Most Apple TV users don’t know about these built-in features

Apple TV is more than streaming

Most people think of Apple TV as just a streaming box, but it’s actually packed with hidden features that make it far more powerful.

From karaoke nights to turning your iPhone into a remote, Apple TV can transform the way you use your television. Over the years, I’ve discovered tricks that made me love mine even more. Let’s dive into some of the best-kept secrets Apple TV has to offer.

Reprogram the mute button

The mute button does not have to be limited to sound control. In settings, under Remotes and Devices, you can reprogram it to act as an input switcher.

This way you can quickly move between your gaming console, cable box, or Apple TV without juggling different remotes. It’s a small adjustment that gives you a smoother experience and makes everything more accessible during your viewing sessions.

Quickly close misbehaving apps

If your Apple TV feels sluggish, you do not need to restart the entire device. Just press the TV button on the remote to open the app switcher, then swipe up on the app you want to close.

This method works the same way as on an iPhone and clears up performance issues in seconds. It is an easy fix that saves you time when apps begin to slow down.

Sing along with karaoke mode

Apple Music on Apple TV includes a karaoke-style feature that few people know about. By selecting a song and tapping the lyrics option, you get on-screen words that move in time with the music.

You can even lower the vocals to sing along more easily. It turns any living room into a stage and is a surprisingly fun way to entertain guests or enjoy family nights.

Use your iPhone as a remote

If you lose the Siri Remote, your iPhone can step in instantly. The Apple TV Remote is built directly into iOS within Control Center.

It has the same functions as the physical version, including swipe navigation, Siri voice input, and a full keyboard for easier typing. This is especially helpful when entering long passwords or searching for titles since typing with a phone is always faster.

Check remote battery levels

Nothing is worse than a dead remote in the middle of movie night. Apple TV lets you avoid this by showing the battery percentage of your Siri Remote in Settings under Remotes and Devices.

With this feature, you can quickly see if it needs charging before you sit down to watch. It’s a simple habit that saves you from interruptions and keeps everything running smoothly.

Use voice search to find shows

Instead of typing letters one by one, you can use voice search with the Siri button. Say the name of a movie, show, or actor, and Apple TV searches across multiple apps.

You can even try commands like show me action films or play the latest episode of a series. It is much faster than scrolling through endless menus and makes browsing more enjoyable overall.

Adjust remote sensitivity

The touch surface on the Siri Remote can sometimes feel too quick. In Settings under Remotes and Devices, you can change the sensitivity to fast, medium, or slow.

This makes navigation more precise and prevents you from accidentally opening apps or overshooting menus. Once you set it to your preference, scrolling feels much smoother and easier to control, especially when browsing through long lists of titles.

Master playback shortcuts

There are shortcuts hidden within playback controls that make viewing easier. Tap the left side of the touch surface to rewind by ten seconds, or tap the right side to skip ahead. Pause and swipe across the surface to scrub through scenes.

Even better, asking Siri what they say rewinds slightly and activates captions. These features help you follow along more easily and give you better control over what you watch.

Organize the home screen

If your Apple TV home screen feels cluttered, you can clean it up by creating folders. Hold down on an app until it shakes, then drag it on top of another to form a folder.

You can rename or rearrange folders however you like. It is useful for grouping streaming services, games, or utilities. A little organization can make the home screen more practical and less overwhelming.

Control who uses AirPlay

AirPlay is a handy way to share videos and photos from your phone, but without limits, anyone on your Wi Fi can use it. Apple TV lets you restrict access in Settings under AirPlay.

You can set it to everyone, people on the same network, or only those in your Apple Home. A password option is also available. These controls ensure you stay in charge of who casts content to your screen.

Keep kids safe with restrictions

Apple TV has parental controls that make it safer for children. In Settings under Restrictions, you can block mature content, limit app use by age ratings, or stop unauthorized purchases.

A passcode keeps these settings locked. Parents can even turn off features like multiplayer gaming or screen recording. It creates a safer experience for younger viewers and ensures kids only see what you want them to see.

Add multiple user accounts

If several people use the same Apple TV, you can create separate Apple IDs for each. This way, every user gets their own recommendations, watch history, and access to their purchases. Switching accounts is simple through Settings under Accounts.

It makes the experience more personal for everyone in the home and avoids the frustration of mixing up viewing histories or suggestions that do not match your interests.

Share purchases with family

Family Sharing allows up to six people to access purchased movies, shows, and apps. On Apple TV, you can go to Purchased and open Family Sharing to see what others have bought.

It removes the need to buy the same content twice and saves money over time. Once enabled, it works seamlessly with other Apple devices too, giving your family a single shared library of entertainment.

Use Apple TV as a home hub

If you have HomeKit devices, Apple TV can act as your home hub. Once signed into iCloud, it connects your smart lights, locks, and thermostats, letting you control them even when you are away.

This also enables automation, like lights turning on at sunset or the thermostat adjusting when you leave. Apple TV becomes a central piece of your smart home without needing extra equipment.

Curious how Abode turned Apple TV into a full security hub? Discover what this update means for your home and why it could replace extra devices.

Picture in picture multitasking

Apple TV supports Picture in Picture, so you can keep two things on screen at once. Hold the TV button on your remote while watching a video, and it shrinks into a corner.

You can move the smaller window while browsing other apps or menus. It is useful for following the news during a workout video or keeping a sports game on while exploring other content.

Looking for more seamless Apple TV control? Explore how Intrinsic’s latest driver brings new flexibility and convenience.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.