The new fourth generation Apple TV is everything I hoped the third generation would be. We have a touch remote with a Mic, great video, USB-C, and most importantly, an App Store! And while I have security concerns around the setup process, I am sure Apple has thought through the myriad of questions I have surrounding sharing Apple ID keys over bluetooth from a phone to the Apple TV to streamline the setup process. So about that setup process. Configuring the new Apple TV is pretty straight forward. To get started, get your phone out. Yes, your phone. Then unwrap the Apple TV and plug it into the HDMI port on your TV and the AC adapter (which is the same as the second and third generation Apple TVs).
Once plugged in, boot up your Apple TV. When prompted, click Set Up with Device on the fancy new remote.
At the Set Up Your Apple TV prompt, make sure that Bluetooth is enabled on your phone and then wait for it, the TV will see your phone!
When prompted on your phone, tap Continue.
When the TV tells you to enter the Apple ID on your phone, make sure your phone is unlocked and then provide that information.
You’re then prompted for whether you’d like the Apple TV to retain your password. Obviously, if you have kids that love to buy in app purchases, this might be a bad idea. If you live alone, maybe a good idea.
Make your selection and then you’ll be prompted for whether you’d like to send data to Apple. I usually tap OK here, as I prefer my experience to get better with products (and usually don’t go in for all the tin foil hat stuffs).
Back on the TV, choose whether or not to enable Location Services. If you travel with Apple TV, this might be helpful. If not, then it’s likely not a biggee.
One of the great new features is the new Siri integration with Apple TV. While Siri on my TV doesn’t seem to like me much, I’m sure it’s my fault, so I’d still click that Use Siri option.
I loved the photos on the previous generation of Apple TV, so decided to let Apple give me some more. You may not want to use their background for a screensaver. Click Automatically Download if you’d like to use theirs, or Not Now if not.
You’re then prompted for whether or not to send Diagnostics and Usage Data to Apple again. Choose if you’d like to do so.
If you want your apps to get better, click Share with App Developers.
Click Agree to agree to the warranty.
Click Agree to agree to Apple’s Terms and Conditions (for these, you can’t proceed unless you agree to them; otherwise you can return the device).
Now you’re at the Main Apple TV screen. If you’re used to using Netflix, the next thing you’ll want to do is head over to the App Store and install some apps. You can also go ahead and start buying media, etc. Enjoy!