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How to surf the web on Apple TV

For reasons best known to Apple, there is no web browser available on the Apple TV. Despite the fact that the Apple TV runs a version of iOS there is not a version of Safari designed for Apple TV and there is no substitute web browser available in the TV App Store.

But before you drown in disappointment, there are a few ways in which you can surf the web on your Apple TV. Read on to find out how.  

We’ll look at three ways in which you can access your favourite websites on your TV screen, including popular TV Catchup channels, FaceBook, Google’s search engine and more. Read about how to watch OnDemand TV channels on Apple TV here .

Method 1: Surf the web on your Apple TV using AirPlay  

This is the easiest way to surf the web on the Apple TV. It’s ideal if you want to share the surfing experience with friends and family who are in the room with you, or if what you are looking at on the web would benefit from a bigger screen.

Using Apple’s AirPlay you can stream the screen of your iPhone or your Mac to your TV screen.  

Pros: You can see everything that you see on your iPhone or Mac on the TV screen.  

Cons: You might as well be looking at your iPhone or Mac screen, and when it comes to scrolling and typing you will be. You won’t be able to use your iPhone for anything else while you are mirroring it’s screen on the TV.

How to view your iPhone screen on your TV

Swipe up from the bottom of your iPhone to view Control Centre.
Tap on Screen Mirroring  Choose your Apple TV.
You may be required to enter an AirPlay code for the Apple TV you are connecting too. This code will appear on the TV Screen attached to the Apple TV.
Navigate to Safari on your iPhone and surf the web.
If you rotate our iPhone into landscape you should be able to view the web using the full screen of your TV (some apps, like Facebook won’t rotate).

How to view the screen of your Mac on your TV

Click on the AirPlay icon from the menu bar at the top of the screen (a triangle pointing into a box)
Choose your Apple TV from the options
Your Mac display may alter so that it is optimised for the Apple TV (this made everything smaller on our MacBook screen) .
There are a few different ways you can set up AirPlay on your Mac and TV screen. You could mirror the Mac screen on the TV, in which case you will see everything on your Mac duplicated over on the TV.
However, if you want to surf on your TV screen, while leaving your Mac free to do something else, you can change the arrangement of your screens – this would be ideal if you wanted to stream video to your TV while typing into a Pages document on your Mac at the same time.
Open System Preferences > Display and click on Arrangement

Now based on how you arrange the screens you can drag your Safari (or other browser) window over to the Apple TV screen. To figure our which display is which in the illustration under the Arrangement tab click on the screen and you will see a red outline on the one that represents the Apple TV. Drag in that direction and the browser will appear on your TV screen.
You can now use your mouse, or trackpad to scroll around the browser on your TV screen.
We find it preferable to use a separate keyboard and mouse because they feel less connected to your Mac and therefore you feel more like you are surfing the web on the TV. Even better if you have a wireless mouse and keyboard. One reason why this feels more natural is that you don’t need to look at your Mac at all while surfing.
Remember that you won’t be able to continue using your Mac while someone else surfs the web on the TV screen (or rather you can, but there will be a battle over the mouse and keyboard). It’s the perfect set up for showing video on the TV screen – perhaps something on All4 or another Catch Up TV channel – while using your Mac for something else.

Read more about using AirPlay to stream from your Mac to TV here .

Method 2 – Surf the web using AirBrowser on your iPhone

One issue with surfing the web on your TV screen via your iPhone and AirPlay is the fact that you have to scroll and swipe around on your iPhone so you might as well be doing your surfing on that device rather than the TV. As we said earlier, it’s ideal if you want other people in the room to see what you are looking at, but otherwise, we’re not sure what you really gain.

Here’s where AirBrowser comes in.

Pros: AirBrowser puts a web browser on your TV screen while reserving the iPhone for controls and a keypad. You get a full desktop view of the web pages.

Cons: Not all elements of web pages worked in AirBrowser. Some forms were difficult to fill in if they used multiple choice. It costs £5.

AirBrowser places controls for browsing the web on your iPhone – so you can swipe around the page, or type using the iPhone keyboard, but the actual web page appears on the TV screen.

Download AirBrowser from the App Store on your iPhone (it costs £4.99)
Open the AirBrowser app.
You will be asked to Connect Second Screen, the animation shows you how, except the animation shows how it worked in iOS 10, rather than iOS 11.
Swipe up on Control Panel and choose Screen Mirroring.
Choose your Apple TV.
Now you should see a browser on the TV screen and a url bar on the iPhone. Tap on the URL bar and enter the name of the site you wish to visit, or a search phrase.
On the TV screen you will either see the website you wished to visit or the results of your Google search.
To scroll down the page swipe upwards with two fingers.
To click on a link use one finger to track to the link and tap.
To go back to the previous page tap on the back arrow at the top of the iPhone interface.
To view all the tabs you have open tap on the central icon that shows 9 dots.
You can view the site as it would appear on desktop or mobile by swiping between the two options at the bottom of the page.

We did encounter a few difficulties using AirBrowser. For example when it came to signing in to use services sometimes we weren’t able to because where a site used a multiple choice selection tool for, say, your date of birth or title, it wasn’t possible to select an option.

At other times we found that we couldn’t play video because it was in Flash. The browser seems to fool the site into thinking it’s a Mac, but of course your TV and your iPhone can’t download Flash so you can’t view the content.

Another issue we had was when viewing iTV player. We were able to get it to play the content but we weren’t able to select full screen view in order for the video player to fill the TV screen. Instead we were able to increase page size by zooming in (pinch to zoom). We had more success with iTV player than any of the other TV services. On my5 we got a video playback errors.

Read more about watching OnDemand TV on your Apple TV here .

Method 3 – Using tvOSBrowser to surf the web on your Apple TV

This one is a little more complicated to set up, but essentially gives you a web browser on your Apple TV. You’ll need an Apple Developer account (which is free), Xcode and a USB-C cable or an adapter. If that doesn’t sound like you it probably won’t be worth you reading any further.

Pros: This is the closest you will get to an web browser app for the Apple TV.

Cons: It’s not easy to install and probably isn’t worth the effort.

Of course if you like tinkering with things like this, then go ahead. This would probably interest you too: How to jailbreak an Apple TV.

We’ll assume you have a developer account. If not you need to set one up here developer.apple.com/account.
Download Xcode from the Mac App Store.
Get a USB-A to USB-C cable.
Download the source code to tvOSBrowser using Xcode (you can get it from here https://github.com/steventroughtonsmith/tvOSBrowser)
This is where it all gets a little complicated. You have to remove some code in order to get the tvOSBrowser to work. We suggest you read this tutorial here .

Author: Karen Haslam , Managing Editor

Karen has worked on both sides of the Apple divide, clocking up a number of years at Apple's PR agency prior to joining Macworld more than two decades ago. Karen's career highlights include interviewing Apple's Steve Wozniak and discussing Steve Jobs’ legacy on the BBC. Having edited the U.K. print and online editions of Macworld for many years, more recently her focus has been on SEO and evergreen content as well product recommendations and buying advice on Macworld.com.

How to install a web browser on Apple TV

Learn how to install a web browser on Apple TV to get even more functionality from your device.

If you'd like to know how to install a web browser on Apple TV, then this article is for you. Apple TV is an ideal device for watching some of the most compelling TV currently being produced, with millions of movies and TV episodes to stream on your devices. However, when it comes to web browsing functionality, it's pretty limited.

Despite being one of the best TV streaming services , Apple removed Safari support after the 3rd generation of Apple TV meaning you can't install a web browser on the latest Apple TVs. However, there are some ways of still browsing the internet on your Apple TV and therefore the big screen of your TV. It might not rival the experience found on the best web browsers , but it can still add a little more versatility to your Apple TV. Here's how to do so.

