You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Setting up Apple TV without a TV screen?

Hello everyone. I just got an Apple TV 4K as part of my internet/cable suscription. I don't have a TV screen, but I do have a Macbook Pro 2014 and an iPhone 7 plus. Is it possible to set up my Apple TV using any of my apple devices and NOT a TV screen?


Thank you in advance.

Apple TV 4K

Posted on Mar 19, 2020 2:41 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 19, 2020 5:11 AM

not sure what you expect the appletv can provide you in terms of service without a screen


people report it will not work as airplay receiver without a tv


the apple tv will not provide material to your ios or mac device to view


you can connect it to a computer monitor with hdmi port though



3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 19, 2020 5:11 AM in response to fiodella

not sure what you expect the appletv can provide you in terms of service without a screen


people report it will not work as airplay receiver without a tv


the apple tv will not provide material to your ios or mac device to view


you can connect it to a computer monitor with hdmi port though



Mar 19, 2020 7:57 AM in response to fiodella

The Apple TV is a media streaming device that connects to a TV, it will not work without one nor can it be setup without a connected display.


There is no port on the 4K model for connecting to a computer, and the port on previous models was only for service use (restoring). Also, you would have access to the content directly on your Mac and iPhone (via TV app, 3rd party apps/websites) so there wouldn't be a need for connecting it anyway.

Mar 19, 2020 5:10 AM in response to fiodella

Question is why do you want to use an Apple TV without any kind of monitor..

Laptops usually have HDMI out and no HDMI in.

So you will probably be unable to use the Macbook Pro to display the content.


When you get some kind of screen setting up the Apple TV using your iPhone via bluetooth is very simple.


Getting it up and running with a plain old 1080p display is easy as long as you have a way to get the sound out.


Setting it up with a 4K HDR display will be more expensive route.

Setting up Apple TV without a TV screen?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.