How To Hide An Apple TV Box (5+ Ways)
With its sleek and compact design, the Apple TV set-top box blends seamlessly into most home entertainment setups. However, there may be times when you want to conceal your Apple TV for a cleaner look or to keep it out of sight.
Hiding your Apple TV is relatively straightforward. With a few simple materials like cabinets, mounts, and concealers, you can seamlessly incorporate your Apple TV into your living space. A concealed set-top box also prevents tampering, protects ports, and reduces dust buildup.
Mount the Apple TV Out of Sight
One of the easiest ways to hide an Apple TV is to mount it to the back of your TV or another surface. This gets the box off your TV stand or media center so it’s out of sight. Here’s how:
Choose a Mounting Method
You have several options for mounting your Apple TV, depending on your setup:
- Adhesive strips: Affix adhesive velcro strips to the Apple TV and mount surface for easy attach and detach.
- TV mount: Use an Apple TV mount that affixes the device to the VESA holes on the back of your TV.
- Outlet mount: Mount the Apple TV to a nearby electrical outlet to get it off surfaces.
- Wall mount: Attach the Apple TV to a wall mount secured behind your TV.
Consider Cable Management
When mounting your Apple TV, consider how visible the power and HDMI cables will be. Use cable ties, sleeves, or raceways to organize and conceal dangling cables for a clean look.
Allow Proper Ventilation
While hiding your Apple TV, don’t obstruct the ventilation holes on the bottom and sides of the device. Allow at least an inch of clearance on all sides for airflow.
Conceal It in a Cabinet or Shelf
Another option for hiding your Apple TV is tucking it away inside a nearby cabinet, shelving unit, or media console. This completely conceals the box while keeping it close to your TV.
Measure Dimensions
When choosing cabinetry, check that the internal dimensions can fully accommodate an Apple TV. Measure the height, width, and depth to ensure a proper fit.
Allow Ventilation
If enclosing your Apple TV in cabinetry, drill or cut vent holes to allow proper airflow and prevent overheating. The enclosure should not be fully airtight.
Hide Cables
Use the cabinetry to hide connecting HDMI and power cables as well. Drill a small hole to feed cables from inside to outside.
Use Cable Extensions
You may need HDMI and power cable extensions to connect an enclosed Apple TV to external devices. This allows you to hide cables and close cabinet doors.
Hide Cables for a Wireless Setup
For a completely wireless, minimalist Apple TV setup, hide connecting cables using these techniques:
Go Wireless
Connect your Apple TV box to your TV via AirPlay rather than HDMI to avoid any visible cables. This allows wire-free streaming.
Use Cable Concealers
Secure HDMI and power cables to the back of your TV or media unit with adhesive clips, sleeves, or raceways to hide dangling wires.
Feed Cables Through Walls
For a seamless look, feed cables through openings in your wall directly to a power source and TV ports. This keeps Apple TV connections completely hidden.
Create a False Wall or Recess
For the ultimate hidden Apple TV installation, construct a false wall or recessed nook to conceal your set top box. Follow these tips:
Build a Hollow Cavity
Use drywall or wood to build an enclosed cavity in your wall or media center that houses your Apple TV hardware.
Conceal the Opening
Use a removable panel, picture frame, or sliding door to conceal the opening to the Apple TV nook when not in use.
Ventilate the Space
Incorporate vent holes into the back of the nook so airflow can circulate and prevent your Apple TV from overheating.
Hide Wires
Feed cables through the cavity walls so Apple TV connections are completely invisible from the outside.
Prevent Tampering or Theft
If hiding your Apple TV in a more public space, take measures to avoid tampering, damage, or theft:
Use Security Screws
Secure the Apple TV mount with special security screws or bolts that require unique heads to remove.
Install an Enclosure Box
For outlet mounts, choose an enclosed electrical box to prevent access to the plugged-in Apple TV.
Mark Cables and Ports
Use a permanent marker or labels to visibly identify Apple TV cables and ports on the back of TVs to prevent accidental disconnect.
FAQs About Hiding an Apple TV
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about concealing your Apple TV box:
Does hiding an Apple TV affect the signal?
No. Hiding an Apple TV behind furniture, inside cabinets, or in wall enclosures will not affect wireless connectivity or streaming signal strength.
Can you mount an Apple TV vertically?
Yes. Apple TV hardware can function properly when mounted vertically using adhesive strips or wall mounts. Proper ventilation is still required.
What is the best way to hide Apple TV wires?
Using adhesive clips, cable sleeves, raceways, or by feeding wires through walls/ceilings are the cleanest ways to hide Apple TV connecting cables from sight.
How can you power an Apple TV hidden in a cabinet?
Use an HDMI cable extension and USB power extension cable fed through a drilled hole to connect your enclosed Apple TV to a visible outlet.
What if I need access to hidden Apple TV ports?
If you need to be able to access the Apple TV’s HDMI or USB ports after hiding, allow removable panels or ensure the device is secured with velcro for easy detach and reattach.
Final Tips
Hiding your Apple TV helps eliminate clutter and wires for a streamlined media setup. Just be sure to:
- Not obstruct vents when concealing the box
- Extend cables if needed to power a hidden Apple TV
- Label ports and mark cables if hiding connections
- Build in access panels if you need to access ports
- Secure public-facing Apple TVs against theft
With some simple materials and a little creativity, you can seamlessly incorporate an Apple TV into your living space for a clean look.