How to use a web browser on Apple TV using AirPlay

The most effective way of viewing a web browser through your Apple TV is to use AirPlay. AirPlay is Apple's feature that makes it easy to stream many forms of media from your iPhone or iPad. By doing so, you can basically mirror what's on that screen and display it on your Apple TV. Here's how to do it:

Make sure that your devices are all connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
On your iPhone or iPad, open the Control Center by swiping down from the upper-right corner of the screen. With older devices such as the iPhone 8 or earlier, you need to swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen.
Tap the Screen Mirroring icon.
Select your Apple TV from the list of devices.
If an AirPlay passcode appears on your TV screen, enter the passcode on your iPhone or iPad.
From there, everything you do on your iPhone or iPad is displayed on your TV via your Apple TV. You can browse the internet through Safari on your mobile device while viewing it on the bigger screen of the Apple TV.
Any time you want to stop mirroring, simply reopen the Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring again but this time, tap Stop Mirroring. It's also possible to stop it at the Apple TV by pressing the Menu button.

By using AirPlay, you get the same experience as if you were browsing the web with your iPhone or iPad. That means you can type in web addresses or search for things by using the onscreen keyboard on either device, which is far easier than typing anything in using the Apple TV remote.

How to install a web browser on Apple TV: image shows app AireBrowser

How to use a web browser on Apple TV using a third-party app

It's also possible to 'cast' websites to your Apple TV using a third-party app. Apps like AirBrowser cost money but are easily available through the App Store. By using it, you can often browse websites that AirPlay is not compatible with, giving you more functionality. That's because it's able to get around any issues with streaming for copyright reasons -- something that isn't really a legal issue if you are streaming from one device to another in the same room or building.

For many users though, AirPlay is an easier and cheaper solution. If you do want to use AirBrowser, here's how to use it:

Open the AirBrowser app and click Connect Second Screen.
Follow the instructions and click Screen Mirroring in the Control Center.
Choose your Apple TV device.
Browse on your iPad or iPhone as normal and view the content on your Apple TV.

How to use a web browser on Apple TV using your Mac

It's also possible to stream the activities of your Mac over to your Apple TV. It follows a fairly similar process to using your iPhone or iPad, but is slightly different. Here's what to do:

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On your Mac, click the Control Center icon next to the time on your menu bar.
Click Screen Mirroring.
Wait for your Mac to find the devices available.
Click the Apple TV name.
You may need to enter an AirPlay code to confirm that the correct devices are working together.
You can now use the web browser on your Mac while viewing the content on your Apple TV, giving you a larger view of what is unfolding.

Will there ever be an official Apple TV web browser?

Since Apple removed Safari from a much earlier version of Apple TV, it seems fairly unlikely that we'll see an official web browser again. Much of that is because it would be tricky to use.

While the Apple TV remote is fine for browsing content, it generally defaults to encouraging you to use your iPhone or iPad to enter any long strings of characters, ruining the point of using the Apple TV alone.

Ultimately, your best web browser on Apple TV experience is to use AirPlay or similar so you can browse the internet on your TV display while enjoying the convenience of typing on your iPhone, iPad or Mac.

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Jennifer has been freelancing for over 10 years. In the past, she's written about all things tech and gaming wise for outlets as varied as The Independent, Playboy, Eurogamer, and TechRadar. In her spare time, she spends far too much time watching films, attempting to train her pet guinea pigs, and mastering making the perfect burrito. She's a full time freelancer, but a regular tech news contributor to Top Ten Reviews.

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Apple TV is one of the best media players out there with support for many games. However, Apple stripped off the support for Safari after Apple TV’s 3rd generation. Hence, you can’t install a web browser in the later updates.

While you can surf the web via AirPlay using your other Apple devices, not all websites and streaming apps support it. But there’s a way out! Thanks to ‘ jvanakker ‘ for developing a third-party web browser, you can still install a browser on your Apple TV. Let’s understand how to do it.

Note: Installing the tvOS browser on your Apple TV won’t void its warranty. However, it might require installing it (from scratch) from time to time due to Apple’s third-party developer policies.

Requirements to browse the web on Apple TV

How to install and surf the web on apple tv, how to use tvos web browser, other alternatives for surfing the web on apple tv.

Here are a few things you’ll need.

A Mac and a USB-C to USB-C cable.
An Apple Developer account. You can sign up for a free Apple Developer account on developer.apple.com/account .
Xcode on your Mac.

After you’ve downloaded and installed Xcode on your Mac, you’re ready to install the tvOS browser on your Apple TV.

Install Xcode from Mac’s App Store. Note : The setup file is around 5GB.
Now, connect your Apple TV to your Mac via the USB-C cable and open Xcode.
Visit github.com/jvanakker/tvOSBrowser on your Mac.

Open Xcode to download tvOS browser on Apple TV

Unzip the file on your Mac.

A screen similar to this would appear. Now, change the Deployment Target to 14.0 .

Set custom Bundle Identifier name on Mac

From the top-down menu, select your Apple TV as the Target Device, and click the ▶ button.

Wait for the process to finish. Now you have for yourself an Apple TV running a custom version of Apple’s Safari web browser.

The developer hasn’t updated the app for the latest Apple TV 4K with Siri Remote. So, there’s no way to use the ‘swivel’ control on this version of the tvOS browser. We’ll update this article when a new version for the latest Apple TV 4K is released. Though you can still use this version using the click buttons.

There are two modes with which you can control the browser. Double press the center of the touch area (center button in the newer version) to switch between scroll and cursor mode. A single tap on the touch area would reveal the Quick Menu in which you can input URLs, search Google, reload the page, or navigate back .

Double tapping the center area would reveal an advanced section wherein you can see your history, open favorite websites, clear cookies, and more. Remember to clear the tvOS browser’s cache from time to time to prevent it from slowing down.

Other alternatives for surfing the web on Apple TV

If you don’t happen to have a Mac or are just unable to install Safari on your Apple TV, you can use the alternatives mentioned below. Using these will skip the fussy steps required and save you some time.

1. Use AirPlay

More often than not, the streaming website that you’re trying to cast to your Apple TV support Apple’s AirPlay. Check our guide on how to use AirPlay to cast videos to Apple TV from iPhone, iPad, and Mac .

2. Surf web on Apple TV via third-party applications

If you cannot AirPlay the content to your Apple TV, you can stream videos to your Apple TV via third-party apps on your phone. AirBrowser is one such app that allows you to cast websites to Apple TV.

Download the AirBrowser app from iOS App Store (it costs $4.99), click screen mirroring, and choose your Apple TV. You’ll now be able to cast almost any content from any website in the world.

3. Connect your laptop directly via HDMI

Last but not least, you can directly connect your Mac to your TV by using the HDMI cable and then streaming the content as you usually would. If your Mac doesn’t happen to have an HDMI port, check out some of the best USB-C to HDMI adapters for your Mac .

Have you tried installing a third-party web browser on your Apple TV? How’s your experience so far? Did you run into some issues? Let us know in the comments section below.

You would like to read these posts as well:

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Sanuj is passionate about technology and all things Apple. He is currently freelancing at iGeeksBlog and iPhoneHacks, covering news, and writing about comparisons, DIY tutorials, software tips, and tricks, How-Tos, and diving deep into iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows platforms.

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1. Native Apple AirPlay

Use Native Apple AirPlay To Use A Web Browser On Apple TV

Airplay is not a web browser and it is not an App that you can download, it is called Apple AirPlay – some of the examples we will be showing, later on, are basically using this feature in the background.

AirPlay is just Apple’s native casting/streaming feature you can use within apps such as YouTube or Netflix etc. You just have to find the AirPlay icon and then select your Apple TV and cast content in a few taps, easy as that.

