Two-factor verification on Apple TV

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Two-factor verification on Apple TV

I experienced much frustration yesterday trying to use the two-factor verification process with my Apple TV (2nd generation). I repeatedly entered my Apple ID, followed by my password, and then, after receiving the 6-digit verification code on my phone, entered this on the Apple TV to verify. This did not work, and took me back to submit my Apple ID.

I tried doing this quickly so that the verification code did not “expire”. Additionally, after searching the Internet, I was careful to press “OK” on the verification code indicator on my phone prior to clicking on “submit” on the TV. This also did not work.

This was an extremely frustrating one hour spent trying to log on to watch a movie on Apple TV.

It would be great if Apple could support the two factor verification process on all Apple TV’s. Although I’m looking at upgrading to 4th gen, I note there is no trade-in offered nor refurbished models available, so it's ~$250 a pop to upgrade each TV.

Apple TV (2nd gen)

Posted on Mar 23, 2021 12:58 AM

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Answer 1

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Urquhart1244

Community+ 2024

Level 10

143,004 points

Mar 23, 2021 4:39 AM in response to StepJack

If you have an Apple TV (2nd or 3rd generation) and two-factor authentication for your Apple ID, then you may be asked to type your password followed by the six-digit verification code directly into the password field. Additionally, there is a time limit, after which the code becomes invalid.

Try this: First enter the characters of your password (do not submit yet), then manually request a new verification code, then append that code to the password (no spaces or other separating characters), and then submit. That should help you get passed the time limit.

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Answer 2

StepJack Author

Level 1

12 points

Mar 28, 2021 4:03 AM in response to Urquhart1244

I have no idea why, but your suggestion to type the verification code after the password [PPPPPVVVVVV] and then ‘submit’ seemed to work (I was previously entering the verification code within 10-20 seconds, and didn’t think such a delay should make a difference).

I love the way that Apple usually works so effortlessly, but when you have to seek out workarounds and hacks to get simple tasks like ‘logging in to your account to watch a movie’, the sheen wears off a bit...

Thanks again for your help.

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Two-factor verification on Apple TV

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