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Apple TV 3 activation failed

After a million tries.... the following process worked! This is using all legitimate tools, so no drama!


To fix failed activation, and therefore restore 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".

Bam!

Unplug from Mac and power, plug into the TV you would like it on, and carry on with a normal, activated setup!


Hope this helps - let Apple know that they should use this method. IT WORKS!


Posted on Dec 14, 2021 3:57 PM

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7 replies

Dec 17, 2021 7:08 AM in response to Goyg

I'm running High Sierra (the latest OS for my 2013 MacBook) and it's not compatible.

You can trick it, if someone with a newer Mac allows you to get Configuration 2 on your own account through their Mac App Store. Sign in to the Mac App Store with your own account, and get the app. When done, sign out there, delete the app on your friend’s Mac, and then on your own Mac you'll be offered to download the last compatible version for your OS.


Or use the mentioned other app for Windows.

Dec 26, 2021 3:33 PM in response to gagan157

Hi, I have this problem too and don’t know if anyone can help me.


i was delighted to find that there was a solution to this issue after an Apple TV restore.


however, I am politely told that in order to run configurator 2 on my Mac mini (late 2014) that i need to be running Catalina 10.15.6.


guess what. I’m running Catalina 10.5.5


upgrade it, I hear you cry. If only it was that easy - when I go to system preferences and then updates, I am told…


Your Mac is up to date - macOS Catalina 10.15.5


i can’t update

i therefore can’t get configurator 2

i therefore can’t sort out my apple TV


the whole thing is like going round in an awful apple circle and still arriving at the same problem - no airplay on my Apple TV.


anyone got any solutions before I chuck it all in the bin?


thanks,


jez.

Jan 8, 2022 1:42 AM in response to gagan157

This is the only thing that worked for me! thank you! Tried resetting, restoring via apple tv and then itunes, restarting router and so on but this is what did it. I can't believe how bad the software on the old apple tvs are is, ton of features that don't work and it's all falling apart. Netflix doesn't work for me, youtube doesn't work, can't airplay Netflix as support was removed. Steve is turning in his grave seeing the crappy software.

Apple TV 3 activation failed

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