How To Use AirPlay With Your Apple TV

Here are the simple steps you need to follow to start using AirPlay with your Apple TV via an iOS device:

Connect your iOS device to the same WiFi network . Both your iPhone or iPad etc. need to be connected to the same network as the Apple TV.

Find a video or web page you want to cast . Then look out for the AirPlay icon and tap it.

Tap the AirPlay button . Then you will see a menu that shows your compatible casting devices, hopefully, your Apple TV.

Choose your Apple TV and cast . Your Apple TV should show up in the list of compatible streaming devices, find the correct name like “Living room TV” and select it.

How To Use Airplay To Use Web Browser on Apple TV

Look out for the AirPlay icon above in the apps on your iOS device, you can cast from many different apps like your Photos, the web browsers, YouTube and other streaming services, etc.

By the way, if you are not a fan of Safari, check out what are the best web browsers for iPhone so you can stream your content in the best way.

2. AirBrowser

AirBrowser - A Great Way To Use A Web Browser On Apple TV

A fast and efficient way to use your iPhone or iPad to wirelessly connect to your Apple TV.

As with the other options, this one has a free trial so you can see how it works before you buy it. It has support for gesture control, pinch, and zoom and you can easily do common things like bookmarking and have multiple tabs open.

The touch on your iOS device can act as a pointer on the Apple TV and it will be just as if you were using an Apple TV web browser.

If you have a Mac, it’s probably time to improve your setup! After seeing these beautiful Mac Setups you will for sure start changing yours.

3. Web For Apple TV App

Web For Apple TV - App for Apple TV To Use Web Browser

This iOS app is also installed onto your Apple device like an iPhone or iPad and turns your phone into a fancy smart controller for your Apple TV.

Another app that lets you take over your TV, this one has more advanced gesture control and better support for the iPad.

With this app, it is easy to cast videos and web pages onto the big screen and use your phone as if it were a web browser for Apple TV.

AirWeb - A way to cast a web browser to Apple TV

An app that you can install from the Apple app store on your iPhone or iPad device.

You can use AirWeb for a smooth and frustration-free experience on the web via your Apple TV.

AirWeb will allow you to use your iPhone as the remote control and cast the browser to your Apple TV. As long as your Apple device supports AirPlay Mirroring, then you will have no problems using this app. Turning your TV into a web browser for Apple TV from your phone.

5. HDMI cable to mirror the screen

If you don’t mind using a cable or need faster response times, using the good old HDMI cable is still a way to get Safari (or any other web browser) into your TV without the need for the Apple TV.

In fact, it’s a way not only to get a web browser on your TV but also to mirror anything else you want from your device. From a movie to photos, email, etc. It will duplicate the screen of your device and show it on the TV.

Ideal when casting heavy files such as movies, where the WIFI connection might have trouble transmitting so much data in real-time.

If your external device doesn’t come with an HDMI connection, you can use USB-C to HDMI adapters.

6. Installing tvOSBrowser – An Open Sourced Project

tvOSBrowser - An alternative web browser for your Apple TV

Last but not least, if you are techy or brave enough to get into the dark waters of XCode, then you can give it a try to tvOSBrowser .

tvOSBrowser is an open-source project that allows you to run a basic web browser (using UIWebView) on your Apple TV.

You’ll have to run the project on your Mac and then stream it to your Apple TV (with or without cable), so it’s definitely not the best of the options, but it’s something to consider.

No. The official Google Chrome web browser cannot be used as an Apple TV web browser. This is because Apple does not want its users to install a web browser, the whole idea is to use the built-in casting features via AirPlay.

However, Google Chrome has its own Google Chromecast device which can be used to cast content to your TV and even use your big screen like an Apple TV web browser. You can cast from the Chrome web browser via your phone or computer.

The Chrome web browser has built-in support to cast content directly from a supporting device to the Apple TV.

If you want to cast content from your Mac computer, you might want to check the best web browsers for Mac .

At first, it may seem very confusing or weird as to why the Apple TV doesn’t have an official Apple TV web browser but once you understand the reason, it all makes sense.

A web browser is useful on the TV but the traditional TV remote is not intuitive and easy to navigate with, hence why Apple has refused to include an Apple TV web browser support and instead, focus on their AirPlay casting feature.

So, I hope this article clears up all the confusion and sets you in the right place with the 4 different methods you have, one of them should fit your needs.

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Luke Embrey

Luke Embrey is a full-stack developer, BSc in Computer Science and based in the UK. Working with languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, C++, Bash. You can find out more about him at https://lukeembrey.com/

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How To Install Safari On Apple TV 4

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Browsers & Extensions

Introduction

Are you eager to expand the browsing capabilities of your Apple TV 4? While Apple TV offers a seamless entertainment experience, it doesn't natively support web browsing. However, with the help of Xcode, Apple's integrated development environment, you can install Safari on your Apple TV 4 and unlock a whole new world of possibilities.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of installing Safari on your Apple TV 4. By following these instructions, you'll be able to enjoy the convenience of web browsing directly from your Apple TV, opening up access to a wide range of online content and services.

So, if you're ready to take your Apple TV 4 to the next level and harness the power of web browsing, let's dive into the process of installing Safari. Whether you're looking to stream online videos, access web-based apps, or simply browse the internet from the comfort of your living room, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to make it happen.

Step 1: Check Compatibility

Before embarking on the journey to install Safari on your Apple TV 4, it's crucial to ensure that your devices are compatible with the necessary software and meet the prerequisites for this process. Here's what you need to consider:

Apple TV 4 Model : Verify that you have the fourth-generation Apple TV. This method is specifically tailored for the Apple TV 4, and attempting to install Safari on other models may not yield the desired results.

Xcode Compatibility : Ensure that your Mac computer is compatible with the latest version of Xcode, which is essential for sideloading Safari onto your Apple TV 4. You can check the system requirements for Xcode on the official Apple website to confirm compatibility with your Mac.

Apple Developer Account : To access Xcode and sideload Safari onto your Apple TV 4, you'll need to have an active Apple Developer account. If you don't have one already, you can sign up for a free account on the Apple Developer website.

USB-C Cable : Prepare a USB-C cable for connecting your Apple TV 4 to your Mac. This cable is necessary for the sideloading process and ensures a stable connection between the devices.

Mac Computer : Ensure that you have access to a Mac computer running the latest version of macOS. This will be the primary platform for downloading Xcode and initiating the installation of Safari on your Apple TV 4.

By confirming the compatibility of your devices and meeting the necessary requirements, you'll be well-prepared to proceed with the subsequent steps of this installation process. Once you've verified these aspects, you can confidently move on to the next phase of the installation, which involves downloading Xcode onto your Mac computer.

Step 2: Download Xcode

Downloading Xcode is a pivotal step in the process of installing Safari on your Apple TV 4. Xcode, Apple's integrated development environment, provides the essential tools and resources needed to sideload applications onto your Apple TV. Here's a detailed walkthrough of how to download Xcode onto your Mac computer:

Access the Mac App Store : Launch the App Store on your Mac computer and use the search function to locate Xcode. Alternatively, you can directly access the Xcode page on the App Store by following this link .

Download Xcode : Once you've located the Xcode application, click on the "Get" button to initiate the download and installation process. Depending on your internet connection speed, the download may take some time to complete due to the large file size of Xcode.

Authenticate the Download : As Xcode is a trusted application from the official App Store, you may be prompted to enter your Apple ID and password to authenticate the download. This step ensures the security and integrity of the installation process.

Wait for the Installation : After initiating the download, allow the installation process to run its course. Once the download is complete, the Xcode application will be available in your Applications folder, ready for use.

Launch Xcode : Locate the Xcode application in your Applications folder and launch it. Upon opening Xcode for the first time, you may be prompted to agree to the terms and conditions and complete the initial setup process.

Sign in with Your Apple ID : To fully access the features of Xcode and sideload applications, sign in with the Apple ID associated with your Apple Developer account. This step is crucial for enabling the necessary permissions and capabilities within Xcode.

