Apple TV 3rd gen activation fail

YOU ARE AMAZIN!!!

Funny though to activate an apple product we need an application that is only available in windows :)

i had the same issues. I had to reset Apple TV and i couldnt get Airplay working anymore. Modem Resetting, Apple TV resetting, restart - nothing worked. I chatted with an Apple support person and was able to connect to ITunes to reset Apple TV on my Mac. Still didnt work.

i read an insteresting message on the german community and it showed me the way to solve the problem.

After resetting on ITunes i had to download Apple Configurator 2 and follow the instruction on that forum contribution.

And it worked. I attach the forum message - please feel to get the thread and use google translation. It worked for me and airplay is running again on my iphone and ipad.

thread:

https://communities.apple.com/de/thread/253323316

Verify the time zone settings. If ‘Automatic’ is not functional, then try to manually select a city near you (for the same time zone).

Faulty time settings may prevent secure connections, and therefore activation as well.

Sorry for my bad english.

I just wait one night with apple tv on standby and screen tv off, and in the morning the "Activation Failed" message disappears and airplay works.

But yesterday I looked at the apple tv settings and saw this message again. At the same time, airplay worked.

I rebooted my apple tv and airplay stopped working.

I waited one night, but this time it didn't fix the problem.

Now I also have the message "Activation Failed" and airplay does not work.

I keep on waiting ... :)

I am extremely surprised by this attitude towards customers, this is the first time I have seen this from Apple. I may have to think about switching to another ecosystem. On the phone, as well as the rest here, they said that you need to wait for an update or a message that there will be no update

Not a solution, but talked to an Apple rep just yesterday, she said they don't know what's causing the issue nor how to resolve the issue but are working on it. Most likely, it sprung out of the last Apple TV update on Nov. 2nd. All she said is Apple recommends Apple TV 3 users just check software updates for a new one frequently. Pretty disappointed as my Apple TV is just a brick at this point. So much for the Apple ecosystem..

I can confirm that this solutions works perfectly, just as described... at least for the moment.

My Apple TV is still connected to the network... So I don’t know if the activation will remain.

But for now, airplay works fine again.

And I simply uninstalled the software after the configuration.

Thanks Lilly-chan

On Mac I installed Apple Configurator 2 via AppStore. Then I connected the AppleTV 3 with micro USB. Select "profile" and activate.

For Windows: via 3utools -> usb connect -> batch activation.

Done.

I try activate my Apple TV 3 with 3utools (version 2.58.001) , but "Batch activation" button not active.

If I push "Batch activation" button then "Please connect iDevice to PC using the USB cable" message appear.

Apple TV connected to PC and in "iDevice" window status "iDevice connected (recovery mode)". But serial number and ecid only see (not device type and product type).

Same issue above.

Could i check if its correct to click

Toolbox > batch activation?

The weird thing is , it seemed to detect my apple tv as an iphone. I have switcheed a number of usb micro cables withou success

I activated my apple tv 3 with 3utools too.

Turn on apple tv and wait whare led is light (not flashed) then connect USB cable to apple tv and PC. Then 3uttols see apple tv and Batch activation button will be active.

Thanks Lilly-chan for solving!

Hi,

I use micro USB cable from wireless charger Belkin.

Yes, I connect power cable too, and you need connect power cable before connect USB cable.

1. Disconnect usb cable from apple tv

2. Connect power cable from apple tv 3 to plug

3. Wait wheh LED on apple tv ended flashing and be light continuously

4. Connect USB cable to apple tv and to notebook

5. Run 3uTools application on notebook

6. In main window 3uTools you should be see all data about your apple tv, and in up left corner will be "Apple TV" (not "Recovery Mode"). But icon will be from iPhone.

7. Push "More" in down right or go to "Toolbox" in upper menu and you shoul be see active "Batch activation" button.

8. Push "Batch activation" button and check "All" chechbox in apear window and push button to start activation.

After activating you should be see green message about succesfull activation.

Done.

Hi albram, thanks for the detailed instructions. I will try again. How did you manage to solve thia issue which you mentioned earlier? What have you done? Change the wire?

"but "Batch activation" button not active. If I push "Batch activation" button then "Please connect iDevice to PC using the USB cable"

Thank you

Hi, Ahwenww

No, I don`t changed cable.

Just I connected usb cable AFTER connecting power plug and boot apple tv. And apple tv starting in normal mode. In this mode 3utools see apple tv and "Batch activation" button is active.

Its solved! I would like to thank everyone who contrbuted to the solution! Thanks Albram for posting the step by step instructiions.

The important step is to ensure that the apple tv LED light STOPS blinking(atv is boot up) before you plug to the computer.

Hope this thread will help others who faced the same issue.