You do need Wi-Fi to set up Apple TV. When you first set up your Apple TV, it requires an internet connection to connect to the Apple servers and complete the initial setup process. This allows you to sign in with your Apple ID, enable services like iCloud, and download any necessary software updates.
During the setup process, you will be prompted to connect your Apple TV to a Wi-Fi network. This is necessary because Apple TV relies on an internet connection to access online content, stream movies and TV shows, and download apps and games from the App Store.
Once your Apple TV is set up and connected to Wi-Fi, you can then use it to stream content from various sources like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and more. However, it’s important to note that without an internet connection, your Apple TV won’t be able to access any online content or services.
While Apple TV does not have built-in storage for downloading and storing content locally, you can still access content through a network connection. For example, if you have a computer or network-attached storage (NAS) device on your home network that hosts media files, you can use the built-in media player on Apple TV to stream those files over Wi-Fi.
If you find yourself without an internet connection but still want to stream media to your Apple TV, you can use a feature called AirPlay. With AirPlay, you can stream content from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac directly to your Apple TV over a peer-to-peer Wi-Fi connection. This means that you can still enjoy your favorite movies, TV shows, and music even if your Apple TV is not connected to the internet.
While an internet connection is required to initially set up Apple TV and access online content, it is possible to use peer-to-peer AirPlay to stream content from your devices to Apple TV without Wi-Fi. However, for the full range of features and access to online services, a Wi-Fi connection is necessary.