Have you used your device as a remote and you want to learn how to disconnect Apple TV from iPhone?
Whether you did this or if you connected it as a media source, this guide is for you!
For this guide, we’ve dug deep in understanding how these devices function and how they’re interacting with one another.
So, if you want to learn the process with accuracy and comprehensively, read along.
To disconnect your iPhone’s connection with the Apple TV, open the Control Center and click the AirPlay logo. Then, tap on “Control Other Speakers and TVs,” and select the iPhone logo.
Before we get to that, though, why go through the hassle of disconnecting your iPhone from your Apple TV if both devices are yours? What purpose would this be for?
Why Disconnect or Remove Apple TV From Your iPhone?
As convenient as it seems, it’s not ideal to always be connected or linked to your Apple TV.
The reasons for this encompass the norm, and among these, the majority of people share the most common ones, which include:
- Privacy
- Accidental TV audio connection
- Different audio output
- Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility issues
So, how do you disconnect your iPhone from being connected or linked to your Apple TV and vice versa?
How to Disconnect Apple TV From iPhone? Complete Guide
For your benefit, we’ve dissected this guide into two (2) different methods so that if one (1) method doesn’t work for you, you can try doing the other one.
Method 1: Toggling AirPlay Mirroring Off
Many people reported that doing this particular process is what helped them get rid of the iPhone’s connection with the Apple TV.
Make sure that you follow these steps religiously so that you can disconnect it immediately without any problems.
Step #1: Navigate to AirPlay & Handoff
To toggle it, go to Settings > General > AirPlay & Handoff. This is where you’ll be able to see all devices that your iPhone has been connected with.
This list will include Apple TVs, AirPlay-compatible smart TVs, and Macs.
Step #2: Set Automatically AirPlay to TVs to “Never”
On the first tab, you’ll see “Automatically AirPlay to TVs.” Generally, it will be set to Automatic.
This is what makes it connect to Apple TVs and other Apple devices without any hassle.
So, if you want to disconnect, simply select Never from the list of options from its setting of being Automatic.
NOTE: You can also choose to set it to “Ask” so that you are always notified whenever a device that is compatible with AirPlay nearby is available so you could connect to it.
Step #3: Restart Your Device
To finalize the changes made, perform a restart or a reboot of your iPhone.
- Press and hold the lock button together with the volume down button.
- Wait for the slider to appear (it’s usually around 3 seconds).
- When the slider appears, slide it to the right to turn it off.
Method 2: Toggling via the Control Center
For this next method, you’ll easily be able to do it by toggling the option via the Control Center. Here’s how you can do this:
Step #1: Access Control Center
The first step is to access your iPhone’s Control Center. Also known as the Quick Access menu, it is the menu that you can access without having to go through various settings.
You can access your iPhone’s Control Center by swiping down from the top-right edge of your screen, revealing the menu that is comprised of the following:
- WiFi
- Airplane Mode
- Bluetooth
- Flashlight
- Cellular Data
Step #2: Select AirPlay
From there, select the AirPlay icon. It’s the rectangle with the triangle on the bottom part of the rectangular-shaped icon.
This should open a box with an option to choose Control Other Speakers & TVs.
Step #3: Choose iPhone
When that appears, select iPhone from the list of devices. Then, you will immediately notice that your iPhone will be disconnected from the Apple TV it’s connected to.
Once you’ve done any of these methods, you’ll never have a problem disconnecting your iPhone from your Apple TV!
How Do I Remove Automatic Connections to Apple TVs?
By default, your iPhone will be set to Automatic whenever you are in an area where there is an Apple TV or other Apple devices.
To remove this, simply go to Settings > General > AirPlay & Handoff.
On the Automatically AirPlay to TVs, choose the Ask option so that every time an Apple TV or an AirPlay-compatible television is nearby.
Here you will be asked if you want to connect to it rather than pairing with it automatically.
How to Remove Apple TV From iPhone Completely?
You can remove the Apple TV from the list of connected devices on your iPhone and vice versa by initiating the deletion via the phone or via the Apple TV.
Unpairing it via the Apple TV
You can unpair it by initiating the action from the Apple TV. On your Apple TV, go to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > Allow Access.
Unpair the iPhone in question from the Apple TV and change the setting to Restrict or select specific devices you want it to connect with.
Unpairing it via the iPhone
Alternatively, you can also unpair it via the Apple TV remote app on your iPhone. Launch the Remote App > Devices > Edit > Unpair.
When that’s done, remove the device from your Apple ID by signing into your Apple ID, and selecting the device you want to remove, choose the TV.
Thus, you can disconnect your Apple TV from your iPhone and vice versa by choosing Never from AirPlay & Handoff or by toggling it via the Control Center. In case that doesn’t work, remove the Apple TV device from the list of connected devices on the iPhone via the Apple TV app or Apple TV’s settings.
Read Next: What Does Canceled Call Mean on iPhone?
Final Verdict
If you can’t find a tutorial that’ll teach you how to disconnect Apple TV from iPhone and vice versa accurately and comprehensively, you can go back to this guide anytime you need help and assistance.
Other than Apple TVs, you can also use this guide for other Apple devices such as AirPlay-compatible smart TVs and Macs!
Should you need help with the disconnection of your Apple TV to your iPhone, this tutorial will absolutely be everything you need!
Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues.