> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.lightloop.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connecting to a Feed

> Pair your Apple TV with a LightLoop feed using QR code or Feed ID.

Before your Apple TV can play content, it needs to connect to a feed. The setup screen offers two ways to do this.

## QR code (recommended)

The fastest way to connect — no typing required.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open LightLoop on Apple TV">
    Launch the app. First-time users see the setup screen automatically, with a QR code displayed on the left.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Scan the QR code">
    Point your phone's camera at the QR code and tap the notification to open `lightloop.app/activate`. You must be signed in to LightLoop on your phone.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Tap a feed">
    Your feeds appear as a list. Tap the one you want this TV to display.

    The Apple TV connects within a second or two — no further action needed on the TV side.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  The QR code is unique to this setup session and expires after 10 minutes. If it expires, simply restart the LightLoop app to generate a new one.
</Note>

## Manual entry

If you prefer to type the Feed ID directly:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Find your Feed ID">
    In the LightLoop web dashboard, open **Feeds** and select your feed. The **Feed ID** is the 6-character code (e.g., `AB12CD`).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter the Feed ID on Apple TV">
    On the setup screen, select the Feed ID field on the right side and type the code using the Siri Remote. Capitalization doesn't matter.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Press Connect">
    Highlight **Connect** and press the Siri Remote's center button. The app validates the ID and begins fetching the feed.

    If the connection fails, double-check the Feed ID in the dashboard.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Download progress

After connecting, the Apple TV downloads all media in the feed. Each playlist card shows a progress bar.

* Items marked with a **play icon** (video/image/audio) must be fully downloaded before they can play
* Items with an **antenna icon** (livestream) are ready immediately — no download needed
* Items with a **globe icon** (web), **chart icon** (monitor), or **calendar icon** are also ready immediately — they're served from the cloud

## Live connection status

Once connected, the Apple TV maintains a live WebSocket connection to your server. When you make changes in the dashboard:

* The TV receives a push notification within a few seconds
* It automatically re-fetches the feed and begins downloading any new or changed items
* Unchanged items use the existing cached files — no re-download needed

If the WebSocket is interrupted, the TV falls back to polling every 30 seconds.

## Reconnecting after a restart

Your credentials are saved locally. When the Apple TV restarts, LightLoop automatically reconnects to the same feed — no re-entry needed.

## Connecting multiple Apple TVs

You can connect as many Apple TVs as you want to the same feed — all of them receive updates simultaneously. For screens showing different content, create a separate feed for each and connect each TV independently.

## Switching feeds

To connect a TV to a different feed:

1. On the Apple TV, navigate to the **Settings** gear in the app
2. Select **Disconnect**
3. The app clears all cached files and returns to the setup screen
4. Connect to the new feed via QR code or Feed ID

<Warning>
  Disconnecting removes all locally cached media from the device. Reconnecting will re-download everything from scratch.
</Warning>