Here’s Why You Can’t Find Apple TV on Your Samsung TV & How to Get It
What To Know
- The Apple TV app is compatible with most Samsung smart TV models released from 2017 onwards, but content availability varies by location.
- To check compatibility, use your Samsung TV remote to navigate to Settings > Support > About This TV and check the model code.
- For unsupported Samsung TVs, alternatives include screen mirroring from a phone or laptop, or using streaming devices like Roku or Fire TV Stick.
You’re in the right place if you’ve been puzzled about why you can’t get Apple TV on your Samsung TV or if it seems hidden from view.
This article will unveil the recipe for finding and enjoying Apple TV on a range of Samsung TV models, from recent to older ones.
Quick Navigation
- Which Samsung TVs are Compatible With the Apple TV App?
- How to Get the Apple TV App on Your Samsung TV?
- 3 Alternative Ways to Watch the Apple TV App on Unsupported Samsung TVs
- How to Watch the Apple TV App on Older Samsung TVs Without HDMI Ports?
- How to Sign Into the Apple TV App on Your Samsung TV
- All Devices that Support the Apple TV App
Which Samsung TVs are Compatible With the Apple TV App?
Most Samsung smart models released in 2017 or later are compatible with the Apple TV app.
However, the content availability within the Apple TV app might differ based on your location due to geo-restrictions.
The following Samsung smart TVs support the Apple TV app:
- Samsung QLED 8K Q9, Q8 Series
- Samsung QLED 4K Q9, Q8, Q7, Qx Series
- Samsung UHD 8, 7, 6 Series
- Samsung FHD/HD 5500, 5300, 4500, 4300 Series
- Samsung Lifestyle TVs – The Frame, The Serif, The Sero Series
To discover your Samsung TV’s release year or series, you can follow these easy steps:
Step 1: Press the Home button on your remote and head over to Settings.
Step 2: Navigate to the Support section and select About This TV.
Step 3: Look for the Model Code information.
The model code reveals important details. The first number represents the TV’s size. For instance, “43” indicates a 43-inch screen.
The following part of the code helps identify the release year and model. In my case, “AU” stands for a 2021 UHD model. The subsequent number “7002” refers to the 7 Series.
Since the Samsung UHD 7 Series is compatible with the Apple TV app, as mentioned in the above list, that explains why the app is available on my Samsung TV.
How to Get the Apple TV App on Your Samsung TV?
Step 1: Press the Home button, and a menu will pop up at the bottom of the screen.
Step 2: Scroll to the hamburger menu icon (three vertical lines) on the left.
Step 3: Highlight the App icon and click OK to open the app page.
Step 4: Navigate to the Search icon at the top right corner of the screen and press OK.
Step 5: Type “Apple TV” into the search bar.
Step 6: Select the Apple TV app, then click on it to install. Wait for one minute before you can open the Apple TV app below.
3 Alternative Ways to Watch the Apple TV App on Unsupported Samsung TVs
1. Mirror from Your Phone
Are you having trouble getting the Apple TV app on your unsupported Samsung TV, don’t worry!
There’s a simple solution. You can use your smartphone to bring the Apple TV experience to your TV.
For instance, I’ll show you how to screen mirror from an iPhone 13 Pro to a Samsung UA43U7002KXXV TV. (I’ll mention more mirroring methods later on.)
Step 1: Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
Step 2: On Samsung TV, go to Settings, and select General.
Step 3: Select Apple AirPlay Settings.
Step 4: Toggle AirPlay On.
Step 5: On the iPhone, swipe down from the top to open the Control Center, and select Screen Mirroring.
Step 6: Select the Samsung TV.
Step 7: Install the Apple TV app and launch it on the iPhone.
And that’s not all! If you’re curious about other ways to connect your smartphone (whether it’s an iPhone or an Android) to your TV, check out this informative article that covers both wired and wireless methods.
2. Mirror Your Laptop Screen
Use an HDMI Cable
Step 1: Connect your laptop to your Samsung TV using an HDMI cable.
