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Apple TV guide

Enable Single App Mode on Apple TV.

Single App Mode (we call it Digital Signage Mode) makes the POMP app open automatically when the Apple TV starts, and stops anyone closing it with the remote. It takes about 15 minutes with a Mac and Apple Configurator.

Get POMP for Apple TVSetting up lots of screens?

What you'll set up

Mac with Apple Configurator
Ethernet or USB-C connection
Apple TV locked to POMP, opening on boot
Before you start

What you need.

  • A Mac with Apple Configurator installed (free from the Mac App Store).
  • A USB-C cable (Apple TV HD only) or an Ethernet cable (Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K models with an Ethernet port).
  • Your Apple TV and Mac on the same network, with the Apple TV connected by Ethernet if you're pairing over the network.
  • The Apple TV showing the “Pair Your Remote” screen. If it isn't, use a new Apple TV or reset it in Settings › System › Reset.
Step by step

Lock your Apple TV to POMP.

Pair the Apple TV over Ethernet

Skip this if you're connecting an Apple TV HD with a USB-C cable.

  1. 1
    Open Apple Configurator on your Mac.
  2. 2
    From the menu bar, choose Apple Configurator › Paired Devices.
  3. 3
    Choose your Apple TV in the Paired Devices list, then click Pair.
  4. 4
    Enter the 6-digit code shown on the Apple TV screen on your Mac.
  5. 5
    Close the Paired Devices window.
Illustration, simplified from Apple Configurator and tvOS.

Step 1: Put the Apple TV in Supervised mode

Preparing the Apple TV erases it.

  1. 1
    Open Apple Configurator.
  2. 2
    Connect the Apple TV to your Mac with a USB-C cable (not needed if you paired over Ethernet).
  3. 3
    Select your Apple TV.
  4. 4
    Click Prepare.
  5. 5
    Click Next twice.
  6. 6
    Choose your organisation if it's listed, otherwise choose New Organisation.
  7. 7
    If your organisation is in Apple's Device Enrolment Program, sign in. Otherwise click Skip.
  8. 8
    Enter your organisation's name and click Next.
  9. 9
    Choose Generate a new supervision identity and click Next.
  10. 10
    Choose which Setup Assistant steps to show. For digital signage, keep the defaults.
  11. 11
    Click Prepare.
  12. 12
    When asked, use Touch ID or enter your Mac password.
  13. 13
    If you're told the device is already prepared, click Erase to erase and prepare it again.
Illustration, simplified from Apple Configurator and tvOS.

Step 2: Set up the Apple TV

  1. 1
    When the Apple TV restarts, pair your remote by tapping it.
  2. 2
    Connect to your Wi-Fi network (skip this on a wired connection).
  3. 3
    Sign in with your Apple ID.Tip: the Apple TV Remote on your iPhone (in Control Centre) makes typing your details much quicker.
Illustration, simplified from Apple Configurator and tvOS.

Step 3: Install POMP Digital Signage

  1. 1
    Open the App Store on the Apple TV, search for “POMP Digital Signage” and install it.
Illustration, simplified from Apple Configurator and tvOS.

Step 4: Turn on Single App Mode

  1. 1
    Open Apple Configurator on your Mac. The Apple TV you prepared appears under Supervised.
  2. 2
    Right-click the Apple TV and choose Advanced › Start Single App Mode.
  3. 3
    Choose POMP Digital Signage from the list and click Select App.
  4. 4
    The Apple TV screen flickers and POMP opens.
  5. 5
    Pair the screen to your POMP account with the code it shows, and you're done.
Illustration, simplified from Apple Configurator and tvOS.

Single App Mode questions

What does Single App Mode do?

It locks the Apple TV to one app. POMP opens automatically when the Apple TV starts and can't be closed with the remote, so your signage keeps running.

Which Apple TV models does this work on?

Apple TV HD (USB-C or Ethernet) and Apple TV 4K models with an Ethernet port. Pairing over the network needs the Apple TV on Ethernet.

How do I turn Single App Mode off?

Connect the Apple TV in Apple Configurator, right-click it and choose Advanced › Stop Single App Mode.

I have lots of Apple TVs. Is there a faster way?

Yes. With an MDM such as Jamf, Intune or Mosyle you can push POMP, lock it as a single app and enrol every screen into your account automatically. See our mass deployment guide.

Your Apple TV is ready. Now make it shine.

Create a free POMP account, pair the screen and start playing your first playlist in minutes.

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Enable Single App Mode on Apple TV for digital signage | POMP Digital Signage