How To Use Apple TV Without a TV (3 Easy Ways to do this)

You may be asking how to watch Apple TV without a TV if you are interested in utilizing it but don’t have or don’t want to utilize a television. In any case, you can get the gadget up and running in no time because of the many options available to you.

Can I use my Apple TV without a TV?

Yes, you can use your Apple TV even without a TV. You can connect Apple TV to a computer display to utilize it without a TV. Before you start, make sure you have a VGA/HDMI cable and that your display has an HDMI connector. In addition, the monitor should feature speakers or a headphone/speaker jack.

How To Use Apple TV Without a TV

1. Connect Apple TV to Your Computer Monitor

While the name suggests otherwise, Apple TV may be used on more than just a television.

An Apple TV can be used without a television by connecting it to a computer display with an HDMI port and speakers or a headphone jack. It is useless for streaming media because there will be no sound if there are no speakers or a headphone jack.

These are the components necessary to link an Apple TV box to a regular desktop display:

• 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.

The Apple TV box can be linked to any laptop with an HDMI input. A separate HDMI adaptor will be required if your device lacks a standard HDMI input. If you want to get started, you should first make sure your laptop is compatible with Apple TV.

Learn how to link your Apple TV to your desktop screen with the steps provided below.

Plug the Monitor and Apple TV 

Connecting the power line to the monitor and the wall outlet comes first. If your display calls for it, you’ll also need to connect the VGA cable. A VGA port is required for older monitors, although an HDMI port is standard for newer ones.

Connect the Apple TV’s power cable and double-check that all cables are firmly inserted into their respective ports.

Connect the VGA/HDMI Adapter

The next step is optional if your display has HDMI capability and you just want to hook up the Apple TV to the screen. A VGA port can be connected to an HDMI adapter by using the extra cable. You can then connect the Apple TV’s HDMI port to your television with the simple click of a button.

Turn the Computer Monitor On

You should see the Apple TV’s home screen when you switch it on if you’ve done everything right and connected the screen to the TV.

Altering your monitor’s settings, especially its display, may be necessary. Using the Apple TV’s remote and the on-screen menus, is a breeze to accomplish.

For Apple TV on a computer screen, any remote will do, including the Siri Remote, Apple Remote, and Apple TV remote.

The Apple TV box may be controlled by pointing the remote at it after the initial setup.

By connecting an Apple TV to a computer screen, you can watch content from services like Apple TV+ and Netflix as if you were watching on a traditional TV. On top of that, it allows you to sync your files between all of your Apple gadgets.

Check out my other article for possible explanations as to why your Apple TV app is malfunctioning.

2. Connect Apple TV to a Surround Sound System or Soundbar

Watching videos and other content requires only attaching the Apple TV box to a computer monitor or laptop, but not to a sound system or speaker.

This is a wonderful option if all you want to do is listen to music or other audio files, such as podcasts or audiobooks, as the sound will come through the speakers.

Here are some suggestions for hooking up your Apple TV to an audio setup:

The presence of an HDMI input in the sound system is a must.

If your Apple TV box doesn’t include an HDMI port or another connector that can be utilized with an adapter, you won’t be able to connect it to a surround sound system or soundbar. This is necessary since an Apple TV requires an HDMI connection in order to play any content (even audio).

You’ll need access to another Apple product in order to set up the Apple TV. After hooking up the Apple TV box to the stereo, further steps include configuration and operation. The most effective method is to link the Apple TV to another Apple product (like your iPhone).

3. Connect Apple TV to an HD or 4K Projector

You probably won’t have a projector if you don’t have a television.

Even still, knowing that a projector can be used is useful if you want to use Apple TV without a television set.

You shouldn’t have any trouble locating a projector that works with Apple TV, as most models currently support HD or 4K resolutions. An HDMI port is required for the projector. You will require an adaptor if the port is a different type, such as VGA.

Here is a video on how to connect your Apple TV to a Projector

You shouldn’t run into any problems when connecting an Apple TV to a projector, as doing so is functionally identical to attaching it to a computer display or TV.

Does Apple TV Work When Connected to a Monitor?

Assuming proper setup on both ends, Apple TV should function normally when connected to a display. When an Apple TV is hooked up to a screen, the home screen looks just like that of a conventional TV.

When using Apple TV on a monitor, though, you may occasionally have a lagging experience. Televisions and stereos are also susceptible to lag. If that’s the case, try installing the latest software or rebooting your WiFi router.

If you want to know why your Apple TV is lagging and what you can do about it, see my other article on the subject.

Final Thoughts on How To Use Apple TV Without a TV

Even though Apple TV is best suited for usage with a high-definition or 4K television, it may be connected to other devices via an HDMI cable or converter.

A projector or computer screen are just two examples of compatible output devices. All devices have the same setup process, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble getting everything going.