Fix: iPhone 13, 13 Pro, Pro Max Not Connecting To Apple TV

Are you experiencing trouble connecting your new iPhone 13, 13 Pro, or Pro Max to your Apple TV? Don’t worry! We understand how frustrating it can be when your devices don’t work seamlessly together. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of troubleshooting and fixing the issue of your iPhone not connecting to Apple TV. Whether you’re trying to stream your favorite shows or mirror your iPhone screen on a bigger display, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in and get your devices connected!

1. Check Network and Bluetooth Settings

The first step in troubleshooting the issue is to ensure that both your iPhone and Apple TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Here’s how you can check:

1. On your iPhone, go to Settings.
2. Tap on Wi-Fi and make sure it’s turned on.
3. Select the Wi-Fi network you want to connect to (the same network your Apple TV is connected to).

Additionally, make sure that Bluetooth is enabled on both devices. This will allow them to establish a secure connection. To check Bluetooth settings:

1. On your iPhone, go to Settings.
2. Tap on Bluetooth and make sure it’s turned on.

If your devices are already connected to the same network and Bluetooth is enabled, proceed to the next step.

2. Update iOS and tvOS

Having outdated operating systems can sometimes cause compatibility issues between devices. It’s essential to keep your iPhone and Apple TV up to date. Here’s how to update them:

Update iOS on iPhone

1. Connect your iPhone to a stable Wi-Fi network.
2. Go to Settings on your iPhone.
3. Scroll down and tap on General.
4. Select Software Update.
5. If an update is available, tap on Download and Install.

Update tvOS on Apple TV

1. Ensure your Apple TV is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network.
2. On your Apple TV, go to the Settings app.
3. Select System.
4. Choose Software Updates.
5. If an update is available, select Download and Install.

After updating both devices, check if the issue is resolved. If not, move on to the next troubleshooting step.

3. Restart Your iPhone and Apple TV

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve connectivity issues between devices. Follow these steps to restart your iPhone and Apple TV:

Restart iPhone

1. Press and hold the Power button (or the Side button on iPhone X or later) until the Slide to Power Off option appears.
2. Slide the power icon from left to right to turn off your iPhone.
3. After your iPhone is turned off, press and hold the Power button again until the Apple logo appears.

Restart Apple TV

1. On your Apple TV, go to the Settings app.
2. Select System.
3. Choose Restart.

Once both devices have restarted, check if the connection issue persists. If it does, proceed to the next troubleshooting step.

4. Reset Network Settings

Resetting the network settings on your iPhone can help fix connectivity issues. Keep in mind that this action will remove all saved Wi-Fi passwords and VPN settings. Here’s how to reset network settings:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on General.
3. Select Reset.
4. Choose Reset Network Settings.
5. Enter your passcode if prompted.

After resetting the network settings, reconnect to your Wi-Fi network and check if the issue is resolved.

5. Forget Wi-Fi Network

Forgetting the Wi-Fi network on your iPhone and reconnecting can sometimes resolve connection issues. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on Wi-Fi.
3. Tap on the i icon next to the Wi-Fi network you’re currently connected to.
4. Select Forget This Network.
5. Confirm the action by tapping on Forget.

After forgetting the Wi-Fi network, reconnect to it and check if the iPhone connects to Apple TV.

6. Reset Apple TV

If the issue persists, you can try resetting your Apple TV to its factory settings. Keep in mind that this will erase all your settings and data on the Apple TV. Here’s how to reset it:

1. On your Apple TV, go to the Settings app.
2. Select System.
3. Choose Reset.
4. Select Reset All Settings or Erase All Content and Settings.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.

After the reset is complete, set up your Apple TV again and check if the connection issue is resolved.

7. Ensure AirPlay is Enabled

AirPlay allows you to stream content from your iPhone to your Apple TV. To ensure AirPlay is enabled on your iPhone:

1. Open the Control Center on your iPhone.
2. If you have an iPhone with Face ID, swipe down from the top-right corner. If you have an iPhone with a Home button, swipe up from the bottom of the screen.
3. Tap on the Screen Mirroring or AirPlay icon.
4. Select your Apple TV from the list of available devices.

Make sure that AirPlay is also enabled on your Apple TV. Here’s how to check:

1. On your Apple TV, go to the Settings app.
2. Select AirPlay & HomeKit.
3. Make sure AirPlay is turned on.

Once AirPlay is enabled on both devices, try connecting your iPhone to Apple TV again.

8. Check HDMI Connection

A loose or faulty HDMI connection can cause issues with the display on your Apple TV. Here’s what you can do:

1. Ensure that the HDMI cable is securely connected to both your Apple TV and the TV.
2. If possible, try using a different HDMI port on your TV.
3. Check if the HDMI cable is damaged or worn out. If so, replace it with a new one.

After checking the HDMI connection, try connecting your iPhone to Apple TV and see if the issue is resolved.

9. Use a Different HDMI Cable

If you’re still experiencing connection issues, it’s worth trying a different HDMI cable. Sometimes, a faulty cable can prevent proper communication between devices. Use a high-quality HDMI cable and connect your iPhone to Apple TV again.

10. Check HDMI Input on TV

Make sure that your TV is set to the correct HDMI input. Here’s how to check:

1. Use your TV remote to access the input settings.
2. Select the HDMI input that corresponds to the port your Apple TV is connected to.

If your TV has multiple HDMI inputs, cycle through them until you find the correct one.

11. Disable VPN or Proxy

If you’re using a VPN or proxy on your iPhone, try disabling it temporarily. VPNs and proxies can sometimes interfere with the connection between your iPhone and Apple TV. Disable any VPN or proxy settings on your iPhone and check if the issue is resolved.

12. Contact Apple Support

If none of the above solutions work, it’s best to reach out to Apple Support for further assistance. They have the expertise to diagnose and troubleshoot complex issues. Visit the Apple Support website or contact them via phone to get personalized assistance for your specific problem.

In conclusion, troubleshooting the issue of your iPhone not connecting to Apple TV can be a bit challenging, but with the right steps, you can resolve the problem and enjoy seamless connectivity between your devices. Follow the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, and if all else fails, don’t hesitate to contact Apple Support for expert help. Happy streaming!

Experiencing difficulties with your Device, check out our “How To” page on how to resolve some of these issues.