In today’s tech-savvy era, most television sets come equipped with smart functionalities, seamlessly integrating your favorite streaming subscriptions right out of the box. However, for those seeking an enhanced entertainment experience and a plethora of additional features, Apple’s Apple TV 4K streaming box stands out as a compelling choice.

Beyond its primary function as a content streaming device, the Apple TV box doubles as a smart home hub, offering you the ability to effortlessly control various smart devices within your home. This amalgamation of entertainment and smart home control makes the Apple TV 4K a versatile addition to your living space.

One notable feature that adds a layer of personalization to your Apple TV experience is the support for multiple users. Unlike some Apple devices designed for individual use, the Apple TV embraces shared enjoyment. By setting up multiple Apple TV accounts, each member of your household can enjoy a tailored Apple TV experience. The beauty lies in the fact that each profile is linked to its unique Apple ID, granting users access to personalized Apple TV apps, Apple Music, and the App Store.

Setting up multiple profiles on Apple TV is a straightforward process. Navigate to the Users section within the Settings app to invite family members or friends to create their own profiles. Alternatively, you can accomplish this through the Home app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Simply locate the Settings within the Home app and extend invitations to individuals, enabling them to customize their interface just like they would on any other Apple device.

In essence, the ability to establish multiple Apple TV users not only enhances individual viewing preferences but also fosters a shared entertainment ecosystem within your home. It’s a feature that transforms your Apple TV into a personalized haven for each member of your household, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable streaming experience for everyone.

Use your iPhone to enter text faster

Since the iPhone is one of Apple’s devices you can use to control the Apple TV hardware, it also acts as a handy keyboard. And you’ll need keyboard access on Apple TV and any other streaming box connected to your TV set.

Entering usernames and passwords using the Apple TV remote is hardly a great experience. That’s where the iPhone will come in handy. And yes, an iPad would be even better.

The best part about using an iOS or iPadOS device to enter text on Apple TV is that you don’t have to do anything to set it up. Simply have the iPhone or iPad nearby when entering text. The devices will get a notification prompting you to use the iPhone or iPad as keyboards.

Balance display color with the iPhone

There’s an additional use for the iPhone when it comes to your Apple TV experience. You can use the smartphone to calibrate the display of your TV. As SlashGear points out, you’ll need an iPhone with Face ID running iOS 14.5 or later.

Open the Settings app on iPhone, select Video and Audio, and look for Calibration and Color Balance. The Apple TV will invite you to follow prompts that let you use the iPhone to calibrate the color. Bring the iPhone close to the TV, flip it around so the Face ID camera points to it, and hold the phone so it fits a box that Apple puts up.

The iPhone and Apple TV will work together to calibrate the display.

Download the Apple TV app

It’s confusing at times, but Apple TV users already know that Apple also has an Apple TV app. You should use the Apple TV app on your Apple TV device to access content from Apple TV+, iTunes, and MLS.

The Apple TV also offers access to streaming services like HBO Max or Showtime, although Netflix is one exception. Once you’ve logged into these apps using the single sign-on option, you’ll have an easier time keeping track of the content you watch.

Make sure to enable Up Next from the Settings app to show up at the top of the home screen. The menu will list all the shows you’ve started, regardless of the streaming service. Again, Netflix is an exception, as those titles won’t appear here.

Use Apple TV to upgrade your sound experience

If you own an Apple TV streaming box, you can use it to improve your sound experience while watching content. The simplest way to do it is by adding Apple’s smart speakers. The Apple TV supports the HomePod and HomePod mini, and you can set them up from the Home app on your Apple devices or the Settings app on your Apple TV.

But you can go further than that and have your Apple TV play audio from any device connected to the TV. The key thing to do here is to connect the Apple TV via HDMI to your TV using the TV port marked eARC or ARC. Once that’s done, turn on the TV to enable HDMI-CEC.

Set up the HomePods as the default audio output on the TV and then finalize the setup inside the Apple TV’s Settings app. To complete the setup, you’ll be looking for the Play Television Audio option under Audio Return Channel.

Use Apple TV to manage your smart home

I’ve already mentioned that the Apple TV can act as a home hub to control your smart hub devices. But you have to ensure you have the proper hardware to do it. Almost any Apple TV 4K 2021 or later will do, except for the $129 2022 model.

The main reason you should use an Apple TV to control your smart home is that it lets you do it from afar. That’s an important feature, especially if you’re continuously expanding the number of smart gadgets in your home. You’ll want to control some of them remotely, like setting up thermostat temperature, turning on the AC, managing your home security system, and having your robot vacuum do its rounds.

Setting the streaming box as a home hub is easy. Go to the Settings app, and ensure you’re the default user and that you’re using the Apple ID associated with all the other smart devices. Next, look for AirPlay and HomeKit to select a Room for the Apple TV.