Can Alexa Control Apple TV?

2020 Update 

Although nearly three years old, all the information in this article is still relevant. These 4 simple steps will help you connect your Alexa to your Apple TV; scroll down to find out how.  

Have you ever wondered, “how does Apple TV work,” or “can Alexa control my Apple TV?” 

The answer is: Yes, it can! 

 And I’m going to show you how in just a few easy steps. 

While your Alexa might not be able to control  Apple TV  or say… your wireless home security system from  Brinks Home Security™ on its own, you can easily add a control hub unit like the  Logitech Harmony Hub  to accomplish your goals with just a few short steps. 

1. Your Equipment List 

While Alexa is not able to directly control your Apple TV unit, you can use a home hub controller like the  Harmony Hub Remote  to create a task list for Alexa to execute allowing her to turn on your television, switch the input to the Apple TV, and connect to the audio system.  In order to achieve this, you will need: 

• Amazon Echo and/or Amazon Echo Dot 

• Your smartphone or tablet that supports your Apple TV 

• A hub remote, like the Logitech Harmony Hub Remote 

• A Wi-Fi enabled home network 

• Apple TV 

• Flat screen television with HDMI connections 

2. Set Up Your Harmony Hub 

While Alexa can turn on your television set, it doesn’t have the ability to complete a complex list of tasks to open the connection to your Apple TV. This is why you add a hub which creates that task list and feeds it to Alexa when you use the magic command, “Alexa, watch Apple TV.” 

Your  Harmony Hub, for example,  works using an infrared signal to turn on your television and execute other commands normally controlled by your television remote.  So, the Hub must be positioned in a direct line of sight to your television, gaming systems, streaming video device like the Apple TV, and any other Wi-Fi enabled units you want to add to your home automation network.   You can’t hide it in a cabinet, as the wood will block the signal. 

Next, you need to download the app for the Harmony Hub by visiting the Apple or Android store. The app will walk you through creating your account and connecting it to your home Wi-Fi network.  You will need the password to your home network. 

3. Connect Apple TV to Your Harmony 

During setup, the  Harmony Hub  will look for other Wi-Fi enabled devices nearby and ask you if you wish to add those devices to your system.  If your Apple TV does not appear automatically, click on the search icon and select your version of Apple TV from the list.  It will ask you for your Apple TV account information – you only need to enter this information once, as the Harmony and Alexa will store it for future use. 

Finally, you need to  create an Activity in the Harmony Hub. You will enter in the voice command you will use to turn on your Apple TV.  Next, you need to create the activity list that Alexa and Harmony will walk through to access your unit.  This may include turning on the television, selecting the correct input, logging into your Apple TV account, and choosing the audio system. 

4. Talk to Alexa 

Once your Activity is saved, you are ready to go!  Simply say, “Alexa, watch Apple TV,” and you are good to go!  You will still need to use your Apple TV app to select which shows to watch, but you won’t need to find any remote to get going. 

Can Alexa Control Roku? 

Homeowners with Roku on their television will be happy to know they can use Alexa to operate the media player. But how can Alexa control Roku? The Roku is a skill available on Alexa. This means accessing your media from the Roku is as easy as saying “Alexa, open Hulu on Roku.” 

To enable the Roku skill, users should open their Alexa mobile application, go to settings and tap on TV & Video. Then they can activate the Roku skill and link their account. 

Brinks Home Security works with our customers to create a professionally-monitored home security system with home automation that you can use to streamline your life. Give us a call to learn more today. 

 Krista Bruton is a DFW-based writer who covers smart home security and consumer protection.