Step 2: Change the input on your Samsung TV to the HDMI port that’s connected to your laptop.
Step 3: On your laptop, open tv.apple.com to start streaming Apple TV+ content.
Use AirPlay
We already have a comprehensive guide on how to use AirPlay from a MacBook to a Samsung TV.
Read it here for detailed instructions.
Use an HDMI Adapter
If your Samsung TV lacks an HDMI port or you’re unable to use it, refer to this article for alternative connection methods using different ports.
For instance, I will demonstrate how to connect my laptop to the Samsung TV using an HDMI to RCA adapter.
Step 1: Supply stable power for your laptop & TV.
Step 2: Plug the HDMI cable into the HDMI ports of the laptop & adapter.
Step 3: Plug the RCA cable into the RCA ports of the adapter & Samsung TV.
Step 4: On the Samsung TV, press the Home button and go to Source.
Step 5: Switch the TV’s input to the laptop.
Step 6: Go to tv.apple.com, and start mirroring from the laptop to the Samsung TV.
3. Get a Streaming Device
Most streaming devices, including Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV Stick, and Chromecast with Google TV, support the Apple TV+ app in their stores.
Simply connect one of these devices to your Samsung TV and install the Apple TV app directly on the device.
However, note that older models, like Roku 1, might not support the Apple TV app. Check this list of supported devices from Apple for more information.
I’ll demonstrate this process using my Roku Express 4K+.
Step 1: Power the Roku device and Samsung TV, and turn them on.
Step 2: Plug the HDMI cable into the HDMI ports of the Roku & Samsung TV.
Step 3: On the Samsung TV, press the Home button and go to Source.
Step 4: Switch the input to the HDMI port your Roku is connected to.
Step 5: On the Roku, go to the Streaming Store.
Step 6: Search for “Apple TV” and select it.
Step 7: Choose Add app.
Step 8: Now, sign in to your Apple account and start enjoying your shows and movies.
How to Watch the Apple TV App on Older Samsung TVs Without HDMI Ports?
You can connect a streaming device such as an Apple TV to a Samsung TV without HDMI via various adapters, depending on the available port—composite, component, S-Video, VGA, DVI, or SCART.
Although this article covers how to connect a Roku player to TVs without HDMI, the same steps apply to your Samsung TV and other streaming devices like the Fire TV Stick or Google Chromecast.
How to Sign Into the Apple TV App on Your Samsung TV
Before signing into the Apple TV app on your Samsung TV, ensure you have an Apple ID. If not, sign up for one at appleid.apple.com/account.
Once you have your Apple ID, follow these steps to sign in to the Apple TV app on your Samsung TV.
Step 1: Launch the Apple TV app on your Samsung TV, navigate to the top-left menu, and select Sign In.
Step 2: You can choose to scan the QR code, or go to link.apple.com and insert the on-screen code (M6PSFS in my case). Or simply choose Sign In with Remote.
Step 3: Enjoy your favorite shows/movies on your Samsung TV.
All Devices that Support the Apple TV App
Below is the general list of devices that support the Apple TV app.
- Roku Players, TVs
- Amazon Fire TV Devices, Fire TVs
- Android TV Streaming Devices and TVs (with Android OS 8 or later)
- Comcast Xfinity
- Chromecast with Google TV
- LG TVs (2016 or newer)
- PlayStation PS4, PS5
- Sony TVs (2018 or newer)
- VIZIO TVs (2016 or newer)
You can find which smart TVs and streaming devices from other brands support the Apple TV app by heading to Apple TV App–Supported Devices on the official Apple TV website.
Browse their supported devices categorized by brand name or use the command prompt Ctrl + F on your keyboard to search for specific devices by name.
Duy Anh is a seasoned technical editor specializing in helping readers troubleshoot TV, projector, and Wi-Fi issues. He’s always been drawn to logical problem-solving. His ability to approach matters from various angles with a neutral mindset enhances his technical expertise.