You can stream Apple TV Plus on phones, tablets, TVs, game consoles, and the web with a 7-day trial and a $12.99 monthly plan.
New to Apple TV Plus and not sure where to start? This guide trims the friction. You’ll see every way to stream, what gear works, how to start a trial, and tips to keep shows running smoothly at home or on the road.
Ways To Stream Apple TV Plus On Any Screen
You can watch with the Apple TV app on most devices, through the tv.apple.com website, or by casting and AirPlay. Pick the path that fits your setup below.
Quick Device And App Matrix
The chart below shows the most common places to stream, the method to use, and a plain-English note for each option.
| Where | How | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone, iPad | Apple TV app | Sign in with your Apple Account; download episodes for offline viewing. |
| Mac | Apple TV app | Best for downloads and native picture-in-picture while you work. |
| Web browsers | tv.apple.com | Stream without installing an app; great on shared computers. |
| Apple TV 4K | Apple TV app | Fastest interface and Dolby Vision/Atmos on supported titles. |
| Roku, Fire TV, Google TV | Apple TV app | Install from the device’s store, then sign in or scan the on-screen code. |
| Samsung, LG, Sony, Hisense | Apple TV app | Many models include the app; update firmware if it’s missing. |
| PlayStation, Xbox | Apple TV app | Grab the app from each console’s store; works with controllers. |
| AirPlay | Cast from iPhone/iPad/Mac | Send video to AirPlay-enabled TVs and speakers on the same Wi-Fi. |
Start Watching In The Apple TV App
Open the Apple TV app, choose the Apple TV Plus tab, and start your trial or sign in. On a TV, you can scan the QR code or visit link.apple.com to approve the login on your phone. Apple’s step-by-step for smart TVs and streaming sticks is in the official guide: Get the Apple TV app.
Watch In A Browser When You Can’t Install Apps
If you’re on a work PC or a shared computer, the web route is simple: go to tv.apple.com, sign in, and hit play. Apple’s help page covers the flow and any card verification prompts: Watch in a web browser.
Plans, Trials, And Bundles That Make Sense
Streaming costs add up, so here’s what to expect and the smartest ways to try or bundle the service.
Standard Monthly Plan
The standalone plan is $12.99 per month in the U.S. after a 7-day free trial. It’s ad-free. You can cancel anytime from your Apple subscriptions panel.
Annual And Bundle Options
There’s a yearly plan that many households pick to save vs month-to-month. Apple One bundles the service with iCloud storage, Apple Music, and other services at one monthly rate, which can be cheaper if you already use those products.
Student Perk And New-Device Offer
The Apple Music Student plan includes Apple TV Plus at no extra charge while you’re verified. There’s also a new-device offer: buy a qualifying iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, or Mac and you get three months of the service free—activate through the TV app on the new device. You can check eligibility and start the offer inside the TV app using your new hardware.
Set Up Steps For Each Common Scenario
Whether you’re starting on a phone, a TV, or the web, the flow is quick. Pick your path below and follow the short checklist.
iPhone Or iPad
- Open the Apple TV app and tap the Apple TV Plus tab.
- Choose the 7-day trial or sign in to your current plan.
- Enable downloads for offline viewing in Settings › TV.
- Turn on “Use Cellular Data” only if you have a generous data plan.
Apple TV 4K
- Open the Apple TV app from the home screen.
- Select Apple TV Plus and pick a title.
- When the QR code appears, scan it or go to link.apple.com and enter the code.
- Check video settings: match frame rate and dynamic range for the cleanest motion and color.
Roku, Fire TV, Or Google TV
- Install the Apple TV app from your device’s app store.
- Open the app, then sign in with your Apple Account.
- If typing is slow, use the QR code sign-in when offered.
- Pin the app to your home row for quick access.
Mac Or Windows Laptop
- On a Mac, use the Apple TV app. On Windows or Linux, use tv.apple.com.
- Sign in, then enable subtitles or captions in the player menu if you need them.
- On Mac, try picture-in-picture for background viewing while you work.
Make The Most Of Your Subscription
You’re in. Now squeeze more value from every month with these simple tweaks.
Download For Flights And Dead Zones
On iPhone, iPad, and Mac, you can download many titles. Open a show page and tap the download icon next to each episode. Use Wi-Fi for speed and to avoid data surprises.
Share With Family
Turn on Family Sharing to let up to five other people in your household watch under one plan. Each person gets their own recommendations and history.
