOD”) services are the ones that allow you to select a movie or TV show episode and watch it whenever you want — in other words, “on demand.” Netflix is the most famous of the SVOD services, but there are a ton of them out there these days: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Max, to name just ...
Is Roku better than Samsung smart TV? ›For users who prefer a more modern and streamlined interface, Samsung Tizen TV may be the better choice. For users who value customization and advanced features, Roku TV may be the better choice despite a steeper learning curve.
What are the 3 most important things you want from video streaming services? ›As major platforms like Netflix and Disney+ roll out cheaper subscription tiers and crack down on password sharing, a new NPR/Ipsos poll reveals that consumers are focused on three important criteria when they make decisions about TV streaming services: cost, content and ease of use.
Is a Roku a streaming device? ›Roku lets you watch thousands of different programs from a variety of streaming video services. All you need is an Internet connection and a Roku streaming media box, Roku Streambar, Roku stick, or Roku TV, and you're all set. We're taking a closer look at what you need to know about Roku and how it works.
Do I need Roku if I have a smart TV? ›The answer is no. There is no need to have Roku on your smart TV as you can get pretty much anything on the smart TV. And if you want to try Roku, just download the Roku Channel app. However, whether or not your smart TV needs Roku depends on your viewing habit.
How do I stream on my smart TV? ›- Open the Google Home app. The app comes preinstalled on Android devices; iOS devices can get it from the Apple App Store.
- Open the menu. The menu is located in the upper-right corner of the screen and looks like three parallel horizontal lines.
- Select Cast Screen. ...
- Watch the video as you normally would.