Level 1

4 points

Do I need an internet connection for Apple TV?

Hey I want to buy an Apple TV but before I do, I need to know does it require an internet connection to work? Or can it work without one?

The advertisement or information Apple gives me seems like it doesn't need an internet connection, I'm under the impression that if I buy one all I need is to connect it to my television then connect wirelessly from my iPad to the Apple TV device. Then I can begin streaming content to my TV via the Apple TV product.

However I came across a thing telling me I needed an internet connection in order for it to work, but where our televisions are, either the wireless internet is weak to nothing, and is unreliable from that distance, I want to be able to simply connect and play but now it seems Apple is misleading me on the capability of Apple TV.

I want to stream YouTube from my iPad to Apple TV, putting my iPad in a stronger range area and connected to Apple TV stream it... Or more importantly play content I have already on my device i.e. Video podcasts like IGN's Daily Fix, and stream it directly through the Apple TV onto my TV.

Please list all relevant information and requirements and capability I would have with Apple TV? I'm no where near an Apple store so I'll have to buy online so I want to make sure the product will work like they say it's suppose to.

iPad, iOS 7.0.4, Generation 4

Posted on Dec 4, 2013 4:01 PM

25 replies

Sep 13, 2014 12:30 PM in response to Philbo7

The apple tv has to be connected to a router the router does not have to be connected to the internet for the apple tv to work however u would not be able to play any content bought off itunes without being connected to the internet.If your ipad is a cellular,wifi model u could buy a digital av adapter and connect to your tv and play utube using your cellular data

Dec 6, 2015 10:58 AM in response to Philbo7

We have a cabin way up in the mountains with no internet connection or cable TV, but we have a network to stream music etc to the TV/Stereo. Streaming Music is not a problem but video purchased on itunes will not stream.

Since Apple has been totally unresponsive to this issue I will publish my solution. Purchase and download movies from Amazon. The Amazon app for ipad/iphone will stream purchased content to the apple TV. I'd prefer that Apple fix this problem but with the way they've screwed up itunes I don't expect that they ever will. Amazon is not as seamless but it works well enough to get my business. Bad Apple!

deggie

Level 10

167,525 points

Dec 6, 2015 11:06 AM in response to crazy family

I'm not following what your issue is that Apple is not addressing.

You can download movies from the iTunes Store to your iPad/iPhone then stream to your Apple TV. How is this different from your solution?

Dec 6, 2015 1:43 PM in response to deggie

Hi deggie,

The issue remains that movies downloaded to an ipad/iphone will not stream to an Apple TV that is not connected to the internet. The Amazon movies will stream to an Apple TV that is not connected to the internet.

Dec 6, 2015 6:24 PM in response to deggie

Judging by your previous comments, I wonder if your device was connected to the internet even though the ATV wasn't. Several others on this thread have had the same issue with Apple TV as what I reported.

I can assure you that:

1) My Apple TV, iPhone and ipad iOS' were all up to date

2) Music streams to the ATV and Airport Express running the LAN when video does not

3) Amazon purchased video streams to the Apple TV when iTunes purchased video does not

4) Home videos on the iPad stream to the Apple TV when iTunes purchased video does not

5) There was absolutely no internet connection or cellular signal

Dec 6, 2015 7:15 PM in response to deggie

Well don't get me wrong, the movies play on the iPad they just won't stream to the ATV. I don't recall the error message but it's the only time I've seen it. We'll be back there in a few weeks, I'll try to remember to look for it.

Nick1002

Level 1

14 points

Dec 4, 2013 6:52 PM in response to Philbo7

The Apple tv does need internet to work otherwise you can not get apps, music, or movies.

deggie

Level 10

167,525 points

Dec 6, 2015 5:19 PM in response to crazy family

Mine do, I've streamed an iTunes movie at a house where they had no internet connectio.

deggie

Level 10

167,525 points

Dec 6, 2015 6:26 PM in response to crazy family

Nope, was not connected to the internet on device. Same applies to watching them while on an airplane. What message does it give you when you attempt to play them?

ckuan

Level 10

120,914 points

Apr 14, 2017 6:41 PM in response to Jdellacqua

You are a bit late in this thread, last post was 2 years ago.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Do I need an internet connection for Apple TV?