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Apple TV Aerial screensaver not downloading or updating

I got my brand new Apple TV 4K (2021 home theater model) the week it was released, and I'm enjoying it tremendously, but there is an issue that bothers me and I can't resolve: the Aerial screensaver is not updating at all.


I have tried every different setting. I have changed it from "update monthly" to "daily" to no avail. I tried every download option available and it made no difference. I've already reset the Apple TV 4k box, which was a pain but did nothing. To date, I still only get the 4 stock Aerial screensavers that came with the new Apple TV, and I'm unable to download new ones. Nothing I have tried worked.


Yes, I have a strong internet connection (Apple TV is connected via ethernet).

I have plenty of storage space (over 60 GB).

I have the box set up to update the software automatically.

I have also seen the advice provided in other threads, which has made no difference:


https://discussions.apple.com/thread/252683379

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/251801591

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/250489051


In case it helps, I don't have my system set up as HDR, in case that has anything to do with it. My TV takes SDR but not HDR.


Is this a bug with tvOS 14.6? Will this be solved with version 15?

Please help. This is frankly annoying at this point.

Apple TV, tvOS 14

Posted on Jun 16, 2021 6:58 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jun 19, 2021 12:55 PM

Those answers don’t really help. It’s obvious there’s an issue with the matter when you google about it… it’s all over the internet and irritating all costumers. I’ve had a brand new Sony Bravia and AppleTV for 6 months now and I keep getting London Bridge, Hong Kong and a couple of other aerials over and over again even though I set it up to download new themes daily. I have unlimited internet and tons of storage space.


This in Apple programming issue, not a customer specific issue.


Apple should realIze this annoys everyone and make it customizable or make the themes change frequently as I’ll throw a plate on my TV next time I see the aerial for London Bridge for the 300th time this month. And no - pressing right or left on my remote only brings me back to the other cities or underwater scenes I’ve seen a million times already. Get on it, Apple. It seems like a rookie tech company issue.

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4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 19, 2021 12:55 PM in response to danakayw

Those answers don’t really help. It’s obvious there’s an issue with the matter when you google about it… it’s all over the internet and irritating all costumers. I’ve had a brand new Sony Bravia and AppleTV for 6 months now and I keep getting London Bridge, Hong Kong and a couple of other aerials over and over again even though I set it up to download new themes daily. I have unlimited internet and tons of storage space.


This in Apple programming issue, not a customer specific issue.


Apple should realIze this annoys everyone and make it customizable or make the themes change frequently as I’ll throw a plate on my TV next time I see the aerial for London Bridge for the 300th time this month. And no - pressing right or left on my remote only brings me back to the other cities or underwater scenes I’ve seen a million times already. Get on it, Apple. It seems like a rookie tech company issue.

Jun 17, 2021 9:01 AM in response to Juliator

Hi there Juliator,


Thanks for reaching out to Apple Support Communities. We understand you're not able to download Aerial screen savers on your Apple TV. We'll be happy to guide you.


Look over this resource: Aerial screen savers on your Apple TV. Are you able to switch locations? This page can help you check Settings that affect the way the Aerial screen savers work: Use Apple TV screen savers. We hope this helps.


Best regards.

Jun 17, 2021 11:13 AM in response to danakayw

Hi danakayw,


Thanks for your reply. Yes, the problem is that I am unable to download new Aerial screensavers.

I can switch themes, but I only get the 4 stock Aerial screensaver locations that came with the Apple TV 4k. I can only cycle around those 4 Aerial themes only:


  • Hong kong
  • ISS view of the earth from space
  • School of fish underwater
  • Greenland icebergs with sunset


That's all I get!


Friends with the same model have quite a collection of lavish and beautiful Aerial screensavers in their Apple TV, from many different locations (Los Angeles, New York. China, London, Hawaii, etc). I understand that you can download up to 55 different Aerial videos, but I have had my new device for about a month, and no single new Aerial screensaver has downloaded, no matter the settings.


As I mentioned in my earlier message, I have tried all combinations of settings, but I don't get a single new Aerial screensaver location/theme to download. Only the 4 that came stock with the new device.


Unfortunately, the links that you sent me do not help resolve this problem, as they only explain the operation of the screensaver function.


Is this a bug? Is there any deeper setting that could be affecting the ability to download new screensavers?


For your reference:


  • My Apple TV is connected via ethernet, very fast connection.
  • I have plenty of storage space (over 60 GB).
  • I have the box set up to update software automatically.
  • I have set up the screensaver function to download new Aerial screensavers daily ( i actually tried every setting to no avail)
  • Resolution is set up to HD 1080p SDR 60Hz (I have a really good HD television model that serves me well; I'm not updating to 4k model at the moment).


Looking forward to a solution to this. Thank you.


Apple TV Aerial screensaver not downloading or updating

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