yorktraveller66

Q: Apple TV stuck and not responding to remote

Hi all - I've had my Apple TV 1st generation for 6 years now, and yesterday it decided to update the software. Having restarted automatically, the screen is now at the language select option, and the Apple box will not respond to the remote so I cannot select "English" (or indeed any other language )

 

I have tried restarting the box by disconnecting the power, with the same end result. I have changed the battery in the remote (which is the white remote, and I don't have any other devices paired with the box), and can confirm that the LED on the front of the Apple box responds to the remote.

 

The only physical change is a new broadband provider and wi-fi router, but the Apple box connected just fine via ethernet cable to this (and indeed downloaded the new software). The box is in the same location it's always been, with a clear line of sight to the remote (I held it 5cm away just to make sure). I've also tried the holding down buttons for 10 seconds trick to no avail.

 

Where do I go from here? Can I connect my Apple TV box directly to my Mac to reset it without using the remote? Or has my Apple box reached the end of the road ...this would be a sad ending indeed if this were to be the case.

 

With thanks

 

Rob

MacBook Air, OS X El Capitan (10.11.6), null

Posted on Sep 3, 2016 3:52 AM

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Q: Apple TV stuck and not responding to remote

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  • by Winston Churchill,

    Winston Churchill Winston Churchill Sep 3, 2016 4:02 AM in response to yorktraveller66
    Level 10 (103,346 points)
    Apple TV
    Sep 3, 2016 4:02 AM in response to yorktraveller66

    Your Apple TV may have become paired with another remote. Hold the remote close to and pointed at the Apple TV, hold down the menu and Rewind buttons together for 6 seconds or until you see a broken chain icon on screen.

  • by yorktraveller66,

    yorktraveller66 yorktraveller66 Sep 3, 2016 4:39 AM in response to Winston Churchill
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apple TV
    Sep 3, 2016 4:39 AM in response to Winston Churchill

    Thanks for that Winston..just as you suggested I held the buttons down and the broken chain icon appeared - happy days! I selected English and was taken to the Apple TV repair options screen - 1. Restart, 2. Diagnostics, 3. Factory Reset.

     

    Selected Option 3 Factory Reset (to be on the safe side), and Apple logo screen with loading bar appears - all good. Box restarts and dreaded language select screen appears again. Tried to select "English" and what do you know...the bloody thing isn't responding to the remote again.

     

    Ha ha I know what to do thinks I - use Winston's trick again...bit nay nay and thrice nay the box will not respond! Time for a cigar perhaps?

     

    Cheers

     

    Rob