The world of soccer, or football as it’s known globally, has seen a significant surge in popularity in the United States, thanks in part to Major League Soccer (MLS). With the rise of streaming services, fans can now watch their favorite teams and players from the comfort of their own homes. However, what if you want to record MLS games on your Apple TV for later viewing? In this article, we’ll explore the various methods to record MLS games on Apple TV, ensuring you never miss a match.
Understanding Apple TV’s Recording Capabilities
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of recording MLS games, it’s essential to understand Apple TV’s recording capabilities. Apple TV allows users to record content from various streaming services, but the process can be a bit complex. The device doesn’t have a built-in DVR (digital video recorder) like traditional cable boxes, so you’ll need to rely on third-party apps or services to record your favorite shows and sports events.
Apple TV’s Supported Streaming Services
Apple TV supports a wide range of streaming services, including:
- ESPN+
- Fox Sports
- NBC Sports
- Univision
- DAZN
These services offer a variety of sports content, including MLS games. However, not all services allow recording, so it’s crucial to check the specific service’s policies before attempting to record a game.
Method 1: Using the ESPN+ App
ESPN+ is one of the most popular streaming services for sports fans, offering exclusive MLS content. The ESPN+ app on Apple TV allows users to record games, but there are some limitations.
Recording MLS Games on ESPN+
To record an MLS game on ESPN+, follow these steps:
- Open the ESPN+ app on your Apple TV.
- Navigate to the MLS section and select the game you want to record.
- Click the “Record” button, which appears as a red circle with a white dot in the center.
- Confirm that you want to record the game by selecting “Record” again.
Note that ESPN+ only allows recording for games that are available on-demand. If a game is not available on-demand, you won’t be able to record it.
Method 2: Using the Fox Sports App
Fox Sports is another popular streaming service that offers MLS content. The Fox Sports app on Apple TV allows users to record games, but the process is a bit more complex.
Recording MLS Games on Fox Sports
To record an MLS game on Fox Sports, follow these steps:
- Open the Fox Sports app on your Apple TV.
- Navigate to the MLS section and select the game you want to record.
- Click the “Watch” button to start the game.
- While the game is playing, click the “Menu” button on your Apple TV remote.
- Select “Record” from the menu options.
- Confirm that you want to record the game by selecting “Record” again.
Note that Fox Sports only allows recording for games that are available live. If a game is not available live, you won’t be able to record it.
Method 3: Using a Third-Party DVR Service
If you’re not satisfied with the recording capabilities of the ESPN+ or Fox Sports apps, you can consider using a third-party DVR service. These services allow you to record content from various streaming services, including MLS games.
Popular Third-Party DVR Services
Some popular third-party DVR services include:
- Sling TV
- YouTube TV
- Hulu with Live TV
- AT&T TV Now
These services offer cloud-based DVR capabilities, allowing you to record content from various streaming services, including MLS games.
Recording MLS Games with Sling TV
To record an MLS game with Sling TV, follow these steps:
- Open the Sling TV app on your Apple TV.
- Navigate to the MLS section and select the game you want to record.
- Click the “Record” button, which appears as a red circle with a white dot in the center.
- Confirm that you want to record the game by selecting “Record” again.
Note that Sling TV only allows recording for games that are available live. If a game is not available live, you won’t be able to record it.
Method 4: Using a Streaming Device with Built-in DVR
If you’re not satisfied with the recording capabilities of Apple TV, you can consider using a streaming device with built-in DVR capabilities. These devices allow you to record content from various streaming services, including MLS games.
Popular Streaming Devices with Built-in DVR
Some popular streaming devices with built-in DVR capabilities include:
- TiVo Stream 4K
- Tablo Dual LITE
- Channel Master Stream+
These devices offer built-in DVR capabilities, allowing you to record content from various streaming services, including MLS games.
Recording MLS Games with TiVo Stream 4K
To record an MLS game with TiVo Stream 4K, follow these steps:
- Open the TiVo Stream 4K app on your Apple TV.
- Navigate to the MLS section and select the game you want to record.
- Click the “Record” button, which appears as a red circle with a white dot in the center.
