Apple TV Gen 3 - Connected to internet, logged in to iTunes, but will not connect to iCloud servers

Success!

Apple support was misleading.

My issue was resolved and it was a 2 factor authorisation issue.

As my Apple ID password is long and random I was using Apple TV remote app to get to the stage of entering the password, creating a 6 digit code from my phone, and then adding those 6 digits using the physical remote controller to the end of the already entered Apple ID password. This method continually failed.

So here is the exact method I used to get logged on to iCloud.

1. Hold Menu and down arrow for 6 seconds, then release - Apple TV reboots.
2. Enter my Apple ID on iCloud settings
3. Enter password for Apple ID
4. Create 6 digit verification code from my Mac
5. Enter that code promptly to the end of my Apple ID password
6. Press submit
7. Success!

You’ll just have to trust me on this. There’s nothing from the above 6 bullet points that I hadn’t already tried, although I think that point 1 may be key, and I may not have done that in unison with points 4&5 before. I also think that using the Apple TV remote app in conjunction with the physical remote to try and save time was not a good idea, but I can’t be 100% sure of that.

Thank you for spelling it out to me and perhaps this thread (one of many) will be of use to others..

What I'm doing is entering the password which I know is correct and then getting two-factor authentication request from my iPhone and entering the 6 digits. I have tried it enough times that I find it hard to believe that it's user error. What I do notice is that when I add the 6 digits the fault is reported as Appleid/password error rather than cannot connect to the server error.

I spoke with Apple tech yesterday and they did come back to me, unfortunately I was unable to handle that call and I'm expecting a call this afternoon. The guy was talking about changing DNS settings, but to be perfectly honest I can't see that having much impact on my problem.

Just to add. I have tried the verification code and sign in with two-factor authentication work around and it doesn't work.

The message I get without using the work around is that I cannot connect to iCloud server, when I add the 6 digits to the password the message states it I have the wrong Apple ID/Password combination.

Hmmm. I doubt very much it's a network issue my end. I have 2 landlines (2 separate internet connections) in the home, I have tried this using ethernet cable and have also tried this set up at another location too with the same issue.

I have reset my network, it's one of the first things I did.

I just did a test on my line, and results are with wireless connection using MacBook Pro in the same room as the ATV

ping=12ms

Download=219.3Mbps

Upload=20.91Mbps

Apple tech support are not even talking to me about using 2 step verification workaround although it has come up in conversation. Is this 2 step verification normally required to login to iTunes on the Apple TV, because I am logged on to that, and as previously mentioned can freely use all the apps. It's just iCloud logon that is causing the issue. The crazy thing is the unit is only used to display 1 different photo each day. I can just as easily use Flickr app, but I didn't realise it was going to be such a headache to resolve something that has been working flawlessly in the past for over a year.

Tech asked me to change the DNS settings to OpenDNS and it didn't sort out the issue.

They have escalated the case and the parting shot was they think that somehow the serial number of the unit may be the issue.

But in my case my ATV is connected to the internet. I can watch Netflix HD and youtube channels with ease on ATV

I wonder if Apple will recommend

8.8.8.8/8.8.4.4