Learn how to do anything: How to Install an Apple TV

Friday, May 29, 2015

How to Install an Apple TV

Apple’s digital media device, the Apple TV, allows users to stream videos, music and TV, using a high-speed Internet connection. It is highly compatible with other Apple products and Internet TVs. You must have an HDMI connection and a wireless or Ethernet connection in order to install Apple TV.

Steps

Connecting the Hardware

Purchase an HDMI cable if you don’t have one already. They are available at tech stores and online for $5 to $20. HDMI cables have two identical ends, and they are used to connect both video and audio.
Choose a location for your Apple TV that is very close to the TV and to an electrical outlet.
Turn your TV off while you connect the cables. Insert one end of the HDMI cable into the back of the TV. Insert the other end into the back of the Apple TV.
- Both ports should say “HDMI.”
Plug the Apple TV power cable into the wall. Then, plug the other end into the power port in the back of the Apple TV device.
Insert the Ethernet cable into the back of the Apple TV if this is your chosen Internet connection. If it is not, you can skip this step. Insert the other end of the Ethernet cable into your modem.

Installing the Apple TV

Grab your Apple TV remote. This is a small silver and black remote that looks like an iPod.
Press the center button of the remote to start the Apple TV. It may have powered on automatically upon being plugged in.
Choose your language by scrolling up and down with the buttons above and below the center circle on your remote. Click the center button to select the language.
Choose the network you want to use. It may be automatic if you are plugged into the Ethernet. You will need to scroll and select the wireless network if not.
- Always use the center of your remote to select.
Type in your wireless network password in the space provided. You will need to use the up, down, left and right directional buttons around the outer circle to choose numbers and letters and type your password. Press the select button when you are finished.
Decide whether you want to share your data with Apple. Confirm or select “No Thanks.”^[1]

Changing Apple TV Settings

Look for the main menu that lists the TV, music and interactive channels that are available to you on this device. Press the small Menu button on the bottom left of your remote to get back to this main menu at any point.
Scroll through the apps with your directional buttons. Select the “Settings” Channel.
Click on “General.” Look for the “Update Software” option to ensure your Apple TV software is up to date.
Return to this general menu to change your network, switch languages, adjust time and fine-tune your Apple TV settings.
Press the Menu button and click on a channel that you’d like to peruse. The first time you use a channel, you will be asked to enter a confirmation code that you have an account or you will asked to enter your username and password. Set up all your channels so that you can use your Apple TV to stream content right away.
Have your Apple ID nearby. Your Apple TV allows you to connect to your iTunes account through this ID. You can purchase music or movies through iTunes or the Apple movie store using this ID, since it is associated with your credit card.^[2]