Apple TV is one of the most powerful streaming devices in the world, allowing users to enjoy high-quality video and immersive sound through countless apps. Yet, when it comes to listening to Audible audiobooks on Apple TV, many users are surprised to find there's no official Audible app available, even on the latest Apple TV HD or Apple TV 4K models.
So, can you play Audible on Apple TV at all? The good news is - yes, you can, but indirectly. With a few simple tricks, you can enjoy your favorite Audible titles on your Apple TV using iTunes Home Sharing or AirPlay. Both methods are safe, effective, and fully compatible with the 4th-generation and later models of Apple TV.
In this article, we'll walk you through two working methods to play Audible on Apple TV in 2025 step by step. Let's dive in!
Part 1. How to Play Audible on Apple TV via iTunes Home Sharing
Since Audible is not officially compatible with Apple TV, we need a workaround. The first and most stable method is via iTunes Home Sharing. If you prefer offline playback and want your Audible library available through Apple TV's built-in 'Computers' app, iTunes Home Sharing is the most reliable option. It allows you to stream audio files stored on your Mac or PC directly to Apple TV over Wi-Fi - even without an Audible app installed.
However, Audible audiobooks are typically downloaded in .aa or .aax formats, which are DRM-protected and can't be recognized by Apple TV or iTunes by default. To make them playable, you'll first need to convert them to a compatible audio format, such as MP3 or M4A. Then, share these converted files from your computer to Apple TV via iTunes.
Phase 1. Convert Audible Books to Apple TV-Supported Format
Before enabling Home Sharing, you need a reliable Audible DRM removal tool to eliminate playback restrictions. A professional option is AudFree Audible Converter. It removes DRM protection and converts Audible books to MP3, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, M4A, or M4B formats without quality loss. Moreover, it can split Audible audiobooks by chapter or time for easier management.
AudFree DRM Audible Converter
- Losslessly download Audible AAX to M4A, MP3, FLAC, etc. for Apple TV
- Remove DRM from Audible with full metadata retention
- Split Audible audiobooks into smaller clips by chapters
- Play Audible books on Apple TV, iPod Shuffle, and most portable devices
Here's how it works:
Step 1. Download and install AudFree Audible Converter on your Mac or Windows computer by clicking the Download button above.
Step 2. Log in to your Audible account within the tool, locate the audiobooks you want to stream on Apple TV, and click + to import them into the conversion list.
Step 3. Go to Preferences > Conversion and set the output format to MP3 or M4A, which works perfectly with Apple TV and iTunes.
Step 4. Click Convert to start the conversion. The tool will quickly process each audiobook.
Step 5. Once completed, locate the converted files under the Converted section - they're now DRM-free and ready for playback.
💡 Tip: M4A retains chapter data and metadata such as author and cover art, making it ideal for audiobook collections. Before clicking the Convert button, you can also choose to split the book by chapters or duration.
Phase 2. Add Converted Audible Files to iTunes Library
Step 1. Launch iTunes on your Windows computer.
Note: For Mac users, iTunes is available on macOS Mojave 10.14 and earlier. From macOS Catalina 10.15 onward, you can use the Apple Music app in the same way.
Step 2. Go to File > Add File/Folder to Library and select your converted Audible audiobooks.
Step 3. Your added files will appear in your iTunes library. By default, AudFree saves converted files in the Documents folder on drive C: unless you've customized the output path.
Note: You can customize the Audible download folder under Menu > Preferences > Output on AudFree Audible DRM Downloader in Phrase 1.
Phase 3. Enable iTunes Home Sharing
Step 1. On your computer, go to the iTunes top menu and select File > Home Sharing > Turn On Home Sharing.
Step 2. Enter your Apple ID credentials if prompted.
Step 3. Keep iTunes open and ensure your computer and Apple TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Video Guide: How to Enable Home Sharing on Your Mac
- If you're a Mac user, check out this video to learn how to enable Home Sharing for Audible playback on Apple TV.
Phase 4. Stream Audible on Apple TV
Step 1. Turn on your Apple TV and go to Settings.
Step 2. Select Users and Accounts > Add New User, and sign in with the same Apple ID used for Home Sharing.
Step 3. Open the Computers app, browse your shared iTunes library, locate the folder containing the converted Audible files, and start playback.
Now, you can sit back and enjoy your favorite audiobooks directly on your Apple TV without relying on your phone or any external devices.
