How to Access a Web Browser on Apple TV?
Using a web browser on Apple TV unlocks new possibilities for big-screen experiences: streaming enthusiasts can access niche platforms, convenience seekers enjoy seamless cross-device access, and gamers dive into large-screen web-based games —all through a single browser.
However, Apple TV doesn't have a web browser installed like Safari or Chrome. To access a web browser on your Apple TV, you can check the following walkarounds.
1Does Apple TV Have A Browser?
No, Apple TV does not have a built-in browser. While the idea of having a browser on a TV device might seem appealing for some users, Apple has intentionally chosen not to include this feature on Apple TV. The company seems to focus on providing a streamlined and optimized media experience rather than offering a traditional web browsing feature.
Possible Reasons:
- App-Centric Experience: Apple focuses on apps designed specifically for TV, ensuring a smooth and consistent experience rather than introducing a complex browser.
- Navigation Challenges: Using a remote to browse the web is cumbersome and inefficient, as it lacks the precision of a keyboard or touch interface.
- User Experience Issues: Web browsing on TV is typically slow, lacking browser extensions, and doesn’t perform as well as desktop or mobile browsers.
- tvOS Guidelines: Apple’s strict app guidelines prioritize simplicity. A browser would introduce unnecessary complexity and disrupt the platform's consistency.
For users who want to use a browser on Apple TV, there are a variety of alternatives to choose from, including using AirPlay, third-party browser apps, and officially supported web services. Each method has its pros and cons, and you can choose the most suitable method based on your needs.
2How to Get a Web Browser on Apple TV? - AirPlay
Apple recommends using AirPlay to mirror a browser screen from an iPhone or Mac to Apple TV. This allows users to browse the web on their TV without needing a built-in browser.
How to Access a Web Browser on Apple TV Using AirPlay?
- To do so, you must first ensure both devices are connected to the Wi-Fi. Once verified, decide what want to cast to your TV using AirPlay.
- If you're wanting to look up a video, open it on your Apple Device.
- Next, drag down the top of your screen to open the control menu.
- There should be data for your video or web page located in the top right square. Find the AirPlay icon and select it.
- After that, you should see a list of all available devices for you to choose from. Select the Apple TV, wait a few minutes, and soon you should see the video being played directly onto your TV screen.
- If the video doesn't play right away, try selecting play on your Apple Device to get it going.
How to Surf a Web Browser on Apple TV Using AirPlay from Mac?
- To start this process, you must first ensure that both your Mac and Apple TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Once that's done, click on the AirPlay icon in your Mac's menu bar and select “Mirror Display” from the drop-down list.
- Your Mac will now start mirroring its display onto your Apple TV.
- Now that you've set up screen mirroring between your devices, launching your preferred web browser on your Mac is time.
- You should see it being mirrored on your Apple TV as well.
Bonus: Mirror Chrome/Safari To Apple TV with AirDroid Cast
If there is something wrong with your AirPlay, AirDroid Cast is the best AirPlay alternative for you. It's a free screen mirroring app to use when your devices are in a same Wi-fi network.
Let's have a look at how to access the web browser on Apple TV using AirDroid Cast.
- Step 1. Download AirDroid Cast app on your mobile/PC and your Apple TV.
- Step 2. Keep both devices on the same Wi-Fi, and then on your mobile/pc enther the 9 digital code shown on TV.
- Step 3. Allow the casting request and then open your browser.
3Web Browser App for Apple TV – Top 4 Picks
Here, we mainly find 4 helpful app to use the web browser.Check the table and know the details.
Criteria | AirWeb | AirBrowser | Web Video Cast | Castify |
---|---|---|---|---|
Price | $1.99 (one-time) | $4.99 (one-time) | Free (+$3.99 premium) | Free |
Key Focus | General browsing | Desktop-like browsing | Video streaming | 4K casting |
iOS Device Support | iPhone 4S+, iPad 2+ | iPhone 4S+, iPad 2+ | Modern iOS devices | Modern iOS devices |
Apple TV Compatibility | 2nd–4th gen | 2nd–4th gen | All AirPlay-enabled | All AirPlay-enabled |
Latest Update | 2016 (v1.4.0) | 2019 | 2025 | 2025 |
User Feedback | Mixed (clunky but functional) | Limited (positive for precision) | Strong (video focus) | Basic (4K praised) |
AirWeb
Latest Version: Last updated in 2016 (v1.4.0), with a pending 2.0 update.
