Apple TV tips

How to pair and use Xbox and PlayStation controllers with iPhone, iPad, Mac & Apple TV

A photograph showing a young male sitting at their desk, holding a red PlayStation DualShock controller in their hand and playing an Apple Arcade game on their Apple Thunderbolt Display

Apple has ramped up its gaming chops by announcing at its annual developers conference in the summer that iOS 13, iPadOS, tvOS 13 and MacOS Catalina 10.15 software updates bring support for the wireless Xbox and PlayStation game controllers, namely Sony's DualShock 4 controller and Microsoft's Xbox Wireless Controller with Bluetooth. In this tutorial, we'll show you how to pair your Xbox or PlayStation controller and use it to play games on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple TV and Mac, navigate the user interface on your Apple TV and more.

How to use your Apple TV to find your iPhone, iPad or Mac

Find iPhone using Apple TV

The Find My service is terrific for locating your device when you can’t. You can use it from another device, on the web with iCloud.com, or with your HomePod to find your missing devices. But did you know you can also use it with your Apple TV?

So, if you’re hanging out watching a movie or playing a game on Apple TV and suddenly wonder where your iPhone, iPad, or MacBook went, then here’s how to use your Apple TV to play a sound and find the misplaced device.

How to use Apple TV Conference Room Display mode

Conference Room Display Apple TV

If you use an Apple TV in a business setting or classroom, Conference Room Display mode is ideal. Rather than showing the home screen of the Apple TV when you turn it on, you’ll see instructions for how to connect via AirPlay, a custom message, and a background that you choose.

The AirPlay instructions are convenient for companies and the message and background are great for school settings.

If you’d like to give this feature a try, here’s how to use Apple TV Conference Room Display mode.

How to mirror or extend your Mac display to Apple TV

Mirroring my Mac's screen to Apple TV

You can do a lot of great things with your Apple TV, from watching shows to playing games to listening to music. And if you own a Mac, you can work or play on the big screen by mirroring or extending your display to your TV.

You might want to see the work you’re doing on your Mac on a larger screen. Or, you may want to use a second display for easier multitasking. This tutorial shows you how to mirror or extend your Mac display to Apple TV.

How to use Apple Watch as a remote for Apple TV

Remote App Apple Watch for Apple TV

You may already know that you can use your iPhone with the Remote app to control your Apple TV. But did you know you can also use your Apple Watch?

These are convenient options if your Siri remote isn’t nearby, it needs to be charged, or you are having trouble with it. And since you’re already wearing your Apple Watch, you have the handiest remote of all.

Here’s how to use Apple Watch as a remote for Apple TV.

How to manage your Apple Music queue on Apple TV and HomePod

Songs Playing Next Other Devices

If you subscribe to Apple Music, you can control which songs play next on your other devices by using your iPhone or iPad. So, you can queue up what you want to hear on your HomePod when you enter the kitchen or on your Apple TV when you walk into the living room.

Here's how to manage your Apple Music queue on Apple TV and HomePod.