Apple TV 3rd generation works again with "reactive", why?

Apple TV 3rd generation failed to activate For UNKNOWN reason, suddenly the device stopped connecting iOS and macOS after firmware updated to the latest.

Spoke to Apple Support Advisor and was asked if I had seen the device's "activation" status, that's how I realized that Apple deactivated my device as a gesture.


So nice.


[Edited by Moderator]

Posted on Dec 13, 2021 5:28 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 13, 2021 6:54 PM

Apple Configurator 2. To fix failed activation, and therefore restoring AirPlay capability, on a Mac, install Apple Configurator 2 from the app store. Plug in your Apple TV 3rd Gen to power and to a Mac using a micro USB cable from the Apple TV to the Mac. In the configurator, perform an Apple TV OS "Restore" using the "Prepare" gear icon in the top menu bar (it should prompt you that you must do this anyway). Once it has been restored using the configurator, do what the prompts say: "Unplug USB cable and power." Then, "Power it back on" and wait for it to boot. When the status light is solid (booted), plug in the USB cable connected to your Mac again. You will then see a "mirrored" display of a TV and Apple TV icon with the setup screen as if it were plugged into a TV. Click on it, and it will then display the Apple TV home screen and version info, etc. on the right. A menu of 4 items will now be available in the left-hand column of the configurator app. Click on the second item "Apps". You will see a message "Apple TV not activated". Click the button that says "Activate".

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 13, 2021 6:54 PM in response to Apple_TV3_Activate_2Work

Apple Configurator 2. To fix failed activation, and therefore restoring AirPlay capability, on a Mac, install Apple Configurator 2 from the app store. Plug in your Apple TV 3rd Gen to power and to a Mac using a micro USB cable from the Apple TV to the Mac. In the configurator, perform an Apple TV OS "Restore" using the "Prepare" gear icon in the top menu bar (it should prompt you that you must do this anyway). Once it has been restored using the configurator, do what the prompts say: "Unplug USB cable and power." Then, "Power it back on" and wait for it to boot. When the status light is solid (booted), plug in the USB cable connected to your Mac again. You will then see a "mirrored" display of a TV and Apple TV icon with the setup screen as if it were plugged into a TV. Click on it, and it will then display the Apple TV home screen and version info, etc. on the right. A menu of 4 items will now be available in the left-hand column of the configurator app. Click on the second item "Apps". You will see a message "Apple TV not activated". Click the button that says "Activate".

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Apple TV 3rd generation works again with "reactive", why?

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