How to connect Apple TV to Ethernet?

It now has several models of Apple TV coming with more updated features. Thereby, customers will be able to receive the best quality of audio and video.

To have an Internet connection on Apple TV, there are some specific options. But is an Ethernet connection available?

How to connect Apple TV to Ethernet?

All of the Apple TV models can support an Ethernet port for the Ethernet connection. In addition, the feature of Ethernet compatibility with Apple TV is different among several versions.

Further reading: How to connect Apple TV to Wi-fi with iPhone?

For each Apple TV model, the Ethernet port is located in a different location. You should also choose a suitable Ethernet cable so as to optimize the functions of your Apple TV. Here’s the detail of the Ethernet connection on Apple TV:

About the Ethernet

Ethernet is a system used to connect electronic devices with the local network. Besides, it can create a local area network for all your connected devices to communicate with each other.

Ethernet connection has some main standard as follows:

10BASE-T – supports up to 10 Mbps
100BASE-T – supports up to 100 Mbps
1000BASE-T (or Gigabit Ethernet) – supports up to 1,000 Mbps

Regarding Ethernet cables, there are 3 types including:

Coaxial cable:
Twisted-pair cable:
Fiber-optic cable:

Some most common types of Ethernet modem:

External modem
Router or Modem combo
Integrated modem
Cable, DSL, Fiber, or Dial-up modem

The way to connect Apple TV to Ethernet

For Apple TV Gen 3 or earlier, Apple applies the 10 or 100BASE-T Ethernet feature. Meanwhile, with the Apple TV Gen 4 or later, it offers up to the Gigabit Ethernet option.

It is a simple process to connect your Apple TV set-top box to the Ethernet connection. Here’s how:

Step 1: Connect your Apple TV and your TV or any other display devices through an HDMI cable

Step 2: Plug 2 ends of the power cord for your Apple TV and your electrical outlet respectively
Step 3: Open your Apple TV Home Screen
Step 2: Go to the Settings section

Step 3: Search for the Network sub-menu
Step 4: Connect one side of the Ethernet cable into your Apple TV Ethernet port and the other side of the cable into your router or modem. Then, after a few seconds, under the Connection heading, the network type will turn into Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi.

Step 5: From the on-screen menu, click on the name of your Ethernet network to activate it.

You may also like: How to connect Apple TV to TV wirelessly

How to check your Ethernet connection on your Apple TV?

After you finish your Ethernet setup for your Apple TV, it is possible for you to test whether it can work well on your device:

Step 1: Open your Apple TV Home Screen with your TV remote
Step 2: Move to the Settings section
Step 3: Select the Network option if your Apple TV Gen 4 or later is in use. Otherwise, choose the Network option under the General heading for Apple TV Gen 3 or earlier.
Step 4: Select the Test Network box, then click on the OK button

What to do when your Apple TV can’t connect with the Ethernet network?

Check if the way you plug your Ethernet cable is correct or not
Restart your Apple TV through the Settings section on your device

Examine all your settings for Ethernet connection
Update your Apple TV into the latest tvOS version
Unplug your router/ modem for a few seconds, then connect your Apple TV with it again
If all of the above-mentioned ways are not effective, contact any Apple store nearby to help you solve this problem

Some questions related to the connection of Ethernet on Apple TV

What is the discrepancy between Ethernet and Wi-Fi?

The main difference between these two types of networks is that an Ethernet connection uses an Ethernet cable to transfer data. Meanwhile, A Wi-Fi connection makes use of wireless signals to send data. In the case of an Ethernet connection, you can have a more stable transmission as well as higher security.

How to switch between Ethernet and Wi-Fi networks on your Apple TV?

To change Ethernet into Wi-Fi connection on Apple TV, you should:

Step 1: Disconnect your Apple TV and your router/modem
Step 2: Visit the Settings section, then select the Network option
Step 3: Choose the name of your Wi-Fi network from the list coming up
Step 4: Enter any password if necessary.

Is it better to connect your Apple TV with a router or modem?

In fact, if Apple TV is the only device you want to get Internet access, you can connect it directly to your modem. Meanwhile, a router is a better choice in case there are multiple devices in use at the same time.

Final thoughts

Apple has launched several versions of Apple TV coming with many updates in features and designs. On all Apple TV versions, they also offer an Ethernet port for the wired network connection. All you need to do is to pair your Apple TV with your router or modem through an Ethernet cable. Depending on the model of Apple TV in use, you would consider the most suitable Ethernet cable.