By following these steps, you'll successfully download Xcode onto your Mac computer, setting the stage for the subsequent phases of the installation process. With Xcode in your toolkit, you'll be well-equipped to proceed with setting up your Apple TV 4 and ultimately installing Safari, bringing the power of web browsing to your entertainment ecosystem.

Step 3: Set Up Apple TV

With Xcode successfully downloaded and ready for use on your Mac computer, the next crucial step in the process of installing Safari on your Apple TV 4 involves setting up your Apple TV to prepare it for the sideloading of the web browser . Here's a comprehensive guide on how to set up your Apple TV 4 in preparation for the installation of Safari:

Connect Apple TV to Power : Begin by connecting your Apple TV 4 to a power source using the provided power cable. Ensure that the power outlet is easily accessible and that the cable is securely connected to the Apple TV device.

Connect Apple TV to TV Display : Use an HDMI cable to connect your Apple TV 4 to your television or display monitor . Locate the HDMI port on your TV and connect one end of the cable to the Apple TV and the other end to the HDMI port on your TV.

Turn On Apple TV : Power on your TV and switch to the corresponding HDMI input that is connected to your Apple TV. Upon powering on the Apple TV, you'll be guided through the initial setup process, including selecting your language and connecting to a Wi-Fi network.

Complete Initial Setup : Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the initial setup of your Apple TV 4. This involves tasks such as signing in with your Apple ID, agreeing to the terms and conditions, and configuring settings such as location services and screen resolution.

Enable Developer Mode : To enable the sideloading of applications, including Safari, onto your Apple TV 4, you'll need to activate Developer Mode. This involves accessing the Developer options within the Settings menu of your Apple TV and following the prompts to enable Developer Mode.

Note Down Apple TV IP Address : Once Developer Mode is enabled, make a note of the IP address of your Apple TV. This address will be used in the subsequent steps when setting up Xcode to communicate with your Apple TV for the installation process.

By meticulously following these steps to set up your Apple TV 4, you'll ensure that your device is primed and ready for the installation of Safari. With the initial setup completed and Developer Mode activated, you're now poised to proceed with the final phase of the installation process, which involves the actual installation of Safari onto your Apple TV 4.

Step 4: Install Safari

Now that your Apple TV 4 is set up and ready for the next phase, it's time to delve into the process of installing Safari, the renowned web browser , onto your device. This step involves leveraging Xcode to sideload Safari onto your Apple TV 4, granting you the ability to seamlessly browse the web from the comfort of your living room. Here's a detailed walkthrough of the installation process:

Open Xcode : Launch the Xcode application on your Mac computer, and ensure that you are signed in with the Apple ID associated with your Apple Developer account. This step is crucial for accessing the necessary developer tools and capabilities within Xcode.

Create a New Project : In Xcode, select "Create a new Xcode project" from the welcome window. Choose the "tvOS" tab on the left-hand side, and then select "Application" under the tvOS section. Click "Next" to proceed.

Configure Project Settings : Provide a name for your project, such as "Safari for Apple TV," and specify an organization identifier and bundle identifier. Ensure that the language is set to Swift, and click "Next" to proceed.

Select a Location : Choose a location on your Mac where you want to save the project, and click "Create" to generate the project files.

Add Safari to the Project : Within Xcode, navigate to the "File" menu and select "Add Files to 'Your Project Name'." Locate the Safari.ipa file, which you can obtain from a trusted source, and add it to your project.

Connect Apple TV : Using a USB-C cable, connect your Apple TV 4 to your Mac computer. In Xcode, select your Apple TV from the list of available devices.

Build and Run : With your Apple TV connected and selected in Xcode, click the "Build and then run the current scheme" button. This will initiate the installation of Safari onto your Apple TV 4.

Monitor Progress : Keep an eye on the progress indicator within Xcode as Safari is being installed on your Apple TV. Once the installation is complete, Safari will be available for use on your device.

By following these steps, you'll successfully install Safari on your Apple TV 4, unlocking the ability to browse the web, access online content, and explore a myriad of web-based services directly from your entertainment hub. With Safari seamlessly integrated into your Apple TV 4, you'll experience a new level of convenience and versatility in your digital interactions, all from the comfort of your living room.

Congratulations! By following the comprehensive steps outlined in this guide, you've successfully expanded the capabilities of your Apple TV 4 by installing Safari, the renowned web browser. This achievement opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to seamlessly browse the internet, access web-based applications, and enjoy a diverse range of online content directly from your Apple TV 4.

With Safari now integrated into your entertainment ecosystem, you have the power to explore a myriad of web-based services, stream online videos, and engage with interactive web content, all from the comfort of your living room. Whether you're seeking to catch up on the latest news, indulge in online shopping, or simply browse the web for entertainment and information, Safari on your Apple TV 4 provides a convenient and versatile platform for these activities.

Furthermore, the process of installing Safari has not only expanded the functionality of your Apple TV 4 but has also provided valuable insights into the world of sideloading applications using Xcode. This experience may serve as a springboard for exploring additional opportunities to enhance your digital environment through the installation of other compatible applications that can further enrich your entertainment and productivity experiences.

As you embark on this new chapter of web browsing on your Apple TV 4, remember that the possibilities are virtually endless. Stay informed about the latest updates and features of Safari, and continue to explore the diverse array of web-based content and services that are now at your fingertips. Embrace the convenience and flexibility that Safari brings to your Apple TV 4, and make the most of this enhanced browsing experience in your daily digital interactions.

In conclusion, the installation of Safari on your Apple TV 4 represents a significant milestone in expanding the capabilities of your entertainment hub. Embrace the power of web browsing from your living room, and let Safari be your gateway to a world of online experiences, all seamlessly integrated into your Apple TV 4. Enjoy the journey of discovery and convenience that Safari brings, and make the most of this newfound capability in your digital lifestyle.

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How to Get Web Browser on Apple TV 4 And Apple TV 4K

While the Apple TV packs with some amazing apps and games , there is no web browser for Apple TV, meaning the only way to surf the web on Apple TV is via AirPlay from your other Apple devices or by installing apps like AirBrowser on your iPhone and iPad which turns your phone into a trackpad and keyboard. Honest opinion, You must try that too.

Read: How to Record Apple TV Output Screen Without Any Cables

But guess what, you can also get a native Web Browser on Apple TV. Although it’s not a full-fledged web browser like Safari or Google Chrome, you can do some basic web surfing, play flash videos and open websites light on data.

So, let’s see how to get a web browser on Apple TV

Before we begin

Make sure you have following things ready on your Apple TV 1. Macbook or an iMac, 2. USB A to USB C cable 3. And of course your Apple TV.

Once you have all these things handy, follow the steps.

Install Web Browser on Apple TV 4 And Apple TV 4K

To side load a web browser onto your Apple TV, we’ll use Xcode , so go ahead an install Xcode from the App Store . It’s free, but the setup file is, however, is around 5 GB, so make sure you have a fast internet connection.

Once done, Connect your Apple TV and Mac with a Type C cable and launch Xcode on your Mac.

For this instance, we’re using Xcode version 9, but in the case with Apple TV 4, however, if you are using Apple TV 4k, which doesn’t have a USB C port, you can still wirelessly connect it to your Xcode)

Next, open the web browser on your Mac and go to this GitHub URL . On the Github page, click on the green tab on the middle right of the page that says ‘ Clone or Download ’. Copy the URL from a small pop-up window.

Launch Xcode and click on ‘ clone ’ under the ‘ source control ’ tab on the menu bar. Paste the URL you copied from GitHub page and click on clone.

Choose a location and name for your file and click on ‘ clone ’ again in the drop down menu.

Next, Open ‘projects ’ folder from the finder window that shows your cloned files, and double click on ‘Browser.xcodeproj’. This’ll open the project in Xcode.

