Have you felt frustrated trying to watch Apple TV+ shows and movies on your Android phone or tablet? I totally get it. Apple makes it unnecessarily difficult – but not impossible – for Android users to access their impressive streaming service.
In this comprehensive guide made just for you, I‘ll walk you through everything you need to know to watch Apple TV on Android. Think of me as your friendly neighborhood tech expert here to make your streaming dreams come true!
Here‘s what we‘ll cover:
- A quick rundown of Apple TV+ and why Android support lags
- The step-by-step method to watch Apple TV in your Android browser
- How to cast videos from your phone to your TV
- Creating the crucial Apple ID account
- Expert speculation: Will Android support ever come?
- My handy alternatives so you can stream Apple content on Android now
So grab your phone and let‘s get you streaming, my Android friend!
What Exactly is Apple TV+ Anyway?
Launched in 2019, Apple TV+ is a premium streaming service like Netflix and Hulu but focused exclusively on original movies and series instead of licensed shows or live TV. Some of Apple TV+‘s hit originals include:
- Ted Lasso
- Severance
- For All Mankind
- Mythic Quest
An Apple TV+ subscription runs $4.99 per month – cheaper than rivals like Netflix. Support for the service includes:
- iPhone and iPad
- Mac computers
- Apple TV set-top boxes
- Select smart TVs and gaming consoles
Notice anything missing? Unlike just about every other major streamer, Apple TV+ lacks an Android app and Android TV support.
I speculate Apple avoids Android support intentionally, hoping to push users towards purchasing Apple devices instead. But is that fair for you as a consumer? Absolutely not!
Luckily there are still ways for Android folks like us to access Apple‘s impressive catalog of original movies and shows. Keep reading!
Watch Apple TV+ on Android in 3 Simple Steps
Let me walk you through how to watch Apple TV on Android step-by-step. The key is using the Apple TV+ web app in your mobile browser:
Step 1: Navigate to the Apple TV Website
On your Android device, use Chrome or another browser to go to tv.apple.com. This is the Apple TV web app.
Bookmark this handy web app to your home screen for quick access anytime! It works just like a native app.
Step 2: Sign in with Your Apple ID Account
In the top right corner, click Sign In. Enter your Apple ID email and password if you have an existing account.
Don‘t have an Apple ID yet? I‘ll cover how to quickly create one later.
Enter any two-factor authentication code sent to your trusted devices to complete sign-in.
Step 3: Browse Apple TV+ Originals and Start Streaming!
You now have full access to stream Apple TV+ originals and any movies/shows purchased through Apple. Hooray!
Use the browsing tabs or search bar to find something appealing. When ready, tap a title you fancy then click "Play" to start streaming.
Via the web app, you get the full Apple TV+ experience:
- Stream and download for offline viewing
- Get tailored recommendations
- Create profiles
- Control parental restrictions
- Enjoy 4K HDR video (as supported by your device)
Plus, your watch history, favorites, and playback progress remain in sync across devices.
Pretty sweet! While the smaller smartphone screen isn‘t ideal for bingeing, you‘ve got options…
Cast Apple TV+ Web App Videos to Your Big Screen
Now let‘s get your Apple TV+ video streaming on that giant TV where it belongs!
Your Android device lets you "cast" and mirror content wirelessly from your phone to compatible smart TVs, streaming gadgets, and displays.
Here are the built-in casting/mirroring protocols to check if your Android phone and TV support:
- Chromecast: If your TV has Chromecast built-in, tap the Cast button from the web app to mirror your display or cast the video in HD.
- Smart View: Samsung Galaxy phones have Simple View to cast to supported devices with minimal lag.
- Miracast: Allows wireless mirroring across brands like Android phones and Roku or Fire TV gadgets.
- Wi-Fi Direct: For TVs and devices with Wi-Fi Direct, you can connect directly without a router.
Consult your phone and TV manuals for exact instructions to enable casting.
Third-party apps like AllCast and LocalCast can achieve the same result, but I recommend the native casting tools for optimal speed and performance.
Now kick back on the couch and stream Apple TV+ videos from your Android phone to TV seamlessly!
Quickly Create an Apple ID to Access Apple TV+
In order to watch any Apple TV+ content, you need a free Apple ID account. Don‘t worry – setting one up takes less than 5 minutes.
On your computer, phone, or tablet visit appleid.apple.com and click Create Your Apple ID.
Supply your basic name, birthday and contact info. Create a secure password. Agree to the terms.
Confirm your email and phone number by entering the verification codes Apple sends over.
Boom! You now have an Apple ID ready to roll. Sign into the Apple TV app with it to unlock streaming. Share it with up to 5 family members too.
| Streaming Service | Monthly Price | Original Content? | Works on Android? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple TV+ | $4.99 | Yes, exclusiely | No native app, web app only |
| Netflix | $9.99 – $19.99 | Yes | Yes, full app support |
| Hulu | $7.99 – $14.99 | No | Yes, full app support |
| Disney+ | $7.99 | Yes | Yes, full app support |
Will Apple TV+ Ever Actually Support Android?
Given how restrictive they‘ve been so far, I wouldn‘t hold my breath waiting on Apple to launch Android TV or smartphone app support.
After all, they want to entice you into their Apple ecosystem to buy iPhones, iPads, and Apple TV boxes.
However, as the streaming wars rage on, Apple may eventually cave to reach more subscribers. But even 2 years after launch, Apple TV+ has yet to budge in adding Android capabilities.
The service hit an estimated 40 million subscribers globally in mid-2022. Comparatively, Netflix currently sits around 223 million subscribers worldwide.
As competition grows and subscription growth slows, supporting Android phones could attract Apple TV+ tons of currently-inaccessible customers.
We‘ll have to wait and see! Until then, the web app method works surprisingly well.
Recommendations: How Else Can I Stream Apple Content on Android Devices?
I hope this guide has equipped you to successfully watch Apple TV+ on your Android gadgets. But what about accessing other Apple content like iTunes movies, Apple Music, and Apple Podcasts?
If the Apple web apps don‘t cut it streamingwise, here are my top Apple TV and content workaround recommendations specifically tailored for you as an Android user:
- Access Apple Music via the Apple Music Android app. Includes support for Android Auto too!
- Use a Roku puck or Roku-powered TV. Roku devices fully support Apple TV app streaming and Airplay wireless casting capabilities.
- Try a tablet device like the Amazon Fire HD for a bigger screen that runs all key streaming apps.
- For casual use, an iPhone or iPod Touch allows Apple Music downloads for when mobile. Consider buying a used or refurbished model.
- A Mac Mini computer hooked up to your TV seamlessly plays iTunes and Apple content.
I sincerely hope this guide has proven helpful navigating Apple‘s needlessly tricky streaming restrictions. You deserve to enjoy amazing movies and shows on your terms!
As always, reach out with any pressing Apple streaming questions. Protecting your rights as an Android user is what keeps me marching forward!
Stream on, friend!