Part 2. How to Listen to Audible Books on Apple TV via AirPlay
If you don't want to deal with file conversions or transfers, AirPlay is the most convenient option. It allows you to wirelessly stream Audible playback from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to Apple TV in real time.
This method doesn't require removing DRM or converting files - as long as the Audible app runs on your iOS or macOS device, you can instantly cast audiobooks to your TV's speaker system.
Play Audible on Apple TV via AirPlay [iPhone/iPad]
Step 1. Ensure both your Apple TV and iPhone/iPad are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. AirPlay won't work if they're on different networks.
Step 2. Open the Audible app on your iPhone and start playing your favorite audiobook.
Step 3. Launch the Control Center and tap the AirPlay menu.
Step 4. From the list of available devices, select Apple TV as the playback target.
Step 5. Your Audible audiobook will now stream from your iPhone to Apple TV via AirPlay.
Play Audible on Apple TV via AirPlay [Mac]
Step 1. Ensure both your Apple TV and Mac are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Open the Audible Web Player in your browser.
Step 2. Start playing an audiobook.
Step 3. Click the Control Center on your Mac's menu bar.
Step 4. Choose Screen Mirroring > Apple TV, or open Sound Settings and select Apple TV as the audio output. The Audible book will instantly play through Apple TV.
💡 Tip: AirPlay supports high-quality audio, allowing you to enjoy immersive sound with Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers if your setup supports it.
Part 3. FAQs about Audible for Apple TV
Does Apple TV 4K or HD support Audible playback?
No. Neither Apple TV HD (4th generation) nor any Apple TV 4K model has an official Audible app. However, both devices support AirPlay and iTunes Home Sharing, which allow you to stream or play converted Audible files easily.
Can I use a Mac to stream Audible books to Apple TV?
Yes. You can stream Audible books to Apple TV via AirPlay using the Audible Web Player on your Mac, or through iTunes Home Sharing if your books have been converted to supported formats. Both methods work seamlessly over a stable Wi-Fi connection.
What's the best audio format for Audible playback on Apple TV?
The most recommended formats are M4A and MP3, as both are fully compatible with Apple's ecosystem. M4A is particularly ideal because it supports chapter markers, metadata, and higher audio fidelity - giving you a smoother and more organized audiobook experience.
Can I transfer Audible audiobooks to Apple TV via a USB drive?
No. Apple TV does not support external USB playback. The USB-C port on older models is only for diagnostics and servicing, not for accessing media files. To enjoy offline playback, convert your Audible files and stream them via iTunes Home Sharing instead.
Does Audible playback stop when switching apps on Apple TV?
If you're using AirPlay, yes - switching apps or putting your phone to sleep can interrupt the stream. However, when using iTunes Home Sharing, playback continues uninterrupted because the audio is being streamed directly from your computer's shared library rather than your mobile device.
How do I fix AirPlay connection issues when playing Audible on Apple TV?
Try these quick troubleshooting steps: first, make sure both your Apple TV and your iPhone, iPad, or Mac are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Then restart both devices. You can also temporarily disable Bluetooth to reduce interference. If issues persist, ensure that both tvOS and iOS/macOS are updated to their latest versions. Finally, reduce network congestion by pausing large downloads or video streams. For a more stable experience, consider using iTunes Home Sharing instead of AirPlay.
Can I use Siri to control Audible playback on Apple TV?
Indirectly, yes. Since there's no native Audible app for Apple TV, Siri cannot control playback directly on the device. However, you can use Siri on your iPhone or HomePod to manage Audible playback - for example, saying 'Hey Siri, play my Audible book' will start playback on your iPhone, which can then continue streaming to Apple TV via AirPlay.
Conclusion
Although there's still no official Audible app for Apple TV, listening to your favorite audiobooks on the big screen is entirely possible in 2025. If you prefer a quick and wireless experience, AirPlay is the easiest option - fast, convenient, and requiring no file conversion. On the other hand, if you want offline playback or a more reliable connection, using iTunes Home Sharing with converted Audible files is the ideal solution.
With either method, your Apple TV can become a powerful home audiobook player, filling your room with immersive storytelling and cinematic sound. So the next time you're relaxing on the couch, just share or cast your Audible library - and enjoy every chapter through your Apple TV's high-quality speakers.
Ivan Scott
Staff Editor
