If you’re interested in using Apple TV but don’t have or want to use a television, you might be wondering how to watch Apple TV without TV.
Luckily, there are various ways to do it, so you should have the device running in no time.
To use Apple TV without a TV, connect it to a computer monitor. Before attempting this, ensure you have a VGA/HDMI cable and that the monitor has an HDMI port. The monitor should also have speakers or a headphone/speaker jack.
Do you want to learn more about how to watch Apple TV without TV? Stick around because this article will discuss the topic in more detail.
1. Connect Apple TV to Your Computer Monitor
Despite the name, a TV isn’t the only medium to use Apple TV.
It’s possible to use Apple TV without TV using a computer monitor if it has an HDMI port and speakers or a headphone jack . Without speakers or a headphone jack, there will be no sound, which won’t be helpful to you if you want to stream media.
Here’s what you’ll need to connect an Apple TV box to a standard computer monitor:
- Apple TV box.
- A computer monitor with speakers or a headphone/speaker jack. It should also be HD or 4K. Otherwise, it won’t be compatible with Apple TV.
- VGA cable (if the monitor doesn’t have an HDMI port).
- VGA/HDMI adapter.
- Power cables for both devices.
You can also connect your Apple TV box to a laptop with an HDMI port. However, if it doesn’t have an HDMI port, you’ll need to use an HDMI adapter. Before attempting anything, check your laptop to see if it’s compatible with Apple TV.
Below is a guide on connecting Apple TV to your computer monitor.
Plug the Monitor and Apple TV
First, you want to plug the power cable into your monitor and the power supply.
You’ll also need to plug in the VGA cable if your monitor needs one. Old monitors use VGA, but if you’re using a relatively new one, it likely has an HDMI port.
Make sure each cable is securely plugged into its ports and connect the Apple TV to its power cable.
Connect the VGA/HDMI Adapter
If your monitor has HDMI support, you can skip this step and simply connect the HDMI to the Apple TV and the monitor.
Connect the loose end to the VGA port in the VGA/HDMI adapter. It should click in place easily, and once that’s done, you can connect the HDMI end to the Apple TV box.
Turn the Computer Monitor On
If you’ve connected everything correctly, the monitor should show the Apple TV home screen when you turn it on.
You may need to change some of the settings on your monitor, particularly display settings. You can do that easily using a remote and navigating to the settings through the Apple TV screen.
If you use Apple TV on a computer monitor, you can use any remote control you would use on a TV, like Siri remote, Apple Remote, and Apple TV remote.
Once the remote is set up, you can point it at the Apple TV box.
Using Apple TV with a computer monitor essentially turns it into a smart TV, allowing you to stream from platforms like Apple TV+ and Netflix. It also gives you access to different files across your Apple devices.
If you’re having trouble with your Apple TV app, read my other article to understand why it might not be working.
2. Connect Apple TV to a Surround Sound System or Soundbar
While connecting an Apple TV box to a computer monitor or laptop will allow you to watch videos and other content, connecting to a sound system or soundbar won’t give you this luxury.
However, it will allow you to listen to audio through the speakers, so it’s a good idea if you just want to listen to music or other audio files, like podcasts or audiobooks.
Here are some tips when it comes to connecting an Apple TV to a sound system or soundbar:
- Make sure the speaker system has an HDMI port. The only way your Apple TV box can work with a surround sound system or soundbar is if it has an HDMI or another port that can be used with an adapter. This is because the Apple TV can’t function without an HDMI connection, even if it’s just for audio.
- Ensure you have another Apple device to configure the Apple TV. Once the Apple TV box is connected to the speakers, you’ll need to set it up and control it. The best way to do this is to connect the Apple TV to an Apple device (like your iPhone).
3. Connect Apple TV to an HD or 4K Projector
If you don’t have a TV, you will likely not have a projector.
Still, it’s good to know that a projector is viable, so you should consider using one if you are interested in using Apple TV without TV.
Most projectors today are HD or 4K, so you shouldn’t have any issues finding one compatible with Apple TV. The projector must also have an HDMI. If it has another type of port, like VGA, you will need to use an adapter.
Connecting an Apple TV to a projector works the same as connecting it to any other device, like a computer monitor or TV, so you shouldn’t run into any issues.
Does Apple TV Work Normally When Connected to a Monitor?
Apple TV should work normally when connected to a monitor, provided both devices are configured correctly (i.e., the display and sound settings).
Once you connect your Apple TV to a monitor, it should display the homepage as you would see on a regular TV.
However, you may experience lagging now and then when using Apple TV on a monitor.
Lagging can also occur on other devices, like your TV or speaker. If this is the case, you may need to update the device or reset the WiFi router.
To learn more about lagging on an Apple TV, check out my other article to find out why your Apple TV is lagging and how to fix it.
How To Use Apple TV Without a TV: To Conclude
Although Apple TV is designed to be used with an HD or 4K TV, it’s possible to connect it to other devices via an HDMI cable or HDMI adapter cable.
Examples of devices you can connect it to include a computer monitor or projector.
The setup works the same for all devices, so getting everything started should be relatively straightforward.
