Steve's Guides

Top Tricks: Streaming Apple Fitness+ on Your TV - No Apple TV Required

Explore numerous methods to stream Apple Fitness+ on your TV without an Apple TV in this insightful guide. Discover how you can use Smart TVs with AirPlay, mirror from your iPhone or iPad, or even connect a laptop via HDMI for superior video quality. Learn about streaming devices like Roku and Amazon Fire Stick with AirPlay support and follow step-by-step instructions to enable this feature. Experiment and find the best solution for your fitness journey.

Readers like you help support us. When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Published Jan 29, 2024

You're eager to try out Apple Fitness+, but you don't have an Apple TV? No worries, we've got you covered. This guide will show you how to get your sweat on with Apple's fitness service without needing their set-top box.

Believe it or not, there's more than one way to stream Apple Fitness+ on your TV. Whether you're a tech novice or a seasoned pro, you'll find these methods simple and straightforward. Let's dive into the world of workouts without the Apple TV constraint.

Use a Smart TV with AirPlay

Let's talk about another viable option: Utilizing a Smart TV with AirPlay. AirPlay is Apple's proprietary screen mirroring protocol, allowing you to broadcast your iPhone, iPad, or Mac screen to a larger display. Conveniently, many modern Smart TV models are equipped with built-in AirPlay support.

First off, ensure your Smart TV and your Apple device are on the same Wi-Fi network. If they're not, the devices won't recognize each other, and AirPlay won't be an option. It's simply a matter of selecting the same Wi-Fi network on your Apple device and Smart TV.

Once your devices are connected, open Apple Fitness+ on your iPhone or iPad. Locate the AirPlay icon (it looks like a rectangle with a triangle at the bottom) either in the control center or within the Fitness+ app. Tap on the icon and select your Smart TV from the list.

Once selected, your device will start mirroring to the TV immediately. You'll see your Fitness+ workouts right there on your Smart TV, all without needing an Apple TV. You're now free to train directly on the big screen making your workout experience more engaging and hard to skip.

Remember, the experience may vary depending on your device's software version and the Smart TV brand. Some screens may not show video in the full, high definition that you'd expect with Apple Fitness+. That's because the ability to broadcast in high-definition depends on the device's capabilities, not the Fitness+ service.

Thanks to AirPlay, getting Apple Fitness+ on your TV without Apple TV is perfectly doable. Regardless if you're a tech novice or an experienced tech user, using AirPlay is relatively straightforward. So take advantage of your Smart TV's built-in features, and elevate your workout game today.

Move on to the next steps for using Apple Fitness+ on other devices, or try a different approach if you prefer.

Mirror from iPhone or iPad to TV

Another viable option to get Apple Fitness+ on your TV without an Apple TV is by mirroring from your iPhone or iPad directly to your TV. This method, although requires a bit of setup, provides you an effortless streaming experience once completed. Here's the step-by-step guide to help you set up and stream Apple Fitness+ on your TV, leveraging the screen mirroring feature of your iPhone or iPad.

First, you need to guarantee that your TV is compatible with Apple's AirPlay 2, a requirement needed for smooth streaming. You'll find a variety of brands that support this such as Samsung, LG, and Vizio. You don't just need a compatible TV, but you also need an iPhone or iPad running iOS 12.3 or later to successfully mirror your device's screen to your TV.

Before commencing, make sure your iPhone or iPad and your smart TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Next, swipe down from the top right corner of your iPhone or iPad to access the control center. Here locate and select the “Screen Mirroring” option. Upon tapping this, a list of available devices ready for screen mirroring will appear. Identify and select your smart TV from the list, and voila, your device's screen should now be mirrored on your TV.

To begin streaming Apple Fitness+, just navigate the app on your iPhone or iPad and start a workout= - you'll see the workout on your TV replicated in real-time. So now, you can enjoy your workouts on your TV's big screen without requiring an Apple TV.

Remember, video quality might be dictated by your device's capabilities. Thus, devices with higher resolution displays, like the latest iPhones or iPads, could arguably translate into a better viewing experience on your TV.

Although the initial setup might test your patience, the reward is a seamless, clear and effective way to enjoy, train and pump those muscles using Apple Fitness+ on your bigger TV screen. You've got all the steps, so what’re you waiting for? Let's start working out like never before.

Connect a Laptop or Computer to TV

Expanding your horizons for getting Apple Fitness+ on your TV without an Apple TV, you can also use a laptop or computer connected directly to your TV. To accomplish this, your TV needs an available HDMI port. Mostly you'll find these available on the back of your TV. Alongside, you require an HDMI cable, a fairly common household item.

You connect one end of the HDMI cable into your computer's HDMI port and the other end into your TV's HDMI port. Confirm that both your computer and TV are powered on and navigate to the correct input source on your TV. Typically, your TV remote has a source or input button that will guide you through this process.

