Typing on an Apple TV using the Siri Remote can be frustrating—scrolling through each letter to enter a password, search a movie, or sign in to an app is time-consuming. That’s where the Apple TV keyboard feature comes in. Whether you’re using your iPhone, iPad, or even a Bluetooth keyboard, Apple makes it easy to type quickly and comfortably on your Apple TV.
This guide covers everything you need to know about using a keyboard with Apple TV—how to enable it, what devices are compatible, and which method is best for you.
What Is the Apple TV Keyboard?
The Apple TV keyboard isn’t a standalone accessory—it’s a typing feature built into the Apple ecosystem. When you need to enter text on your Apple TV, you can use your iPhone or iPad as a keyboard, or connect a Bluetooth keyboard directly to the Apple TV.
Apple also offers on-screen typing via the Siri Remote, but this is often slow and clunky compared to the other options.
Ways to Use a Keyboard with Apple TV
You have three main ways to type on Apple TV:
Use Your iPhone or iPad as a Keyboard
This is the fastest and most seamless method. When you’re near your Apple TV and prompted to type something, your iPhone or iPad will automatically show a keyboard notification.
How to Use:
- Make sure your Apple TV and iOS device are on the same Wi-Fi network and signed in to the same Apple ID.
- When the Apple TV shows a text input screen (e.g., search bar or login), a notification appears on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap the notification, and a keyboard pops up for typing.
You can also use the Apple TV Remote app inside the Control Center.
Steps:
- Open Control Center on your iPhone/iPad.
- Tap Apple TV Remote.
- Choose your Apple TV.
- Use the keyboard interface to type or search.
This method is perfect for typing passwords, app names, or browsing.
Connect a Bluetooth Keyboard to Apple TV
If you prefer a physical keyboard, you can connect any Bluetooth keyboard directly to your Apple TV.
To Set It Up:
- Put your Bluetooth keyboard in pairing mode.
- On your Apple TV, go to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth.
- Select your keyboard from the list.
- Enter the pairing code if prompted.
Once connected, you can use it to:
- Type in search bars
- Navigate menus using arrow keys
- Press Return to confirm selections
This is a great option for those who type often or use their Apple TV for productivity.
Use On-Screen Keyboard with Siri Remote
This is the default method, but the least convenient. You scroll through each letter using the trackpad on the Siri Remote.
You can improve this by:
- Using voice dictation with the Siri button
- Turning your iPhone sideways to get a full keyboard view in the Remote app
Benefits of Using Apple TV Keyboard
| Benefit | Description |
| Speed | Type faster using real keyboards or on-screen iPhone input |
| Accuracy | Fewer typing errors, especially for complex passwords |
| Convenience | No need to scroll through letters one-by-one |
| Productivity | Easier text input for apps like YouTube, browsers, etc. |
| Multi-User Friendly | Family members can use their iPhones to input text |
Best Bluetooth Keyboards for Apple TV
Here are some great keyboards to pair with Apple TV:
| Keyboard Name | Features | Price Range |
| Apple Magic Keyboard | Seamless pairing, long battery life | $$$ |
| Logitech K380 | Compact, multi-device pairing | $$ |
| Arteck Bluetooth Keyboard | Slim, affordable, universal compatibility | $ |
Most Bluetooth keyboards that support HID (Human Interface Device) will work with Apple TV.
Apple TV Keyboard Notifications Not Working?
Sometimes the keyboard prompt doesn’t appear on your iPhone or iPad. Here’s how to fix it:
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Make sure both devices are using the same Apple ID.
- Confirm Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled.
- Update your devices to the latest iOS and tvOS versions.
- Restart both the Apple TV and the iOS device.
- Check Settings > Notifications > Apple TV Keyboard on your iPhone and make sure alerts are enabled.
Using Keyboard for Text Search on Apple TV Apps
Many apps like Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, and Apple Music support external keyboard input. When you’re searching for shows or logging in, using a connected keyboard or your iPhone can save serious time.
Tip: If you’re using Safari via screen mirroring, you can even type directly into search bars using your iPhone’s keyboard.
FAQs
How do I get the Apple TV keyboard on my iPhone?
You don’t need to install anything. When your Apple TV is active and asking for input, a keyboard notification automatically appears on your iPhone (if on the same Wi-Fi and Apple ID).
Can I use any Bluetooth keyboard with Apple TV?
Yes, most Bluetooth keyboards work. Just pair them via Settings > Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth on your Apple TV.
What if the Apple TV keyboard doesn’t show up on my iPhone?
Make sure both devices are updated and on the same Apple ID and Wi-Fi network. Also, enable Apple TV Keyboard notifications in your iPhone settings.
Can I use my iPad as a keyboard for Apple TV?
Yes. Just like with an iPhone, a notification will appear on your iPad when text input is needed on the Apple TV.
Does Apple sell a physical Apple TV keyboard?
No, but Apple supports Bluetooth keyboards and offers virtual keyboards through iPhone and iPad integration.