Well, it worked for a while, but all of a sudden today, all but one of my apple tv's will not play purchased media. Wish this would get fixed. But yes. it seems to have happened when i updated to Catalina. I'm just not sure what to do anymore. Even apple support could not fix this. Who Knows anymore.
In combination with iTunes Store movies (or music or books), “Authorize” is used for computer playback (Mac or PC), not the Apple TV box per se (unless Home Sharing or AirPlay, but that isn’t needed, as the Apple TV box can play this content without using Home Sharing or AirPlay).
Authorize or deauthorize your computer for iTunes Store purchases - Apple Support
Authorizing links the device uniquely to an Apple ID account. Users should de-authorize computers that are no longer in use by you, as there is a limit of 5 computers per account. You can try de-authorizing all your devices, then re-authorize devices when needed, to make sure it is not about a forgotten device or the limit.
Aside from unintentional setting resets, updating macOS wouldn’t affect this. Most users have been playing iTunes Store content with every version macOS without this error. The version macOS itself is not the cause.
Try playback on the computer without Apple TV box involved. Is that any different?
They do need to call you back though. They are probably working on it on their end. Just keep calling I guess.
Same here. I updated to macOS 12.4, Apple TV 4k (second generation) with all updates. I resetted, restarted, changed my password, unplugged every device, de-authorized and authorized again.
Nothing works.
It's funny. I've got 1 Apple TV. It is authorized already and plays fine. I de-Authorized it (well the computer actually) , then re-authorized it and it played as before. So It works whenever. But two other apple tvs with the same software and same model just won't authorize. It's like...you can have only 1 Apple TV to play purchases. Weird Huh! And this problem just began again after 2 years of no problems. Somethings going on 'under the hood' somewhere. Who Knows.? I just bought a brand new Apple TV 4k today. So one way or the other, I'm gonna get it to work. When I find out, I'll let you all know here.
I am having the exact same problem, updated the apple tv the day before last and now I have 2 of my 4 4k ATV's asking for auth on local library movies. I wish we had the ability to revert to previous software versions on the ATV
Thank goodness, I thought it was just me. I have spent an hours trying to restart Apple TV, restart my iMac, re-authorize/de-authorize my computer, sign-out on my computer and Apple TV app on my computer and I can’t get a single purchased movie to play. I can play movies via the computer (which defeats the purpose of having an AppleTV Box) I can also stream the movies from my iPad to the AppleTV to my TV (which defeats the purpose of having an AppleTV Box). This is beyond ridiculous! Hopefully, something will be done soon.
Yes, I even tried a different internet connection at work. It still did not authorize. So unless by chance it is Mac software problems or maybe apple tv software problems....I guess we'll have to wait. I'm suppose to talk to support again tomorrow, an upper level tech. So Maybe??? Wish Luck!
I'm having the same issue. I have 6 Apple TVs that I and my family have around the house (inherited a couple from family who were tired of Apple). All was fine until about 1 week ago and it spread to all the Apple TVs. Can stream but cannot play from any Library (even started a new library from a different PC). Seems to be stemming from my Apple account, nothing local.
Defiantly, Same here. One day it worked. and the next day...No way! I just got off of the phone. They said it might a new issue this week. (I wander if Apple's WWDC event has anything to do with this, I don't know why it would but...). Maybe someones messing around with the settings somewhere. But we should not have to suffer, Huh! I'll check back, if they tell me anything.
Right, that's crazy huh, It's suppose to be the Mac that you have to authorize and why two different Apple Tv's are different is beyond me. I still an open case on this matter with apple. I'll check in with apple tomorrow and see whats up now.
You are in good company as we are all in the same boat. Apple is now ignoring the problem and it’s loyal customers. Open cases are being ignored and callbacks don’t occur, as scheduled. I have had Apple products almost since day one but I must confess, their ability to provide support is in jeopardy. I am a Apple TV junkie but I am now implementing other alternatives to play movies and music. Got your ears on , Apple?
I just called apple support and didn't select call-back. I said Call now. Spoke with a support person who has given me her direct contact information and office hours, so I can at least get the same person, with the same case# next time I call to pester them. At least, that's the plan.
However... Still no resolution
Well I feel very disillusioned now. Overnight everything fell right back into the same dark, dank hole that started me on this journey of sorrow. My Apple TV does no home sharing at all. I can play online videos. I cannot take advantage on any promises of watching my movies, Let's not get this confused...I bought these movies. I didn't buy a license to view. I bought the exclusive right to take possession, store and view these movies on my own computing devices over my private network with no Internet access. The reason I support the Apple ecosystem with my hard earned dollars is because it normally works.
Apple...
I do not use Microsoft or Android because Apple is, in my estimation, better than the rest however, you are trying your damnedest to underperform better than either of them.
BE BETTER!!!
If Apple can't fix this then they should send out an update that actually downgrades everyone back to version 14 on their Apple TVs. That way the ****** box works as advertised. I am not and never opted in to be a beta tester. It is Apple's fiduciary duty to make this product work or provide every one of us a viable financial solution to remove any protections from the content we purchased.
[Edited by Moderator]
Same here, It just started working. I did not have to re-authorize or restart or anything. I just tried again and presto. It works now. I guess Apple has repaired the problem now. Just took them a couple of weeks Huh. Thanks.
And to rub salt in the wound... I just got my apple TV monthly invoice today. Sent a message off to the support person who gave me her personal contact info suggesting that, under the circumstances, since it was the apple TV update that fubar'd everything in the first place, some consideration on that monthly bill might be in order.
Apple TV Won't play purchased movies, Keeps asking to Authorize
