Set up your Apple ID on Apple TV

Set up your Apple ID on

Apple TV

Your Apple ID is the account you use for just about everything you do on Apple TV, including buying movies or TV shows and subscribing to Apple TV channels in the Apple TV app , and downloading apps from the App Store . You can also use iCloud, which connects you and all of your Apple devices to share photos and more.

If you already have an Apple ID, enter it when you first set up Apple TV. If you don’t already have an Apple ID, you can create one on the Apple ID webpage. You need only one Apple ID to use Apple TV app, iTunes, iCloud, and Game Center services. For more information, see the Apple ID FAQ webpage.

Here are a few of the things you can do with your Apple ID on Apple TV:

  • Apple TV app: Purchase or rent movies, buy TV episodes and seasons, and subscribe to Apple TV+ or Apple TV channels within the app. You can also access your purchases made with the same Apple ID on other devices.

  • Music: If you’re an Apple Music subscriber, you can access millions of songs on Apple TV. And with an Apple Music subscription (or iTunes Match subscription purchased separately), you can access all your music on all your devices—including music you’ve imported from CDs or purchased somewhere other than the iTunes Store. See Apple Music app at a glance.

  • Apps and Arcade: Purchase apps or subscribe to Apple Arcade directly on Apple TV and download previous App Store purchases to Apple TV for free, anytime.

  • Fitness: Use with your Apple Watch and a subscription to Apple Fitness+, featuring world-class workouts by top trainers. See Apple Fitness app at a glance.

  • Game Center: Play your favorite games with friends who have an Apple TV, an iOS or iPadOS device, or a Mac (OS X 10.8 or later).

  • Photos: View your photos and videos from iCloud Photos and Shared Albums. See Apple TV Photos app at a glance.

  • Family Sharing: Share purchased movies, TV shows, apps, and subscriptions on your Apple TV with up to six family members. See Family Sharing on Apple TV.

  • One Home Screen: Keep your installed apps and Home Screen appearance the same across every Apple TV you own. See Customize the Apple TV Home Screen.

  • Sign in with Apple: Sign in to apps with the Apple ID you already have, without filling out forms or creating new passwords. Apple doesn’t track your activity and you’re in control of your data.

  • AirPods support: Listen with AirPods—no setup required. AirPods linked to your Apple ID connect automatically to your Apple TV.

Note: Not all features are available in all countries or regions.

Set password requirements for purchases

You can set whether or not Apple TV requires your Apple ID password to complete an iTunes Store or App Store purchase.

  1. Open Settings on Apple TV.

  2. Go to Users and Accounts > [account name] > Purchases, then select Always, After 15 Minutes, or Never.

Allow free downloads

You can set whether Apple TV requires your Apple ID password to allow free downloads in the iTunes Store or App Store.

  1. Open Settings on Apple TV.

  2. Go to Users and Accounts > [account name] > Free Downloads, then select Yes or No.