Click on the Build Switch that has a play sign to build the project. Next, most likely you’ll see a notification that says ‘ Build Failed ’. This is because ‘UIWebView’ is not available on tvOS. Let’s see how to fix this issue in the next step.

Open a finder window and go to Applications tab on the left. Locate Xcode at the end of the list and right click on it to choose ‘ Show Package Content ’.

Now go to Contents > Developer > Platforms > AppleTVOS.platform > Developer > SDKs > AppleTVOS.sdk > usr > include.

Open the file ‘ Availability.h ’ and look for the following lines at around line 318

#define__TVOS_UNAVAILABLE __OS_AVAILABILITY(tvos,unavailable) #define__TVOS_PROHIBITED __OS_AVAILABILITY(tvos,unavailable)

Replace these lines with the following lines

#define __TVOS_UNAVAILABLE_NOTQUITE __OS_AVAILABILITY(tvos,unavailable) #define __TVOS_PROHIBITED_NOTQUITE __OS_AVAILABILITY(tvos,unavailable)

Save the file ‘Availability.h’ and return to the Xcode project page. Click on ‘ build ’ again and there you go, you now have a web browser on your Apple TV.

Troubleshooting Build Failed

For those of you who are having trouble editing the file ‘Availability.h’ because you don’t have necessary permissions follow these steps. Right click on the file ‘Availability.h’ and choose ‘get info’. Click on the lock icon on the bottom right and log in with an administrator password. Click on the + icon and add the required user. Edit the permissions to ‘read & write’ and click on the lock icon. You should be able to edit the file now.

Alternatively, you can also copy ‘Availability.h’ to your desktop and edit the file there after changing the permissions using the above steps. Replace the file in the original folder with the new edited file and this should definitely work for you. Its tested and it worked for us.

Now, again click on built option on Xcode. For some of you, it might work this time, For for the rest who still see error, here is how to fix it. To find the problem click on the red exclamation mark on the right side of navigation pane, this will open a new windows that show the error page.

The first error is, you need to enter your Apple developer account, if you don’t have a developer account, simply use your apple id. That works as well.

Now, the second issue, “bundle identifier” or the original dev is not identified by apple, to fix this, again go to github page, and copy the name of the developher. And replace his name in bundle identifier. The next the third problem, is automatically resolved, since it was depended on first two.

Finally, click on built again, And volla, it should work this time. You might have to type in your apple admin password to compile the source code.

Now, you’ll be now able to see the new ‘ Browser ’ app on your Apple TV main screen. Here are a few tips for using the tvOS browser through Apple TV Siri remote.

Here are a few tips for using the tvOS browser through AppleTV Siri remote.

– Double press on the center of the touch area of the Apple TV Remote to switch between cursor & scroll mode. – Press the touch area while in cursor mode to click. – Menu will navigate back as usual. – Pressing the Play/Pause button will let you input URLs, search Google, and reload the page. – Double tap the Play/Pause button or Menu button displays a menu with Favorites, History, set/open homepage, change user agent, clear cache, and clear cookies

So, what can you do with your tvOS browser?

Well, you can search on google, open up websites like smart DNS proxy, you can even play gif and browse the internet. But, unfortunately, it doesn’t work. Even though it’s not a full-blown web browser, it should suffice for the basic needs of browsing via Apple TV.

Arjit pratap singh

Writer | Tinkerer | Thinker | Life-Long Learner

Apple TV User Guide

What’s new in tvOS 17
Intro to Apple TV
Set up Apple TV
About the status light
Your Apple ID
Sign in with an Apple device
Multiple users
Other apps and channels
TV provider
Subscriptions
Siri Remote at a glance
Navigate Apple TV
Control what’s playing
Adjust audio
Activate Siri or dictation
Open Control Center
Switch quickly between apps
Turn Apple TV on or off
Control touch surface sensitivity
Charge the Siri Remote
Reconnect the Siri Remote
Help locate the Siri Remote (2nd generation or later)
Control Center at a glance
Switch users in the Profiles tab
Quickly change settings in Control Center
Open additional tabs in Control Center
Play audio throughout your home
Stream audio and video with AirPlay
Use screen savers
Customize the Home Screen
Use iOS or iPadOS Control Center
Talk to your Apple TV
Search for content and apps
View search results
Play live content
Other things to ask Siri
Use Siri on HomePod or an iOS device
Use Siri to navigate
Use Siri dictation
Adjust settings for Siri
TV app at a glance
Subscribe to Apple TV+, MLS Season Pass, or a channel
Navigate the Apple TV app
Explore Home
Manage recommendations
MLS Season Pass
Adjust settings
Arcade at a glance
Subscribe to Apple Arcade
Find and play games
Adjust game controller settings
Photos at a glance
View photo memories
View iCloud Photos and Shared Photo Library
View shared photos and albums
Create a photo screen saver
Create a slideshow
FaceTime at a glance
Use FaceTime
Watch together using SharePlay
Apple Music at a glance
Subscribe to Apple Music
Now Playing
See what your friends are listening to
Control music with Siri
Adjust music settings
Fitness at a glance
Subscribe to Apple Fitness+
Set up Fitness with Apple Watch or iPhone
Browse and play workouts
Use the library in the Fitness app
Work out together using SharePlay
Purchase and download apps
Get podcasts
Control podcast playback
Organize podcasts into stations
Adjust podcast settings
Watch iTunes movies and TV shows
Change iTunes movie and TV show settings
Use the Search app
Stream content to Apple TV
View photos from your Mac
Restrict access to content
Adjust privacy settings
Manage storage
Share Apple TV
Family Sharing
Adjust video and audio settings
Connect Bluetooth devices
Set notifications
Set the TV button
Use the iOS or iPadOS keyboard
Control your TV and volume
Use other remotes
Use Apple TV as a conference room display
Change network settings
Change language or region
Restart Apple TV
Reset Apple TV
Update Apple TV software
Accessibility features
Use VoiceOver
Use a Bluetooth keyboard
Use a braille display
Use Zoom to magnify
Use Hover Text to see enlarged text
Display bold text
Increase screen contrast
Use Display Accommodations
Reduce screen motion
Use audio descriptions
About Switch Control
Turn on Switch Control
Use Switch Control
Use item scanning
Adjust Switch Control settings
Navigate Apple TV by tapping
Set AirPods controls
Set hearing controls
Type instead of speaking to Siri
Add an accessibility shortcut
Important safety information
Important handling information
Apple TV Support site
FCC compliance statement
ISED Canada compliance statement
Disposal and recycling information
Apple and the environment

Use AirPlay to stream audio and video on Apple TV

You can use AirPlay to:

Play videos or audio from your iOS or iPadOS device on Apple TV

Play music, podcasts, and radio stations on multiple AirPlay 2–enabled devices (such as HomePod or other speakers) in rooms throughout your house (see Use Apple TV to play audio throughout your home )

View the screen of your Mac, iOS device, or iPadOS device on Apple TV

To stream content from a Mac, iOS device, or iPadOS device to Apple TV , both Apple TV and the shared device may need to be connected to the same network. For more information, see the Apple Support article Use AirPlay to stream video or mirror your device’s screen .

Set up Apple TV to stream audio to AirPlay 2–enabled devices

To stream audio from Apple TV to other audio devices such as HomePod or other network-connected speakers, add your Apple TV to a room in the Home app on your iOS or iPadOS device.

Make sure you’re signed in with the same Apple ID on the Apple TV and the iOS or iPadOS device.

Go to AirPlay > Room and follow the onscreen instructions to select the room where the Apple TV is located.

Stream from an iOS or iPadOS device to Apple TV

Do one of the following:

Note: If you have an Apple TV 4K and an iOS or iPadOS device that supports 4K HDR video, your videos from the Photos app will stream in full 4K HDR resolution.

