I tried using an Apple TV 4K without internet

• This isn’t a good idea
• It’s hard to not use the internet

Most people pick up an Apple TV 4K to install apps such as Netflix and HBO Max — perhaps soon to be the same company — to watch their favorite shows and movies. It goes without saying that you need the internet to get the most out of that experience, and I can’t imagine why anybody would look for a way to keep their device off the internet. Nevertheless, I decided to give it a go and see how functional an Apple TV 4K is without an internet connection. As you might’ve guessed, it didn’t go well.

For starters, if you don’t use the internet to set up your device for the first time, it’s pretty much a brick. You can’t download anything without using the internet, so I wouldn’t recommend buying a fresh Apple TV 4K with hopes of using it fully offline. However, if you can use the internet for a little bit and download some things beforehand, you will have more luck.

This isn’t a good idea

I wouldn’t recommend this at all

After disconnecting the Wi-Fi from my Apple TV 4K, I quickly found myself with a useless paperweight. I use an Android, so using AirPlay to watch something was completely out of the question. Things already downloaded that don’t need a constant connection, like something from Apple Arcade, still work, so you have that going for you at least.

So, yes, you don’t need to have the internet to use your Apple TV 4K, but you’re not going to get much use out of it. You can still plug in external devices and use things that are already installed, but don’t expect to stream anything at all. It’s a fun idea to try because it certainly feels like we’re all too connected at times, but I don’t think this is a good experiment to try with an Apple TV 4K. It’ll turn on, but don’t expect to get much further than that.

Some apps refuse to open without an internet connection.

To be fair, I don’t think many smart devices like this have much value if you don’t have internet. We’re very much in a world that relies on having a stable internet connection, so using something like an Apple TV 4K without it doesn’t make a lot of sense. It’s cool to try for an afternoon or so, but I’d plug it back in right after if I were you.

It’s hard to not use the internet

Look for other means

If you are trying to disconnect, then taking your Apple TV 4K isn’t the best option for that. Instead, I would recommend using older devices like an iPod or even a Game Boy. These two things can still give you quite a bit of enjoyment with no internet connection whatsoever. I’ve actually been getting more into devices like this, and I have a healthy collection of Game Boys, but it doesn’t have anything to do with wanting to disconnect.

You can’t download anything without using the internet, so I wouldn’t recommend buying a fresh Apple TV 4K with hopes of using it fully offline.

The reality is that in 2026, anything you buy technology-wise is going to want a connection to the internet. That’s not really a problem for me, but I understand how it can be a hang-up for others. There aren’t many alternatives to this, especially if you cut the cable cord already. If privacy concerns are an issue, there are some steps you can take with various devices, but you’ll still largely need a constant internet connection to enjoy most things. Physical media is still around, but it feels like its footprint is getting smaller and smaller each year. I have my fingers crossed that the next generation game consoles will have a disc drive, but I can’t even guarantee that’ll be the case anymore.