Pricing: One-time fee of $1.99.
User Reviews: Praised for simplicity and functionality, but criticized for crashes and clunky installation.
AirWeb is a dedicated web browser for Apple TV that enables users to browse the web on their TV screen via AirPlay mirroring. It transforms an iOS device into a trackpad for navigation, offering features like scrolling, zooming, and back/forward controls.
The app mirrors web content from an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch to the Apple TV via AirPlay. The iOS device acts as a touch-based remote, with a virtual trackpad for cursor movement and buttons for basic navigation.
It supports iPhone 4S and later, iPad 2 and later, iPod Touch 5th gen, with requiring Apple TV 2nd/3rd/4th gen or HDMI/VGA dongle.
AirBrowser
Latest Version: Last updated in 2019.
Pricing: One-time fee of $4.99.
User Reviews: Limited public reviews; noted for ease of use but lacks recent updates.
AirBrowser is an app similar to AirWeb, allowing you to cast your iPad, iPod, or iPhone directly to your Apple TV. Using this service is as simple as downloading AirBrowser from the app store into your device and connecting to your Apple TV.
AirBrowser facilitates web browsing on Apple TV by mirroring iOS device screens, offering a desktop-like pointer for precise navigation.It only requires an Apple TV or and HDMI cable and a iOS device (iPhone 4s or greater, iPad 2 or greater, iPod 5).
The app provides a responsive cursor and "scale-to-fit" screen optimization for readability.
Web Video Cast
Latest Version: Updated in Mar 6, 2025.
Pricing: Free downloading & $3.99 for premium version.
User Reviews: Praised for reliability in video casting but limited as a full browser.
Web video cast is another app that you can download to cast your web browser directly to your Apple TV. Web Video Cast allows you to cast movies, TV shows, live streams, news, and much other online content to your Apple TV quickly and effectively.
Focused on streaming video content to Apple TV, this app extracts video URLs from web pages and casts them directly to the TV, bypassing mobile device strain. You can browse the web within the app, select a video, and cast it via Chromecast, DLNA, or Apple TV. The app streams content directly from the source, conserving your mobile device’s battery life.
Castify
Latest Version: Updated in 2025.
Pricing: Free to use.
User Reviews: Appreciated for 4K support but criticized for basic browsing functionality.
Lastly, Castify is another option to use the web browser on your Apple TV. The app is free to download, and you can start using it immediately. You can either first use the cast button to connect to your Apple TV or find what you’re searching for first by clicking on the browser button located on the right of the page.
When the browser is open, the picture below is what you can expect to see. The app is compatible with Ultra HD 4K, and you can cast both internet files and phone files onto your TV.
Things to Notice
Besides these, some users suggest enabling browser functionality on Apple TV by modifying system files (such as "Availability.h") or using third-party open-source projects like "tvOSBrowser" through Xcode sideloading.
However, these methods involve low-level manual operations, such as changing permissions, editing system files, and compiling and installing unofficial apps, which can compromise system stability or conflict with future system updates.
These operations are not officially verified by Apple, and if done incorrectly, they could lead to issues like the device failing to boot, malfunctioning features, or potential security risks.
When selecting third-party browser apps or mirroring software, prioritize products with a strong security reputation, regular updates, and trusted developers. Be sure to review their privacy policies carefully.
4The Bottom Line – Web Browser for Apple TV
Using a web browser on your Apple TV is a great way to enhance your overall viewing experience. Not only does it help you access content that isn’t readily available on your Apple TV and lets you have more control over your TV shows, movies, and other media.
Try these mentioned methods to get access to web browser on your Apple TV!
FAQs about Browsing the Internet Using Your Apple TV





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