FIX: Apple TV Won’t Connect to Wi-Fi.
Are you getting an “Unable to Connect to Network” error message when you connect your Apple TV to a Wi-Fi network? We will explain some of the factors causing this error and explain how to fix them.
First, Apple TV does not work with dependent networks, that is, Wi-Fi networks with an additional sign-in page. This means your streaming device may not connect to Wi-Fi networks in hotels, apartment complexes, school dormitories, and other public places. Instead, connect your Apple TV to a private network, or contact your (public) network administrator to give your Apple TV direct Wi-Fi access.
Try the following steps if your Apple TV won’t connect to Wi-Fi and displays the “Unable to Connect to Network” error for private networks.
Quick tip: The tvOS troubleshooting page has helpful tips for troubleshooting common network issues on your Apple TV. Launch the Settings app and choose Network>
Troubleshoot to test them.
1. Restart and Reposition Your Wi-Fi Router
Rebooting your router will clear its cache and resolve connectivity issues. But before you restart your router, make sure it’s next to your Apple TV. The closer your wireless router and Apple TV are, the better the connection reliability and performance. In fact, Apple recommends placing your Apple TV and Wi-Fi router in the same room. Or at least not too far from the router.
You also need to make sure your Apple TV is in line of sight from the router. Walls, kitchen microwaves, mirrors, baby monitors, and devices that emit radio signals can block network signals. Adjust the external antenna of the router and remove any devices that may interfere with the signal.
In this article, we are going to show you how to strengthen a weak Wi-Fi signal. Read it for more tips on troubleshooting your network. If nothing works, turn off the router or unplug it from the power source. Turn it back on after a minute or two and try plugging your Apple TV back in.
2. Forget Other Network(s)
Do this if your Apple TV won’t connect to your preferred Wi-Fi network. Or if the device continues to connect to an unwanted network without being connected to the Internet. Forget about the problematic network and connect to your preferred network.
Open the Settings app, select Network, select Wi-Fi, select a complex network, and select Forget Network.
If your Apple TV still won’t connect to Wi-Fi, there are probably too many devices on the network. It’s also possible that your network administrator has blocked Apple TV from connecting to the network. Contact your network administrator or see the next section to find out how to unlock your Apple TV from your router’s settings menu.
3. Check Your Router Settings
Many wireless routers have security measures that prevent devices from using wireless Internet connections. For example, your Apple TV won’t be able to connect to Wi-Fi if it’s under MAC address restriction or filter.
If you have access to your router’s admin panel, go to the device control section and check if your Apple TV has network permission. Whitelist or remove any restrictions on your Apple TV.
It’s a good idea to have the MAC address of your Apple TV handy in case your router indexes devices by their MAC address.
Go to Settings> General> About and notice the symbols in the Wi-Fi Address line.
This guide on whitelisting specific devices on your home network contains detailed instructions. Better yet, see your router’s manual or visit the manufacturer’s website.
4. Restart Your Apple TV
Turning off and off your streaming device can resolve temporary system glitches preventing it from connecting or staying connected to Wi-Fi and Ethernet networks. Unplug your Apple TV and plug it back in.
Or go to Settings> System and select Restart.
To restart older Apple TVs (Apple TV 3rd generation or earlier), go to Settings> General and choose Restart.
5. Reset Your Wi-Fi Router
If no device can connect to the network, your best bet is to reset your router to factory defaults. Read our guide on how to reset your wireless routers, or refer to your router’s manual for specific instructions.
6. Update Your Apple TV
Your Apple TV may drop Wi-Fi or fail to connect to wireless networks if its operating system is out of date or has bugs. Of course, an internet connection is required to install tvOS updates. But since your Apple TV doesn’t connect to Wi-Fi, you have two alternatives: use an Ethernet connection, or perform a factory reset on your computer.
Connect an Ethernet cable to your Apple TV,
go to Settings> System> Software Update, and select Update Software to download and install the latest tvOS on your Apple TV.
To update your 3rd generation Apple TV, go to Settings> General> Software Updates and choose Update Software.
If you don’t have an Ethernet connection, you can remotely update your Apple TV using a Mac or Windows computer by performing a factory reset. This will delete your accounts and all settings, configurations and third-party applications. On the other hand, the operation will download and install the latest tvOS on your Apple TV. Likewise, it will fix bugs and software conflicts that prevent your Apple TV from establishing a Wi-Fi connection.
After completing all the troubleshooting steps listed above, you should only perform a factory reset if your Apple TV is not connecting to Wi-Fi.
Note. If your Apple TV doesn’t have a USB port, contact Apple TV Support or visit the nearest Genius Bar to get your device repaired or reset to factory defaults.
Disconnect the power and HDMI cables from Apple TV. Connect each end of a micro-USB or USB-C port to your computer and Apple TV. If you’re using a Mac, launch Finder, select your Apple TV in the sidebar, and select Restore on your device. On your Windows PC, launch the iTunes app, select your Apple TV in the upper left corner (next to the Music drop-down menu), and select Restore Apple TV. Wait for Finder or iTunes to download and install the tvOS update and turn off your Apple TV only after you receive the “Apple TV has been restored to factory settings” success message.
Plug in your power cable and HDMI, plug your device into your TV, and set up your Apple TV from scratch.
7. Reset Your Apple TV Settings
This option restores the Apple TV to factory defaults without updating your device.
Go to Settings> System> Reset and select Reset.
Wait for the reset to complete (it will take a couple of minutes), set up your Apple TV, and try connecting it to a Wi-Fi network.
Contact Apple TV Support
Call the Apple contact number listed for your country / region, reserve a Genius Bar, or speak with an Apple Support agent if you still can’t connect your Apple TV to Wi-Fi.
FIX: Apple TV Won’t Connect to Wi-Fi
FIX: Apple TV Won’t Connect to Wi-Fi
How To FIX: Apple TV Won’t Connect to Wi-Fi