Keep Streams Smooth
- Use wired Ethernet on Apple TV 4K when possible.
- Place your Wi-Fi router out in the open; avoid cramped cabinets.
- If the picture drops in quality, pause the video for 20–30 seconds to let the buffer fill.
- Reboot the streaming device and router once in a while to clear stale connections.
Find The Good Stuff Fast
The catalog is 100% originals, so search by creators and stars. Try staff-curated rows like “Trending” and “New Releases,” or use the Watch Now tab to jump back into shows you started.
Troubleshooting: Fix The Usual Pain Points
Most playback snags and sign-in loops have simple fixes. Work through this list from top to bottom.
Can’t Sign In On A TV App?
- Switch to the QR-code method and finish at link.apple.com. It’s faster than typing long passwords with a remote.
- Update the TV or streaming stick’s system software and the Apple TV app.
- Make sure two-factor authentication is enabled on your Apple Account.
Playback Stutters Or Drops Resolution
- Run a quick internet speed test. For 4K streams, aim for a steady 25 Mbps or more.
- If Wi-Fi is crowded, move closer to the router or switch to 5 GHz.
- On Apple TV 4K, set Match Frame Rate and Match Dynamic Range to avoid judder and odd colors.
Downloads Won’t Start
- Check that you’re signed in on all devices with the same Apple Account.
- Confirm there’s storage free on the device. On iPhone/iPad, clear old downloads in the TV app.
- Use Wi-Fi. Cellular networks can block large downloads or throttle speeds.
Regional And Access Notes
The catalog varies slightly by country. If you travel, the app will show the local library where you are, then switch back when you return. Some shows support many subtitles and audio languages, which you can change in the player.
Privacy, Accessibility, And Parental Controls
You can review viewing history and limit what kids can watch. Set a content rating limit, require a code for purchases, and lock down playback on shared TVs. Apple TV Support has full guidance in one place.
What About Live Sports And Purchases Inside The App?
The Apple TV app also sells add-ons that live alongside the originals. The largest one is MLS Season Pass, which streams every Major League Soccer match with no local blackouts. You don’t need cable for it. You can subscribe in the app or on the web and watch on the same devices listed earlier. How to watch Apple TV+, MLS Season Pass, and more is detailed in Apple’s guide.
Inside the TV app you’ll also see store rows for movie rentals, purchases, and third-party channels. Those are optional. If you only want originals, stick to the Apple TV Plus tab. If you rent or buy a film, it lands in your Library and syncs across devices signed in with the same Apple Account.
Supported Devices: A Handy Reference
The app runs on most newer smart TVs, major streaming sticks, and modern game consoles. Apple maintains a living list by brand and platform so you can double-check your model before you set time aside for movie night. Here’s the reference page: Apple TV app devices. If your TV isn’t listed, use a streaming stick or the website and you’ll be set.
Pricing Snapshot And Where To Activate
Here’s a compact view of common options so you can pick fast and start watching right away.
| Option | What It Costs/Includes | Where To Start |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly plan | $12.99 per month after 7-day trial | tv.apple.com or the Apple TV app |
| Annual plan | $99.99 billed once per year | Apple TV app › Account › Subscriptions |
| Apple One | Bundles Apple services for a lower combined rate | Settings on iPhone/iPad/Mac › Apple ID › Subscriptions |
| Student plan perk | Student tier of Apple Music includes the service | Apple Music Student plan sign-up |
| New-device offer | 3 months free with eligible iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, or Mac | Activate on the new device |
FAQ-Style Tips Without The Fluff
Can You Watch Without An iPhone Or Mac?
Yes—use the Apple TV app on Roku, Fire TV, many smart TVs, PlayStation, and Xbox, or use the website on any modern browser.
How Many Streams At Once?
Up to six simultaneous streams through Family Sharing is common for this service. If you hit a limit message, stop playback on an idle device and press play again.
Is Everything In 4K?
Not every title is 4K, but many originals offer 4K HDR with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos on supported hardware. Quality adapts to your bandwidth.
Can You Watch Offline?
Yes—download on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The TV apps on set-top boxes stream only.
Your Next Step
Pick a device, open the Apple TV app or head to tv.apple.com, start the 7-day trial, and press play. That’s all it takes to see the latest originals tonight.
Helpful Official Resources: Watch in a web browser • Apple TV app devices