How to Use Apple TV on a Non Smart TV
You can use an Apple TV on a non smart TV as long as the TV has an HDMI port. The Apple TV plugs into that port and turns any older TV into a smart one.
That is the whole point of the box. It brings the apps, so the TV does not have to be smart at all.
The only real problem is a TV so old it has no HDMI, just red, white, and yellow jacks. That case needs an adapter, and even then some streaming apps may not play.
Does an Apple TV work on a non smart TV?
Yes. A non smart TV is just a screen, and the Apple TV 4K is the part that streams.
Plug the box into an HDMI port and you get Netflix, YouTube, Disney Plus, and the rest, all running off the Apple TV, not the TV.
Apple lists the Apple TV 4K as compatible with HD and 4K TVs that have HDMI. Your TV does not need to be smart, new, or 4K.
What you need
The list is short. Most of it comes in the box.
| Item | Why you need it |
|---|---|
| Apple TV 4K | The streaming box itself |
| HDMI cable | Connects the box to the TV, sold separately |
| An HDMI port on your TV | Where the box plugs in |
| WiFi or Ethernet | The box streams over the internet |
| An Apple ID | Signs you in and loads your apps |
Apple does not include an HDMI cable, so grab one if you do not have a spare. The higher storage Apple TV 4K also has an Ethernet port if you would rather plug in than use WiFi.
How to set up Apple TV on an older TV
The setup is the same as on any TV. Take it one step at a time.
- Plug one end of the HDMI cable into the Apple TV and the other into an HDMI port on your TV.
- Plug the Apple TV power cord into the wall.
- Turn on the TV and press its Input or Source button until you see the Apple TV setup screen.
- Follow the on screen steps to pair the remote, join your WiFi, and sign in with your Apple ID.
Once you reach the Home screen with the app icons, the old TV is now a smart TV. If you cannot find the right input, our guide to the Apple TV main menu shows what each screen should look like.
From there you can load whatever you watch. Our steps to add channels and apps on an Apple TV cover that part.
I turned an older Sony with slow built in apps into a fast smart TV using a streaming stick over HDMI, and an Apple TV plugs in the exact same way.
What if your TV has no HDMI port?
This is the one setup that can actually fail. Some older tube TVs and early flat screens only have composite jacks, the red, white, and yellow plugs. The Apple TV does not send a signal through those.
You would need an HDMI to composite converter box between the Apple TV and the TV. These are cheap, but they come with real trade offs.
Copy protection called HDCP can stop some streaming apps from playing through a converter. The picture is also stuck at the old TV’s low resolution.
For a TV that old, a converter is often more hassle than it is worth. A small, cheap streaming stick on a newer TV usually makes more sense.
Is the Apple TV the best pick for an old TV?
The Apple TV 4K is the current model and it is a strong box, but it is also one of the pricier ways to make a TV smart.
A streaming stick like a Roku does the same job over HDMI for less. I much prefer the Roku lineup for that, though I rate the Apple TV highly too.
If you are weighing your options, our Roku vs Fire Stick comparison covers the cheaper sticks that also turn a non smart TV smart.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a smart TV to use an Apple TV?
No. The Apple TV is the smart part, so it works on any TV with an HDMI port. It even works on a plain computer monitor that has HDMI, though many monitors have no speakers, so you may need to add external speakers or headphones for sound.
Can an Apple TV work on an old TV with red and white cables?
Only with an HDMI to composite converter box. Some apps may not play because of copy protection, and the picture stays at the old TV’s low quality.
Does an Apple TV need internet to work?
Yes. It streams everything, so it needs WiFi or an Ethernet connection. Our guide on how to get the internet on an Apple TV walks through connecting it.
Will an Apple TV turn my old TV on by itself?
On many TVs, yes. The Apple TV can send a signal over HDMI that powers the TV on and switches the input. Our guide on how to turn on an LG TV with an Apple TV explains that feature.
Which Apple TV should I buy for a non smart TV?
The Apple TV 4K is the only current model, and it works on a 1080p TV or a 4K one. You only get 4K if the TV supports it, but the apps run the same either way.