tvOS – 14 Tips and Tricks For Your Apple TV

Last September, after a long awaited wait, Apple finally unveiled a new Apple TV. The device includes the new Siri Remote, a new OS, and even an App Store. I’ve had one since before the official launch, as Apple selected me in a group of developers to receive an early model.

Tips Tricks AppleTV: everything you didn’t know about Apple TV and tvOS

1. Rearranging Apps

   If you want to move around the apps on your Apple TV’s home screen, simply hold down on one app using the Siri touchpad and then move it anywhere you want.

2. Create Folders

   Beginning with tvOS 9.2, users can now create folders of apps. Simply hold down on one of the apps, like before, and hover it over another app.

3. The Apple Remote App

   Many don’t know about this as it wasn’t available at launch, but you can now use the ‘Remote’ app in the iOS App Store to control your Apple TV. 

4. Video Settings

   When watching any clip, swipe down from the top to unveil a list of settings and options for your video, including closed captioning, AirPlay and Bluetooth speakers, and even a noise-reduction mode.

5. Custom Screensavers

   While the new Aerial screensavers on tvOS are beautiful, you can also use a picture of your own. Just go to Settings > General > Screensaver > Screensaver Type.

6. Multitask

   Just like on iOS, tvOS multitasks apps and has an app switcher. To multitask, double tap the TV button on your remote.

7. Sleep

   If you want to put your Apple TV into sleep mode, simply press down the Menu button. 

8. Siri

   Siri is one of the most powerful features on Apple TV. Beyond asking it for something to watch, you ask it for things like sports scores and weather. You can even be watching something, and then ask Siri “What did she just say”? And it will rewind back to what that person just said and turn on the captions for the duration of her sentence. 

9. Apple Search

   Siri can search multiple services, including iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, HBO, Fox, CBS, and more, for one specific item. So, if you ask Siri to find you some comedies, it’ll show you some options, and then which services it’s available on. You can even ask Siri for “funny movies on Netflix”.

10. Bluetooth Keyboards

    Typing on the Apple TV can be a hassle, however, tvOS features full Bluetooth keyboard support. Simply go into the Bluetooth options and add your keyboard. If you’re using an Apple Magic Keyboard, the Function keys even work.

11. Dictating Speech

    On the topic of typing on tvOS, you can now use dictation to enter into search boxes. Simply push the Siri button when selecting a text box.

12. Bluetooth Headphones

    In addition to supporting Bluetooth keyboards, tvOS supports Bluetooth headphones, so you can watch without disturbing others.

13. Conference Room Display Mode

    By going to Settings > AirPlay > Conference Room Display, you can display a custom message for people to connect their devices to the Apple TV, and lock the TV from doing anything else without a passcode. 

14. Watch Live TV

    A number of apps on the tvOS App Store, including CBS All Access, Disney, and FXNOW, support live streaming of their networks. You can ask Siri to go right into live broadcasts by saying “Watch ___ live”.

What are some of your favorite tips?

Binyamin Goldman( Senior Writer )

Binyamin has been writing about Apple and the tech sector as a whole for over five years.

His work has been featured on Forbes, MacWorld, Giga, MacLife, and more.

Additionally, Goldman is the Founder of BZG, a software development company focusing on Apple devices.