Typing on the Apple TV is very inconvenient with the remote control. In this article, we explain how to pair a bluetooth keyboard, so that you can enter text more easily.
Pair Apple TV keyboard
Searching on Apple TV, it remains problematic as the Dutch language is not yet supported by Siri. Entering text by voice is not an option, so you have to rely on the remote control. With that you have to swipe over a line to tap letters. Clumsy.
If you have a Bluetooth keyboard, you can connect it to your Apple TV for typing. If you work with that, it will be much easier to enter texts. It was impossible at first, but since the arrival of tvOS 9.2, the Apple TV also supports Bluetooth keyboards, just like older Apple TVs did. If you want to know how it works, read the steps below. Connecting your keyboard is pretty easy. Grab a keyboard that is still available, otherwise you will have problems with, for example, a linked Mac (Book).
This is how linking works
To add a keyboard, you must be running the latest version of tvOS. Check in the settings of your device whether this is the case, or whether an update is ready. Then follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app and choose ‘Remotes and Devices’;
- Choose under ‘Other devices’ for the bluetooth menu;
- Put your keyboard in ‘Pairing mode’ (this differs per keyboard, with an Apple keyboard, press the power button for a few seconds until the light flashes);
- The keyboard is seen by the Apple TV and appears in the list, choose the device with the remote control;
- A numerical code will appear on the screen, which you enter on the keyboard, followed by ‘Enter’;
- The keyboard is now paired.
From now on, you no longer need to pair the keyboard, but if you no longer want to use it, go to ‘My devices’ in the settings. Then you choose to disconnect or forget the Apple TV.
Remote app
Another text entry option on Apple TV is to use Apple’s Remote app. You just type with the iPhone keyboard. That works well, but it might be inconvenient if it’s on the charger or if you don’t want to open the app all the time. In this article we explain how it works with the Remote app.
Read more about the Apple TV
- New Apple TV gets high refresh rate of 120Hz (6-4)
- New Apple TV gets modified remote control (24-3)
- ‘Apple will unveil new products on 23 March during online event’ (8-3)
- Week 52 news overview: better privacy, first Apple car in 2024 and more (26-12-2020)
- Concept: This is how the Apple TV Pro can look with new remote control (24-12-2020)