Can You Watch NFL Football on Apple TV? A Gridiron Guide for Apple Users

Yes, you absolutely can watch NFL football on Apple TV. However, the how depends on a few key factors, primarily which games you want to watch and whether you’re subscribing to specific streaming services or utilizing apps that carry live NFL broadcasts. Consider this your comprehensive playbook to navigate the exciting world of NFL on your Apple TV.

Decoding the NFL on Apple TV: Your Viewing Options

Watching the NFL on Apple TV isn’t a one-size-fits-all scenario. It’s more like assembling a winning team, with each player (streaming service or app) bringing unique strengths. Here’s a breakdown of the major contenders:

• NFL+: This is the NFL’s official streaming service. While it primarily focuses on mobile devices and tablets, you can often access it via your Apple TV’s web browser. NFL+ typically offers live local and primetime games on mobile and tablet devices only, plus game replays across all devices, including Apple TV. This is a great option if you primarily want to catch local games and replays.

• ESPN+: ESPN+ provides access to a limited selection of NFL games, particularly Monday Night Football alternate broadcasts and international games. You’ll need the ESPN app on your Apple TV and an ESPN+ subscription to watch these.

• Amazon Prime Video: If you’re an Amazon Prime subscriber, you’re in luck. Prime Video holds the exclusive rights to Thursday Night Football. Download the Prime Video app on your Apple TV and sign in with your Amazon account to catch these games.

• YouTube TV: This live TV streaming service carries all the major broadcast networks (CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN) that air NFL games. With a YouTube TV subscription, you can watch pretty much every game broadcast on network television. The YouTube TV app is available on Apple TV.

• Hulu + Live TV: Similar to YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV offers access to live local and national channels airing NFL games. The Hulu app can be downloaded on your Apple TV.

• FuboTV: FuboTV is another live TV streaming service focusing heavily on sports. It carries many of the same channels as YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV, making it a strong contender for NFL fans. Of course, the FuboTV app is available on the Apple TV platform.

• DIRECTV STREAM: The DIRECTV STREAM platform gives you access to the channels necessary to watch football games, including ESPN, FOX, CBS, and NBC. Download the app to your Apple TV and enjoy the games.

• Over-the-Air (OTA) Antennas: Don’t forget the old-school option! If you live in an area with good reception, an OTA antenna connected to your TV can pick up free broadcasts from local CBS, FOX, and NBC affiliates. Many NFL games are broadcast on these channels. You won’t need the Apple TV for this, but it’s worth mentioning as a cost-effective alternative.

Optimizing Your Apple TV for Game Day

Beyond simply having the right subscriptions and apps, here are some tips to enhance your NFL viewing experience on Apple TV:

• Ensure a Strong Internet Connection: Streaming live sports requires a reliable and fast internet connection. Aim for at least 25 Mbps for a smooth, buffer-free experience. Use an Ethernet cable connection instead of Wi-Fi for improved speed and stability.
• Update Your Apple TV Software: Keep your Apple TV operating system updated to the latest version. This ensures compatibility with the latest apps and streaming features.
• Customize Your Home Screen: Arrange your NFL-related apps (ESPN, Prime Video, YouTube TV, etc.) on your Apple TV home screen for easy access.
• Utilize Siri Voice Control: Use Siri on your Apple TV to quickly launch apps or search for specific games. For example, you can say, “Hey Siri, open YouTube TV” or “Hey Siri, find the NFL game on ESPN.”

NFL on Apple TV: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions surrounding watching NFL football on Apple TV:

1. Can I watch NFL RedZone on Apple TV?

Yes, you can watch NFL RedZone on Apple TV through services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, and DIRECTV STREAM, provided their packages include NFL RedZone. Check the specific package details for each service.

2. Is NFL Game Pass available on Apple TV?

NFL Game Pass has been replaced by NFL+ and streaming options through services like YouTube TV. NFL+ may have limited availability on Apple TV directly, but you can access game replays and other content.

3. Can I watch Sunday Ticket on Apple TV?

NFL Sunday Ticket is now exclusively available on YouTube TV. You’ll need a YouTube TV subscription with the Sunday Ticket add-on to watch out-of-market Sunday afternoon games on your Apple TV.

4. Do I need an Apple TV 4K to watch NFL games in 4K?

While not strictly required, an Apple TV 4K will provide the best viewing experience, especially if the game is broadcast in 4K. Check the specific streaming service to confirm if they offer 4K broadcasts and the requirements to view them.

5. How can I watch Monday Night Football on Apple TV?

Monday Night Football is primarily broadcast on ESPN. You can watch it on Apple TV through services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, DIRECTV STREAM, or by subscribing to ESPN+ for select alternate broadcasts.

6. Can I use AirPlay to stream NFL games to my Apple TV?

Yes, you can use AirPlay to stream content from your iPhone or iPad to your Apple TV. This can be useful if you’re watching on a service that doesn’t have a dedicated Apple TV app.

7. What if my NFL stream keeps buffering on Apple TV?

Buffering issues can be caused by a slow internet connection, outdated software, or problems with the streaming service itself. Try restarting your Apple TV, checking your internet speed, and updating your software. You can also try lowering the video quality in the streaming app’s settings.

8. Are there any free ways to watch NFL games on Apple TV?

Legally, there are very few free ways to watch live NFL games on Apple TV. Over-the-air broadcasts via an antenna are one option. Some bars or restaurants may stream games, and you can view them on your mobile device. It’s very likely you will have to pay for a streaming subscription.

9. Can I record NFL games on my Apple TV?

Yes, services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and FuboTV offer cloud-based DVR functionality, allowing you to record NFL games and watch them later on your Apple TV.

10. How much data does streaming an NFL game on Apple TV use?

Streaming an NFL game in HD can use anywhere from 3 to 7 GB of data per hour. Streaming in 4K will use significantly more. Keep this in mind if you have a limited data plan.

11. Are there any apps that provide NFL scores and highlights on Apple TV?

Yes, the ESPN app and the NFL app both provide scores, highlights, and news on Apple TV.

12. How do I cancel my NFL streaming subscription on Apple TV?

The cancellation process varies depending on the service you’re subscribed to. Generally, you’ll need to go to the service’s website or app settings to manage your subscription.