Have you ever wanted to mirror your MacBook screen straight to your TV? Or continue watching a movie on the big screen right from where you left off on your laptop?
Connecting your MacBook to Apple TV makes all of this possible.
By authorizing the Apple TV app with your Apple ID, you can access a whole world of entertainment and seamlessly integrate your devices.
In this easy tutorial, I‘ll show you how to link your MacBook to Apple TV in just 5 quick steps. I‘ve been an Apple user for over 5 years now, so I‘ll make sure to explain each tip along the way from my own experience!
Let‘s get started.
Why Link Your Apple ID with Your MacBook?
Before we jump into the how-to, here are some excellent reasons for authorizing your Apple TV app:
- Continue Watching Shows – Pick up exactly where you left off, whether starting on your MacBook, iPhone or Apple TV box
- Shared Playlists – Access the same custom playlists and libraries across all devices
- Games – Play iPhone/iPad games directly on your MacBook screen
- Photos & Videos – Instantly view media from your Photos library on TV
- Screen Mirroring – Wirelessly mirror your MacBook display to a TV with AirPlay
Those are just a few of the conveniences you get with a linked Apple ID across Apple TV and your MacBook.
Next, let‘s go through the simple authorization process step-by-step.
Step 1: Locate the Apple TV App on Your Mac
The Apple TV app should already be installed on any Mac running macOS Catalina or higher.
Let‘s begin by finding it:
See the black icon with the white Apple TV logo?
- If it‘s pinned to your dock at the bottom, you can simply click to open it
- Otherwise, type "Apple TV" in Spotlight Search or look for it in Launchpad
Once launched, you‘ll see the Apple TV homescreen with personalized recommendations based on your previous iTunes purchases and rentals.
Step 2: Navigate to the Account Menu
Up top, click on your account icon to open a drop down menu.
Next, select Authorizations to manage connected devices and services.
This is where you can connect your personal Apple ID to authorize the app.
If prompted to sign in on this screen, go ahead enter your Apple ID email and password.
Otherwise, let‘s head to Step 3…
Step 3: Choose "Authorize This Computer"
Under the Authorizations menu, click "Authorize This Computer…"
A pop-up window like the one below will appear:
Time to connect your account!
Step 4: Sign In with Your Apple ID
In the pop-up, enter the email address associated with your Apple ID account.
Next, input your account password in the field below.
(If you‘ve enabled two-factor authentication, you may be asked to input a verification code from your trusted devices as well).
Once your credentials are entered, click Next.
Step 5: Hit "Authorize"
Almost there!
You should now see a message confirming you allow this Mac to access your Apple ID.
Go ahead and click Authorize to complete the connection.
Done! Your MacBook is now authorized to play purchased movies, stream Apple Music, and more using your Apple ID.
Pretty straightforward, right?
Deauthorizing Apple TV
You may eventually need to deauthorize the Apple TV app on your MacBook down the road.
Common reasons include:
- Selling or gifting your MacBook
- Switching to a new Apple ID
- Removing access after signing in on a friend‘s device
Thankfully, deauthorizing only takes seconds:
- Launch the Apple TV app
- Head to Account -> Authorizations
- Select "Deauthorize This Computer…"
- Enter your login credentials
- Click the Deauthorize button
And your Apple ID will be disconnected. Deauthorizing does NOT delete any locally downloaded content. But you will lose access Apple TV+ shows, subscriptions and iCloud syncing tied to that Apple ID.
Apple TV vs. Apple TV+
It‘s important to note that Apple TV and Apple TV+ are completely different things:
| Apple TV | Apple TV+ |
|---|---|
| App on Apple devices for accessing purchased & rented movies/TV | Subscription service for $6.99/month |
| Buy or rent latest releases or catalog content | Exclusive original shows like Ted Lasso, Mythic Quest, The Morning Show and Foundation |
| Access your existing iTunes library | Add-on to Apple Music or Apple One bundles |
| Watch on demand or download to devices | No downloads; stream only |
While Apple TV+ has an impressive slate of award-winning series, the Apple TV app gives you access to pretty much any other video content you could dream up.
When your MacBook and Apple ID accounts are connected, you get the best of both worlds!
I hope this short tutorial helped explain how to link your MacBook with Apple TV access using just an Apple ID. For any other questions on authorizations, deauthorizing or troubleshooting, please feel free to reach out!
