Q: Apple TV can't connect to server at this time.

Intermittent problems are often a result of interference. Interference can be caused by other networks in the neighbourhood or from household electrical items.

You can download and install iStumbler (NetStumbler for windows users) to help you see which channels are used by neighbouring networks so that you can avoid them, but iStumbler will not see household items.

Refer to your router manual for instructions on changing your wifi channel or adjusting your multicast rate.

There are other types of problems that can affect networks, but this is by far the most common, hence worth mentioning first. Networks that have inherent issues can be seen to work differently with different versions of the same software. You might also try moving the Apple TV away from other electrical equipment.

The following article(s) may help you.

Troubleshooting Wi-Fi networks and connections 

Recommended Wi-Fi settings

Sources of Interference

Wifi Diagnostic Software (for Mac users)

Hi there!

Today I wanted to stream a film from Netflix and found out that my AppleTV wasn't connecting to iTunes. I tried quite a few different ways to fix it, but kept getting "Apple TV can't connect to the server at this time" … open iTunes to find that the Airplay icon wasn't there and then it was, and again dissapeared as soon as I clicked on it! Then I remembered that a few days ago we had a power cut and thought of doing what we do to our Sky box when it becomes unsettled … unplug everything for a couple of minutes and then plug it back again and violà it worked!

Settings are there, Airplay icon is back too. It was as simple as that! I wished I had thought of that 2 hours earlier!

THIS WORKS!

"This worked for me without having to reset my Apple TV universe: Press Menu and Down Arrow keys simultaneously for 6 seconds until the light flashes rapidly."

Thank you!

it totally did work!!  Half of the pix weren't showing for the movies in Apple TV and I tried to rent one and got the cannot connect to server message.  Of course I tried again and again.  Then found the above and pressed menu and down arrow together.  I'm now watching a movie!   Thank you Shawn286!

Thanks shawn286.  I just left the screen with the can't connect message for hours.  kept checking, was still there.  Your little trick probably saved me hours on the phone with them.  Worked in seconds. 

Thank you for this; I don't know how you figured it out but it worked immediately!

This "menu and down arrow" solution worked perfectly. 

Hey Shawn, just another confirmation that your advice worked! Thanks so much!

Go Shawn!  Another happy camper here… thanks so much!

Thank you Shawn286!!

That really did work it has been over a week for me trying to get this to work...that was so simple.

Thanks Shawn!!  I was losing my mind.

Another one helped Shawn. Thanks!

THANKS, SHAWN!!!!  I was about ready to give up!  Instead I followed your advice and this thread.  And, it worked for me, too!