Stream audio from an iOS or iPadOS device to Apple TV

Stream from a Mac to Apple TV

Mirror a Mac screen on Apple TV : On the Mac, do either of the following:

Stream audio from a Mac to Apple TV : Click the Sound icon in the Mac menu bar, then choose the name of the Apple TV .

Adjust AirPlay and HomeKit settings

Select AirPlay and HomeKit, then do any of the following:

Turn AirPlay on or off: Select AirPlay to turn it on; select it again to turn it off.

Allow access to Apple TV : Select Allow Access, then see “Set who can use AirPlay to stream content to Apple TV ” below.

Turn Conference Room Display on or off: See Stream to a conference room display .

Fix a cropped AirPlay display: If your AirPlay display appears cropped on Apple TV , turn on AirPlay Display Underscan to show the entire image. If you see black bars around the image, turn this setting off.

Select a Room: Select Room, then choose the room where you keep your Apple TV . For more information, see Set up Apple TV to stream audio to AirPlay 2–enabled devices .

Turn doorbell notifications on or off: Doorbell cameras you’ve connected with HomeKit appear in a list under Notifications. Select a camera to turn it off; select it again to turn it on.

For more information, see Switch users in the Profiles tab on Apple TV .

Set who can use AirPlay to stream content to Apple TV

Select AirPlay and HomeKit, then select Allow Access, and choose any of the following options:

Everyone: Everyone can stream content to your Apple TV .

Anyone on the Same Network: Anyone connected to your home network can stream content to your Apple TV .

Only People Sharing This Home: Only people you’ve added to Home Sharing can stream content to your Apple TV .

Require Password: A password is required to AirPlay to your Apple TV .

Also Allow Nearby to AirPlay: Anyone close to your Apple TV can stream content to it.

To view AirPlay connection instructions on your Apple TV , see Stream to a conference room display .

Complete guide to Vision Pro streaming: When to use Apple TV, Safari, and apps

Streaming services are a mess on visionOS at launch, but you can fix that by knowing when to use which apps.

Using the Apple TV app
Using standalone apps
Using Safari

The streaming experience on Apple Vision Pro

Apple Vision Pro is a first-generation product, and that means software support is limited in visionOS for now. While the company's first virtual reality headset is great for watching TV shows and movies, the streaming experience on Apple Vision Pro is complicated at best. Some apps run natively as visionOS apps, others run as iPadOS apps, and others lack Vision Pro support altogether. That includes some big names, like Netflix and YouTube, that have chosen not to support Vision Pro in the early going.

Vision Pro automatically became the best way for me to stream movies and TV shows, but not before I traversed the world of streaming services in visionOS. There are right and wrong ways to stream on visionOS , and this guide will help you master it. From Apple TV Channels and standalone apps to iPadOS apps and Safari, you can get the best experience by knowing where to stream your favorite services on Vision Pro.

When to use the Apple TV app for streaming

The Apple TV app is hands-down the best way to stream content with Apple Vision Pro. That's because the Apple TV app is the only way to access the Cinema environment, which puts your TV show or movie on a giant movie theater screen. It beats any other way to watch things in visionOS, and it's even better than native visionOS streaming apps. Unfortunately, not all types of media can be played in the Apple TV app.

For starters, anything purchased through iTunes or the Apple TV store will be available in the Apple TV app on Vision Pro. Going forward, you should consider using Apple TV for movie purchases. Doing so will not only give you access to the Cinema environment but also the 3D versions of some titles.

To have the best chance of using streaming services with the Apple TV app on Vision Pro, you'll want to make sure they are connected to Apple TV. Here's how you can connect a streaming service to Apple TV:

Open the Apple TV app on Vision Pro and tap your profile picture in the top right corner of the screen
Under Sources , look for the Connected apps tab
You'll see a Connect to TV page that will let you link streaming services and TV providers to the Apple TV app
Tap the toggles that are turned off next to the streaming service you want to link to the Apple TV app

However, the only way to ensure that a streaming service will work as intended is to purchase it as an Apple TV Channel . These include Apple TV Plus , Paramount Plus, MLS Season Pass, Starz, AMC Plus, and more. Not every streaming service is offered as an Apple TV Channel, but our testing has revealed Apple TV Channels are the most enjoyable and reliable way to stream on Vision Pro.

When to use standalone apps for streaming

If you can't use your preferred streaming service in the Apple TV app, the next-best thing is to use the service's standalone app. Of the big streaming services, Disney Plus, Max, IMAX, and the NBA have their own apps optimized specifically for visionOS. Some are more feature-rich than others, like how Disney Plus has a decent catalog of 3D movies in its visionOS app. On the other hand, Max is mostly just a version of its other Apple apps designed for visionOS.

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Even if the streaming service app you want to use on Vision Pro doesn't have exclusive features made for visionOS, it's still worth using over iPadOS apps or web clients. However, there are some streaming services — like Paramount Plus, Amazon Prime Video, and Peacock TV — that only offer their iPadOS apps on Vision Pro. For these streaming services, it may be better to use Safari instead. Using the visionOS web browser will give you more control over how the video player can be resized, and the user interface will be easier to navigate compared to the iPadOS app.

When to use Safari for streaming

Browsing iMore in vision OS Simulator with Safari

If you've become frustrated by dealing with a streaming service's iPadOS app running in visionOS, give it a shot in Safari instead. After navigating to the streaming service of your choice and starting to play a TV show or movie, tap the full screen button. This will hide Safari's address bar and toolbar, which makes the browser frameless, showing only your content. In many cases, watching full-screen movies and TV shows in Safari is more immersive than using a windowed iPadOS app.

Some streaming services will require you to use Safari for watching movies and TV shows, too. Netflix and Hulu have opted not to make their iPadOS apps available on the visionOS app store. That means the only way to use Netflix and Hulu on Vision Pro is through Safari. While you can overcome some of Safari's limitations by following the steps above, there is one that won't be fixed. Since there isn't an app available for these services, you won't be able to download shows and movies for offline use.

Apple Vision Pro with the included cover.

Watching movies and TV shows on Apple Vision Pro is great, but it's better in certain instances. You should try to use the Apple TV app whenever possible because it gives you access to the stunning Cinema environment and 3D movies. The runner-up option is using a native visionOS app when available. iPadOS apps and web clients in Safari are just about equal in terms of user experience, with Safari being the more immersive option.

Ideally, both Apple and the major streaming services will work together to simplify this experience over time. Having to stream in as many as four types of ways — through Apple TV, native visionOS apps, iPadOS apps, and web clients — can be frustrating. If developers put more effort into making visionOS apps and Apple made the Cinema environment available throughout visionOS, the streaming experience would be better overall on Apple Vision Pro.

Brady is a tech journalist contributing to iMore as a freelancer. He has spent the last two years reporting and commenting on all things related to consumer technology for various publications. Brady graduated from St. John's University in New York City with a bachelor's degree in journalism. When he isn't experimenting with the latest tech, you can find Brady running or watching sports.

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The Apple TV app

All your tv. all in one app..

Apple Original series and films from Apple TV+. Exclusive live sports including MLS Season Pass. Thousands of movies to buy or rent. Premium channels, streaming services, and cable TV providers. 1 It’s all on the expertly curated Apple TV app, and it’s everywhere — on your favorite Apple devices, streaming platforms, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and more. It’s the ultimate way to watch TV.

Shows, movies, sports, top channels. It’s on.

Apple TV+ streams critically acclaimed Apple Original series and films, only on the Apple TV app.

It’s never been easier to be a fan. Tune in to more in-depth coverage of your favorite teams. Browse by sport or league, and get live scores and notifications for close games. And now you can watch every Major League Soccer match — including the playoffs and bonus content — with MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app. *

Learn more about MLS Season Pass

Take control of your channels. Now you can quickly and easily subscribe to just the channels you watch — like Paramount+, STARZ, and AMC+. There are no new apps, accounts, or passwords needed for up to six family members, and you can even watch offline.

