Get the Most Out of Apple TV: Hidden Features and Settings

The Apple TV has steadily evolved from a simple media streamer into a full-fledged smart entertainment hub. While most users are familiar with its core features—like watching Netflix, streaming Apple TV+, or playing games—there’s a wealth of hidden capabilities and customizable settings that can dramatically enhance your experience.

Whether you own an Apple TV HD or the latest 4K version, this guide reveals the underrated tricks and pro settings that even seasoned users often miss.

Did you know that your iPhone can help optimize your Apple TV’s picture quality?

Using a feature available on tvOS 14.5 and later, you can calibrate your Apple TV’s color output by simply holding your iPhone (with Face ID) close to your TV screen. This hidden tool adjusts color balance based on your TV’s display characteristics, delivering more accurate tones and contrast.

To enable:

• Go to Settings > Video and Audio > Calibration.
• Select Color Balance and follow on-screen instructions.

It’s a quick and powerful tweak that ensures you’re seeing content the way creators intended.

Want to watch a movie late at night without disturbing others? Apple TV allows you to connect two sets of AirPods or Beats headphones for shared, private listening.

Here’s how:

• Hold the TV button on your Siri Remote.
• Go to Audio Controls > Share Audio.
• Pair both sets of headphones.

Perfect for late-night binge sessions or when you need immersive sound without external speakers.

Apple TV acts as a HomeKit hub, which means you can create powerful home automation scenes. Imagine turning off the lights, lowering the blinds, and launching a movie—all with a single Siri command or automation.

For example:

• Use the Home app on your iPhone.
• Create a new scene like “Movie Night.”
• Add your Apple TV as the trigger, and link other smart accessories.

This feature not only streamlines your smart home but also maximizes your Apple TV’s functionality beyond entertainment.

Some streaming content comes with inconsistent volume levels—booming effects followed by whisper-quiet dialogue. Apple TV’s “Reduce Loud Sounds” setting evens out these peaks, making it ideal for shared or nighttime viewing.

To activate:

• Go to Settings > Video and Audio > Reduce Loud Sounds and toggle it on.

Once enabled, you’ll notice a more balanced and comfortable listening experience.

Typing with the on-screen keyboard can be a chore. The good news? You can use the Apple TV Remote app built into your iPhone’s Control Center or use Siri dictation to enter text quickly.

This makes it far easier to:

• Search for content.
• Enter passwords.
• Navigate apps faster.

If you frequently use third-party apps like YouTube or Netflix, this setting can significantly enhance usability.

Apple TV offers deep accessibility options that aren’t just for users with impairments—they can improve performance and aesthetics for everyone.

Settings worth exploring:

• Reduce Motion: Makes transitions quicker.
• High Contrast: Improves visibility for darker themes.
• Appearance Mode: Choose between Light or Dark themes manually or set it to automatic.

These features personalize your experience while subtly improving speed and responsiveness.

As tvOS continues to evolve, Apple seems poised to take Apple TV even further. Insider whispers suggest that Apple is gearing up to unveil an updated Apple TV 4K by late 2025, with a “second independent source” reportedly confirming the release is imminent. While specific features remain under wraps, expectations point toward a next-generation A-series chip, plus Apple-designed Wi-Fi/Bluetooth integration—hinting at both smarter connectivity and a refreshed hardware strategy. This launch could mark the end of the current 2022 model’s run.

This suggests Apple is making a serious push into smarter living room ecosystems. If you’re using Apple TV today, keeping it updated and exploring new settings will ensure you’re ready when the next-gen model arrives.

Apple’s Aerial screen savers are stunning, but they can also consume bandwidth. You can customize how often they update or even choose specific visuals like underwater scenes or cityscapes.

To do this:

• Go to Settings > General > Screen Saver.
• Choose Type, Download Frequency, and Start Time.

Tip: If you’re on a limited data plan or hotspot, set updates to “Never” or “Weekly.”

Your Apple ecosystem isn’t just for leisure—it’s also a continuous personal health assistant. As explored in a detailed comparison of Apple Watch versus traditional medical devices, the Watch offers 24/7 monitoring of metrics like heart rate, sleep patterns, and fall detection—capabilities hard to match with bulky medical tools Top Health Gear. Tying your entertainment environment (like Apple TV) with wellness features from your Apple devices shows how Apple blends lifestyle convenience with health awareness.

With support for popular game controllers—including PlayStation and Xbox—Apple TV can double as a casual gaming console. Pair your controller via Bluetooth and dive into Apple Arcade or third-party games.

It’s especially great for families, kids, and party settings where quick, engaging entertainment is needed.

Also, consider turning on Game Mode in your TV settings (if available) to reduce input lag and enhance gameplay smoothness.

Apple TV is a cornerstone of the Fitness+ ecosystem, enabling workouts on the big screen while syncing with your Apple Watch for real-time metrics. It’s a seamless bridge between movement, media, and motivation.

Many users now recognize that the Apple Watch is the ultimate fitness companion—and when paired with Apple TV, it creates a dynamic and immersive workout experience right from your living room.

This combination brings together data, coaching, and visual feedback—transforming your Apple TV into a personal gym assistant.

Apple TV is more than a streaming box—it’s a central hub for entertainment, automation, and wellness. By uncovering these hidden features and smart settings, users can drastically enhance their overall experience.

Whether you’re a casual streamer or a tech-savvy enthusiast, fine-tuning these elements will help you get the most out of your Apple TV in 2025 and beyond.