- Confirm that you want to record the game by selecting “Record” again.
Note that TiVo Stream 4K only allows recording for games that are available live. If a game is not available live, you won’t be able to record it.
Conclusion
Recording MLS games on Apple TV can be a bit complex, but with the right methods and services, you can enjoy your favorite teams and players from the comfort of your own home. Whether you use the ESPN+ app, Fox Sports app, or a third-party DVR service, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs. Remember to always check the specific service’s policies before attempting to record a game, and happy recording!
What is the MLS Season Pass and how does it work on Apple TV?
The MLS Season Pass is a subscription-based service that allows users to watch and record Major League Soccer games on Apple TV. This service provides exclusive access to live and on-demand MLS matches, as well as additional content such as analysis and highlights. With the MLS Season Pass, users can enjoy a seamless viewing experience, with the ability to pause, rewind, and fast-forward through live matches.
To access the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, users need to have an active subscription and the Apple TV app installed on their device. Once logged in, users can browse the MLS section to find live and upcoming matches, as well as on-demand content. The app also allows users to set reminders and notifications for upcoming matches, ensuring they never miss a game.
How do I record MLS games on Apple TV using the MLS Season Pass?
To record MLS games on Apple TV using the MLS Season Pass, users need to navigate to the MLS section within the Apple TV app. From there, they can browse upcoming matches and select the game they want to record. Users can then click on the “Record” button to schedule the recording. The recorded game will be saved to the user’s Apple TV library, where it can be accessed at a later time.
It’s worth noting that recorded games are only available for a limited time, typically 30 days, after the initial broadcast. Users can also set up series recordings, which allows them to record all upcoming matches for a specific team or league. This feature ensures that users never miss a game, even if they’re not available to watch it live.
Can I record MLS games on Apple TV without the MLS Season Pass?
No, recording MLS games on Apple TV requires an active MLS Season Pass subscription. The MLS Season Pass is the only way to access live and on-demand MLS matches on Apple TV, and it’s also required to record games. Without a subscription, users will not be able to access MLS content or record games.
However, users can still watch MLS highlights and analysis on Apple TV without a subscription. The Apple TV app provides limited free content, including match highlights and analysis, which can be accessed without an MLS Season Pass subscription.
How much storage space do I need to record MLS games on Apple TV?
The storage space required to record MLS games on Apple TV depends on the quality of the recording and the length of the game. Typically, a single MLS game can take up around 2-4 GB of storage space, depending on the quality settings. Users can adjust the quality settings to balance storage space and video quality.
It’s worth noting that Apple TV devices have varying storage capacities, ranging from 32 GB to 64 GB. Users with lower storage capacities may need to manage their recorded content more frequently to avoid running out of space. Users can also delete recorded games to free up storage space.
Can I watch recorded MLS games on other devices besides Apple TV?
Yes, recorded MLS games can be watched on other devices besides Apple TV, as long as they have the Apple TV app installed and are connected to the same Apple ID. This includes devices such as iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Users can access their recorded content across multiple devices, allowing them to watch games on the go or on different screens.
However, it’s worth noting that recorded games are only available for a limited time, typically 30 days, after the initial broadcast. Users should ensure they watch their recorded games within this timeframe to avoid missing out.
Can I share recorded MLS games with friends or family members?
No, recorded MLS games cannot be shared with friends or family members. The MLS Season Pass and recorded content are tied to the user’s Apple ID, and sharing recorded games is not allowed. Users can, however, share their Apple ID with family members, allowing them to access the same recorded content.
It’s worth noting that sharing Apple IDs can have implications for other Apple services, such as iCloud and Apple Music. Users should carefully consider the implications of sharing their Apple ID before doing so.
What happens to my recorded MLS games if I cancel my MLS Season Pass subscription?
If a user cancels their MLS Season Pass subscription, they will no longer be able to access their recorded MLS games. Recorded games are only available to users with an active MLS Season Pass subscription, and canceling the subscription will remove access to this content.
Users should download or watch their recorded games before canceling their subscription to avoid losing access to this content. Alternatively, users can consider keeping their subscription active to maintain access to their recorded games.