How to disable password prompts for both free and paid downloads on Apple TV

Apple TV

You are probably aware that you can disable password prompts altogether for free downloads made on your iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and Mac. As an added layer of protection, iOS and macOS will either require your Apple ID password for each paid download or after fifteen minutes of making your last purchases in the iTunes Store, App Store, Books Store or Mac App Store, depending on your preference.

What you cannot do on iOS and macOS is disable password prompts for both free and paid downloads. On the Apple TV, however, it’s possible to turn off password protection for both free and paid items and this tutorial will help you do just that.

How to turn off password prompts on 4th generation Apple TV

Step 1: On your Apple TV, go to Settings → Users and Accounts and select your account.

Step 2: In the section labeled Require Password, click Purchases.

Apple TV fourth generation password settings screenshot 001

Step 3: Now set your preferred level of protection to Never. You can also choose to be reminded to Always enter password for purchases or After 15 Minutes.

Step 4: If you choose an option other than Never above, also select Free Downloads section and choose No to turn off password prompts when downloading free apps from the App Store.

Apple TV fourth generation password settings screenshot 002

Tip: If you set Require Password to Never in step 3, there won’t be an option to turn this setting on.

How to turn off password prompts on 2nd or 3rd generation Apple TV

Step 1: On your Apple TV, go to the Settings → iTunes Store → Sign In section and sign in with your Apple ID and password. If you already are signed in, sign out and then follow the steps in this section to change your password settings.

Step 2: You should now see a screen that offers you to remember the password.

Choosing “Yes” remembers the password for purchases as long as you’re signed in with your Apple ID. Setting your level of protection to “No” will require your password each time you purchase television shows or movies on the device.

Though you can disable password prompts for free items in iOS and macOS, you cannot completely turn off password protection for paid downloads on these platforms.

RELATED: How to turn password prompts for app and media downloads in iOS

As a refresher, related password settings can be found on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch under Settings > Apple ID > iTunes & App Store > Password Settings.

If Touch ID is enabled for App Store purchases, you won’t see this menu so manage these features in Settings > Apple ID > iTunes & App Store > Apple ID. Select View Apple ID, tap your Apple ID, and then head directly to the Apple ID website to make your change.

iTunes store password settings Mac screenshot 001

On your Mac or PC, your preferred level of password protection when downloading apps and media is managed under the Purchases and Free Downloads sub-sections within the Store tab of iTunes’ Preferences, as shown above.

If you like this tip, check out other Apple TV tutorials in our archive.

Stumbled upon, or discovered a nifty little trick for your Apple device? Share your findings in the comments below or shoot us an email at tips@iDownloadBlog.com.