Once successful, your computer screen effectively becomes mirrored on your TV. From here, you can navigate to the Apple Fitness+ website on your laptop computer, launch your workout and view it on a larger screen. The advantage to this option is that it's not specific to certain brands or models, as long as your computer and TV have the appropriate connections it's doable.

A laptop or computer setup offers a higher video quality experience compared to mirroring from an iPhone or iPad to the TV. However, remember that the video quality doesn't solely depend on the device's capabilities, but also on your internet speed and connection stability.

While viewing your workouts on the TV screen via a laptop or computer, it's critical to keep your device within reach if you need to adjust workout settings quickly. Unlike mirroring from an iPhone or iPad, where you can effortlessly use your device as a remote, the laptop or computer setup might lack a bit in the accessibility department.

Navigating the Apple Fitness+ website might feel different compared to the app, but it's nothing you can't get adjusted to over time. To have the best fitness experience, spend some time familiarizing yourself with the website's interface before your workout. Following these steps will help you eliminate possible distractions, and let you focus on what matters the most - your fitness.

Use a Streaming Device with AirPlay Support

So, there's another viable way to get Apple Fitness+ on your TV without the aid of an Apple TV: using a streaming device with AirPlay support. This unique feature, found in some streaming devices, allows for an elevated viewing experience. With devices like the Roku or the Amazon Fire Stick, streaming Apple Fitness+ just got simpler and more convenient.

Roku, for example, has seized upon this technology, integrating AirPlay support into most of its models. This simply means that your Apple device can easily pair with your Roku, offering the benefits of larger screen workouts. Consider Roku models like the Roku Premiere, Roku Streaming Stick+, or Roku Ultra which are known for their reliable AirPlay capabilities.

On the other hand, certain Amazon Fire Stick models are a tad more convoluted but nonetheless feasible. While Amazon Fire Sticks do not natively support AirPlay, you're still in luck. You can make use of third-party apps like AirScreen or Mirror for Fire TV to establish the connection. These apps let you mirror your Apple device screen onto your TV via the Fire Stick.

Here's a stepwise guide for both Roku and Fire Stick users:

  • Ensure your streaming device and Apple device are on the same Wi-Fi network
  • For Roku users: Navigate to your device settings and enable AirPlay.
  • For Fire Stick users: Download and install one of the aforementioned apps, start the app and then start screen mirroring from your Apple device.

As you propel into a seamless exercise routine, remember to keep the laptop or computer within reach for quick adjustments. Just like previous methods, mastering this technique may take some trials. So, take your time and keep experimenting until you're comfortable. Having said that, enjoy a distraction-free fitness workout experience with streaming devices, another resource for getting Apple Fitness+ on TV.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of tech can be tricky, but you've got this! You're now equipped with several methods to get Apple Fitness+ on your TV without an Apple TV. Whether it's using a Smart TV with AirPlay, mirroring from your iPhone or iPad, or connecting a laptop or computer via HDMI, you've got options. Don't forget about streaming devices like Roku or Amazon Fire Stick with AirPlay support. Remember, it's all about finding what works best for you. So go ahead, start experimenting with these methods, and make your fitness journey more enjoyable and convenient. And remember, keep that laptop or computer close by for those quick adjustments. Happy streaming!

Can I stream Apple Fitness+ on my Smart TV without an Apple TV?

Yes, you certainly can. One way is to use a Smart TV that supports AirPlay. If your TV doesn't have AirPlay, you can mirror your iPhone or iPad directly to your TV.

Can I connect my computer to my TV to stream Apple Fitness+?

Definitely. One method involves connecting your laptop or computer directly to your TV using an HDMI cable. Major benefit of this method includes higher video quality.

Can I use a streaming device to stream Apple Fitness+ on my TV?

Absolutely, this article explains how streaming devices with AirPlay support like Roku and Amazon Fire Stick can be used. Step-by-step instructions are provided for both devices.

Do I need to keep my computer near while streaming?

Yes, it's recommended to keep your computer within reach for quick adjustments while streaming.

Which is the best method to stream Apple Fitness+ on my TV?

There isn't a 'best' method. Different methods work for different individuals. Feel free to experiment to find out what works best for you.

This article was originally published on 29 Jan 2024 but has been regularly updated to keep the information current.
Kyle Crisp
Kyle has been using Apple products for over 25 years. He loves helping people learn how to use their Apple devices.
Was this article helpful?
Yes
No
Thanks for letting us know.
Leave this field blank

Sign up for our newsletter for helpful guides and reviews on Apple devices delivered directly to your inbox.
Leave this field blank
By clicking ‘Sign up', you agree to receive marketing emails from us as well as other partner offers and accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.