Apple TV 3 A 1469 can’t connect from my phone

Check if your ATV activation has failed. Goto Settings > General > About

If Failed, download this app from Mac and follow instructions, below.  https://apps.apple.com/us/app/apple-configurator-2/id1037126344?mt=12

1. Connect ATV via microUSB to Mac.
2. Download and launch app from App Store
3. Click on "apps" on left side
4. Click "Activate" in middle of screen
5. Give app a good review if it worked.

Apple told me they are working on a fix with an update but have apparently said this to users in the past.

I have the same issue too. Seemed like its beyond users to solve it. Another thread with the same issue. I hope apple sees this and solve the apple tv Gen 3 airplay issue soon

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/253335016

[Image Edited by Moderator to Remove Personal Information]

Factory reset wipes the device and puts it back to it's original settings. This means it needs to be setup again, including network. If it says activation failed it means the Apple TV is not properly connected to the network. Go into network settings to ensure it is connected. It may also mean there is an issue with the time server, which means you would need to check your router (typically it means checking that port 123 is open..you would have to check router manual if unsure).

hmm sorry for that.

this is what came up in another thread. I don’t know if it works, haven’t tried:

”I can confirm this worked! After a week of restores restarts and an hour long conversation with Apple Support, this worked!

1. Installed 3utools on my Lap Top
2. Connected my 3rd Gen Apple TV to the power and connected it via USB on my laptop
3. Start 3utools to find the Apple TV
4. Selected More 
5. Selected “Batch activation” 
6. Clicked all and Start 

Finished.

Plugged back into TV and the casting/screen mirror works!

”

On windows

1. Installed 3utools on my Lap Top
2. Connected my 3rd Gen Apple TV to the power and connected it via USB on my laptop
3. Start 3utools to find the Apple TV
4. Selected More 
5. Selected “Batch activation” 
6. Clicked all and Start 

Finished.

Plugged back into TV and the casting/screen mirror works!

On Mac

Use/install apple configurator 2 on your IMac or MacBook.

connect to ATV micro usb.

Choose Apple TV3

Choose Profile

Choose Activate

I can confirm this worked! After a week of restores restarts and an hour long conversation with Apple Support, this worked, I copied it from another forum.

1. Installed 3utools on my Lap Top
2. Connected my 3rd Gen Apple TV to the power and connected it via USB on my laptop
3. Start 3utools to find the Apple TV(don’t worry if detected as iPhone still works)
4. Selected More
5. Selected “Batch activation”
6. Clicked all and Start

Finished.

Plugged back into TV and the casting/screen mirror works!

cheers!

HI

I had the same issue.

In this community , I found the following solution that worked for me

• download 3utools and install
• connect ATV3 with microusb
• after windows PC recognizes the device ,look for Activate Device
• then ACTIVATE

bye

Sorry it didn’t work for you. I did nothing special. I just connected the ATV to the internet, did a reset to factory defaults ( including the latest software update) and then the configurator thing.

Maybe this Windows method works for you?

1. Install 3utools on my Lap Top
2. Connect 3rd Gen Apple TV to the power and connect it via USB to laptop
3. Start 3utools to find the Apple TV
4. Select More 
5. Select “Batch activation” 
6. Click all and Start 

of not, I don’t know

Plugged back into TV and the casting/screen mirror works!

On windows

1. Install 3utools on Windows pc/laptop
2. Connect 3rd Gen Apple TV to power and connect it via USB to pc/laptop
3. Start 3utools to find the Apple TV
4. Select More 
5. Select “Batch activation” 
6. Click all and Start 

.

Plugg back into tv

On Mac

Use/install apple configurator 2 on your IMac or MacBook.

connect to ATV micro usb.

Choose Apple TV3

Choose Profile

Choose Activate

Thank you RKG61! This COMPLETELY fixed it for me!

simple to use, load up, connect a typical microUSB cable to Apple TV to the mac, double click in the giant AppleTV imagE, profiles on left panel, click “Activate”. Fixed!

(strange how ATV3 just didn’t even mention activation or any task required! Pics show just how easy the UI is)

Is the iPhone and Apple TV on the same network?

Just an FYI: The 3rd gen only receives basic firmware updates and does not run the same OS nor run apps like the current models. Most providers have been dropping support for the channels that are used on the model.

I have exact same issue. I have done everything I’ve found on the internet including resetting, opening ports , firmware’s updates, updating through iTunes etc to no avail. Unit is connected to Wi-Fi as it access Apple TV+ No problem. Just activation issue and associated airplay issue. Help appreciated.

Thanks - I have tried both those solutions. Meaning port 123 is opened to Apple TV and I have tried resetting etc while connected through an ethernet cable. Still advises not authenticated. I have not tried another WIFI as the Apple TV doesn't seem to see when I turn on my iPhone hotspot. The Apple TV has updated to the latest firmware. Thx again.

Thx - DNS is on auto.  No other place to test unfortunately. Is there a way to try and force an activation as I am unsure at what stage it is failing as I don't get any errors. Also any idea why it doesn't see my iphone hotspot network? I've tried connecting to it through the wifi 'other' ATV network function to no avail.