Level 1 (39 points)

Advice for migrating apps and passwords to a new Apple TV 4K

I have a first generation Apple TV 4K. I have on order one of the new Apple TVs (are they called 5th generation 4K, or something else?).

I would appreciate any advice anybody might have regarding migrating from my old one to the new one. Last I checked, there wasn’t a migration tool (might be one with the new one), or anything like that.

I have two concerns. One, am I going to have to reinstall all my apps, one by one? Of course, this will give me an opportunity to not reinstall those apps that, it’s turned out, I don’t use, but still…

Second, I’m concerned about passwords. To be sure, all my passwords (for, e.g., HBO, Disney+…) are in my Passwords app, I can look them up if I need to. But I was hoping there was an easier way. Does the new Apple TV support iCloud password sharing?

Like I said, any advice would be much appreciated.

TIA, Jeff

🤔😉😊

Posted on Nov 1, 2026 10:50 AM

5 replies

vazandrew

Level 8 (41,662 points)

Nov 1, 2026 12:53 PM in response to Jeff Mark

If you already have it enabled there is nothing further to do. You would just set up the new Apple TV and once signed in with your Apple account it will automatically install all the same apps that were on your previous one. I used it when I upgraded from the Apple TV HD to the 1st gen 4k and then to the current 3rd Gen and can attest it was seamless.

Set up your Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD - Apple Support

When you go into control centre on your iPhone there will be an icon for the remote. Select that and it will let you navigate using the phone's touchscreen. When it is in a text field, like for a password, it should automatically bring up the keyboard and it will prompt to auto-fill a password that is stored in the password app.

Here is a quick video demo of how to find it

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/i71yO1QN5-o

vazandrew

Level 8 (41,662 points)

Nov 1, 2026 12:25 PM in response to Jeff Mark

The new one is the Apple TV 4K (4th generation).

If you ensure one Home Screen is enabled it will automatically install all the apps on the new device.

(Settings - Profiles and Accounts > [default profile] - One Home Screen)

Unfortunately, you will need to sign in to them again but you can just use the remote in control centre to auto-fill using the Passwords app.

Jeff Mark Author

Level 1 (39 points)

Nov 1, 2026 12:39 PM in response to vazandrew

Hi, Vazandrew,…

Thanks very much, this is very helpful. I was not aware of the one home screen feature. Can you tell me a little more, or point me to a resource? For example, what would be the sequence? I have it enabled (now) on my old one, what do I do when I get the new one? Is there something in the setup of the new one that will guide me?

I have an AVR with multiple inputs, so my plan is to have them both plugged in so I can switch back and forth easily. Does that make sense?

Also, when you say “remote in control centre”, can can you be a little more specific? I’m not quite getting it.

Again, thanks.

P.S., yeah, thanks, for some reason I’ve never been able to get it out of my head that the current (for now) edition is third generation, not fourth.

🤔😉😊

Jeff Mark Author

Level 1 (39 points)

Nov 1, 2026 1:31 PM in response to vazandrew

Terrific, thank you. I’d give you more upvotes if I could.

🤔😉😊

vazandrew

Level 8 (41,662 points)

Nov 1, 2026 1:51 PM in response to Jeff Mark

That's greatly appreciated, glad I could help. Have a good one. ☺️

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256387059