Buy. Rent. Watch. All inside the app. Welcome to the home of thousands of movies, including all the latest blockbusters. Now you can buy, rent, and watch right inside the app — as well as watch everything you’ve previously purchased from iTunes.

Streaming services, streamlined. Easily discover all your favorite shows from streaming services including Disney+, Max, Hulu, Peacock, and more — all inside the app.

Watch cable TV outside the box. Enjoy all the top-rated prime-time TV shows, live sports, and news — from leading cable providers — on demand right in the Apple TV app.

Easily find what you want to watch.

For all of you, if you like: white lotus, editorial collection: nail-biting thrills.

Personalization. Like you’ve never seen it. Discover more of what you love — including movie and show suggestions picked just for you, dedicated selections based on everything you like to watch from all the different apps you use, and recommendations for something everyone in the house can enjoy together.

What We’re Watching

Native American culture gets a dose of noir chills in this atmospheric crime drama.

Flora and Son

A single Dublin mom with a rebellious teen son discovers the healing power of music.

The Wheel of Time

Rand copes with his world-altering destiny in a bigger, bolder season.

Choose from the editors’ choices. The Home tab gives you the freedom to explore curated recommendations, handpicked by our editors, that guide you to the best of what’s on — across all your apps.

A dedicated Kids section. For kids of all ages. You can easily find great shows selected just for children — categorized by character, topic, and even age — unless your kids find them first.

Now every screen is a TV screen.

The apple tv app is everywhere..

The Apple TV app is already on your favorite Apple devices, as well as streaming platforms, popular smart TVs, gaming consoles, and AirPlay‑enabled devices. Just open the app to start watching.

Apple Vision Pro

See it on your smart TV or streaming device.

Explore compatible devices

Samsung Smart TV

Lg smart tv, playstation, apple tv plus.

Get 3 months of Apple TV+ free when you buy an Apple TV 4K. 2

Try it free

Apple TV 4k

The Apple experience. Cinematic in every sense.

And just like that, it’s on TV.

You can use your iPhone as an Apple TV remote. Here's how

If you ever need proof that black holes exist, all you need to do is take a look at your sofa. That seemingly innocent piece of furniture emits a tremendously powerful force that sucks in everything from coins to house keys. But the power to draw in these items pales in comparison to the sofa's ability to devour your remotes.

No matter where you place your precious remotes , even if you religiously keep them on the side table you've bought specifically for this purpose, they still somehow find their way down the very back of your sofa cushions, in the most awkward place to reach.

How to reset your Apple TV remote

If you have an Apple TV , you'll know that the beautifully designed slimline remote is the perfect size to disappear into your sofa forever. The good news is that as long as the sofa hasn't devoured your iPhone as well, you'll still be able to use your Apple TV. Not only can you use your iPhone to find your Siri Remote if you've lost it, but your iPhone can work as an Apple TV Remote in its own right. Here's how to set up the Apple TV Remote on your iPhone.

How to set up the Apple TV Remote on your iPhone

Your iPhone comes with the Apple TV Remote app already installed. It's a fully functional app that can do almost everything your Apple TV Remote can do, and even a few things more. All you need is to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network, and you'll be able to set it up to work with your Apple TV, which you only need to do once. The Apple TV Remote should be located in your Control Center; you can read later in the article what to do if this isn't the case.

Open the Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner of your iPhone screen.
Tap the Apple TV Remote tile. If you can't see it, use the steps in the section below to add the tile to your Control Center.
The first time you use the app you'll need to follow the on-screen instructions to pair with your Apple TV.
Once paired, if you have multiple Apple TVs, tap Choose a TV at the top of the screen to select which device you want to control.

You can navigate around your Apple TV by tapping the arrows in main area of the Apple TV Remote app or tapping the center to make a selection. You can also use the Play/Pause , Back , and TV buttons which work exactly the same as on your physical Apple TV Remote. To return to the Home screen, tap and hold the Back button.

Top things you can do on your iPhone as an Apple TV remote

Using your iPhone is not only a good remote replacement, but can streamline a lot of processes that can be a bit cumbersome on the remote itself.

How to use your phone as a Roku TV remote

Easily skip back or forward.

When watching content on your Apple TV, you'll also see additional buttons appear in the main area, allowing you to skip back or forward 10 seconds, or turn on closed captions.

In the top-left and top-right of the screen there is a mute button and power button. These may or may not work for your TV as some TVs require an infrared signal to power on or off or change the volume, which your iPhone cannot transmit.

Use side buttons and Siri for better search results

If supported, you may also be able to change the volume on your TV by using the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons on the side of your iPhone. Press and hold the side button on your iPhone to use Siri to control your Apple TV. Release the side button once you've spoken your command. You can also use dictation by pressing the side button once. When the search field shows on screen, press and hold the side button again, speak the text you want to search, and release the side button.

Make use of the full iPhone keyboard

If you need to enter text on your Apple TV, a keyboard will appear on your iPhone. Anything you type using your iPhone keyboard will appear on your Apple TV, making it much easier to enter passwords or other text.You can also dictate text by pressing and holding the side button when in a text field on your Apple TV. Dictate your text and release the side button to submit it.

How to add the Apple TV Remote tile to Control Center

If the Apple TV Remote tile isn't showing in your Control Center, you can add it manually through the Settings app. You can add or remove tiles to customize the Control Center to your needs.

11 hidden Apple TV features and cool time-saving tricks

Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Select Control Center .
Scroll down to More Controls and tap the green + (plus) icon next to Apple TV Remote .
Once the Apple TV Remote is added to Included Controls you can change its position within the Control Center by pressing and holding the Three Bars icon next to Apple TV Remote and dragging the up or down.
Any time you want to use the Apple TV Remote on your iPhone, open Control Center and tap the Apple TV Remote tile.

Q: Does the Apple TV Remote app only work with Apple TV?

The short answer is no. You can use the Apple TV Remote on your iPhone to control any AirPlay-compatible smart TV. This means that you can directly control many smart TVs from your iPhone if you lose your TV remote down the back of the sofa, even if you don't have an Apple TV connected. You'll need to link the Apple TV Remote app to your TV the first time you use it, but then you'll be able to control your TV with your iPhone.

Q: Can I control the volume of my TV with the Apple TV Remote app?

This is a more complex question. The Siri Remote and the older Apple TV Remote both include infrared transmitters. This means that the remotes can send IR signals to your TV or your AV receiver to control the volume or power.

Your iPhone doesn't have an IR transmitter, so it can't send any infrared signals to your TV or receiver. However, if you're using an Apple TV connected to your smart TV, you may be able to control the TV volume still. This is only possible if your TV supports HDMI-CEC, which can control your TV via the HDMI cable between your Apple TV box and your TV. You should check the manual for your TV to see if it supports HDMI-CEC

You can use your iPhone as an Apple TV remote. Here's how

The Inventory

Apple’s Safari Browser May Let You Erase Ads Completely With New AI Makeover

Safari could look more like arc browser on ios 18 and macos 15 with new ai summaries handled on-device..

Apple is reportedly planning to take a bite out of Arc Search for its next big Safari update.

Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome are already being drowned in new AI features, so we suppose it was inevitable that Apple would also try to shove some AI activities into its default browser. With Apple reportedly jumping on the AI hype train for iOS 18 (though getting on at the caboose end rather than the passenger car) the company at the end of 1 Infinite Loop may try to shove AI summaries and browser assistants into Safari in a move that’s reminiscent of the existing Arc Browser . Unlike the competition, this time Apple could be powering it all from the device itself, rather than the cloud.

Apple to unveil AI-enabled Safari browser alongside new operating systems

Safari getting new AI tools in iOS 18

The software — expected to debut as Safari 18 later in 2024 — is currently undergoing evaluation alongside internal builds of Apple's next-generation operating system updates, namely iOS 18 and macOS 15, according to people familiar with the matter. Should all of the new features make it to the release candidate stage, users will be treated to a new user interface (UI) for customizing popular page controls, a "Web eraser" feature, and AI-driven content summarization tools.

Intelligent Search - AI-enhanced browsing and text summarization

Engineers evaluating the latest builds of Safari 18 can find a toggle for the new page controls menu within the browser's address bar. The menu consolidates — and provides quick access to — old and new page control tools, among them being the browser's new "Intelligent Search" feature.

A screenshot of Arc Search on iPhone with a summary of an article from AppleInsider

This feature is not automatically enabled in test builds of Safari 18 and instead requires manual activation from the page controls menu. Once enabled, it's believed the tool leverages Apple's on-device AI technology — specifically the Ajax language-learning model — to identify topics and key phrases within a webpage for which to base the summarization.

In selecting key phrases, Apple's LLM software identifies sentences that provide explanations or describe the structure of objects, depending on the text in question. Words repeated within a text and key sentences are recognized as text topics.

These early indications suggest Apple is striving to deliver text summarization alongside Safari 18 later this year, though the exact implementation of this feature remains fuzzy.

Apple's text summarization features could be a response to rival generative AI tools, such as OpenAI's ChatGPT. But Apple's on-device models and technologies like Private Relay could make the experience much more secure for users. Intelligent Search is also likely to be the same AI browser assistant that one X user hinted at a couple of weeks back.

Web Eraser for better content-blocking

Also accessible from the new page controls menu is a feature Apple is testing called "Web Eraser." As its name would imply, it's designed to allow users to remove, or erase, specific portions of web pages, according to people familiar with the feature.

The feature is expected to build upon existing privacy features within Safari and will allow users to erase unwanted content from any webpage of their choosing. Users will have the option to erase banner ads, images, text or even entire page sections, all with relative ease.

A screenshot of 1Blocker's element blocking feature that removes selected parts of a webpage

The erasure is said to be persistent, rather than limited to a browsing session. This means that Safari will remember the changes even after the original tab or window has been closed.

When visiting a web page with previously erased content, Safari will inform the user that the page has been modified to reflect their desired changes. The browser will also give the user the option to revert changes and restore the webpage to its initial, unaltered state.

As for where Apple got the inspiration for Web Eraser, the company could have Sherlocked the feature from the third-party app 1Blocker. The application features a similar way of erasing ads, where users would tap ads to make them disappear.

Updated UI will move key tools into one easy location

The new page controls menu referenced throughout this article will attempt to offer Safari 18 users quick and easy access to several options previously located across different menus and the Share Sheet. Running on pre-release versions of macOS 15, for instance, the menu also pulls in the "Aa" menu common on existing iPadOS versions of the browser. These include zoom options, webpage settings for privacy controls, content blocking options, extension shortcuts, and access to the new AI and erasure tools.

A mockup image of desktop Safari with an iPad-like menu that includes AI and erase features.

These various options existed previously on macOS, but were found by navigating through the Safari settings menu. Having all of these controls in one central location in the Address Bar will make these options more discoverable for end users. Other options like on-page text search and reader mode are also in this menu.

This all suggests Apple intends to unite the iPadOS and macOS Safari UI paradigms when it unveils its new OS releases during its Worldwide Developers Conference in June.

AI-enhanced Visual Lookup feature could be available in 2025

Simultaneously, Apple is also working on a much more powerful visual search feature scheduled for integration sometime in 2025 that will allow users to obtain information on consumer products when browsing through images. People familiar with the tool say it's similar to the Visual Lookup feature, through which Siri can identify plants, pets and landmarks from photos.

An image of a black cat with big yellow eyes in Apple Photos with text below classifying it as a 'bombay'

Visual Search could be implemented as a system-wide feature. So, instead of surfacing search results in the Photos app, the user may be able to use Visual Search directly in Safari by selecting an image.

Given development of this tool is in the earlier stages, it remains unclear how Apple will ultimately go about implementing it. It also remains to be seen whether or not the feature will make it through internal testing.

The iPhone maker has expressed significant interest in artificial intelligence and more recently published research related to on-device language learning models. This goes hand in hand with widespread rumors about several other AI-powered software features, many of which are expected to make their debut later this year with iOS 18.

Another big year for Safari

From its inception, Safari was always meant to rival existing web browsers.

A Flickr login screen with password auto fill shown as a pop-up

Safari was originally added to macOS as a means of replacing Microsoft's Internet Explorer for Mac, which was the default browser. Over the years, the app made its way to the iPhone , and has since received various upgrades over the years.

More recent versions of Safari provide users with personalized web suggestions, and allow for greater privacy protection with features such as iCloud Private Relay.

This latest set of enhancements only serves to better position Safari against the competition, in an ever-increasing landscape of generative AI tools and third-party ad-blockers.

While Apple tests many such features during different development stages, it is important to remember that not all of them make it to release. Apple has been known to delay features or cancel them entirely, so there's always a chance we may not see these new Safari features after all.

Along with Safari 18 and its associated improvements, we should also see a revamped Calculator with Math Notes make its way to iPadOS 18. Freeform Scenes and Adaptive Voice Shortcuts are new OS features, which are also expected to debut later this year.

Apple is expected to introduce various AI-related enhancements as part of iOS 18 and macOS 15, both of which should be announced at the company's annual WWDC on June 10.

36 Comments

"As for where Apple got the inspiration for Web Eraser, the company could have Sherlocked the feature from the third-party app 1Blocker. The application features a similar way of erasing ads, where users would tap ads to make them disappear." They may also have been inspired by Simplified Page....

As long as I can turn it off/hide it they can knock themselves out.

Will the web eraser feature remove pop up videos, such as the ones that appear on this site?

I use the 'Reader' function in Safari quite a bit, but sometimes it doesn't work very well. Seems like something that AI could help make better.

Web ads suck but how else do you think your favorite websites will stay in business? Are you prepared to pay a subscription to every site? I doubt it…

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New AI Features Reportedly Coming to Safari in iOS 18

Safari will gain a series of AI-powered features and UI enhancements in iOS 18 , AppleInsider reports .

An "Intelligent Search" browser assistant tool that leverages Apple's on-device AI technology to identify key topics and phrases on webpages for summarization purposes.
A "Web Eraser" tool that allows users to remove unwanted portions of webpages easily. Erasure is persistent, remaining even when revisiting a site unless changes are reverted.
A new, quick-access menu emerging from the address bar that consolidates page tools, bringing over some functions that currently sit in the Share Sheet and placing them alongside the new tools.

The iPadOS and macOS versions of Safari are also expected to align further. These new features are purportedly undergoing evaluation alongside internal builds of ‌iOS 18‌ and macOS 15 ahead of their unveiling at Apple's Worldwide Developer's Conference (WWDC) in June. Earlier this month, backend code on Apple's servers suggested that a new Safari browsing assistant is in the works, corroborating this report.

Farther in the future, Apple is said to be working on a more powerful version of Visual Look Up that allows users to obtain information on products when browsing through images. The feature is expected to be released sometime in 2025.

Last week, Bloomberg 's Mark Gurman said that ‌iOS 18‌ will "overhaul" many of Apple's built-in apps , including Notes, Mail, Photos , and Fitness. Apple's next-generation operating systems are almost certain to be previewed during Apple's WWDC keynote on June 10, and the updates should be widely released in the fall.

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Top Rated Comments

A "Web Eraser" tool that allows users to remove unwanted portions of webpages easily. Erasure is persistent, remaining even when revisiting a site unless changes are reverted.