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?
It works on the computer. But it works not on the Apple TV 4k. The message appears on the Apple TV 4k.
Essentially the same issue but two of mine *do* work and one doesn't so it isn't about just allowing one to work.
Me too.....
Can only play from one Apple TV box. The others are not authorized to play DRM files.
I have an open ticket for this same problem and now Apple support is not calling me back when they set the date and time.
It’s not just you. Now open cases are being ignored by Apple support. Mine very specifically. They need to bone up and let us know what they know.
I believe you are correct. But I do have Apple TV's running older software and they do not authorize either. Must be at the Apple Server or something. Just hope they get it repaired quick.
Dear Randy_Savage,
it works!
You are the hero of the day!
Didn't need to do anything and Home Sharing is 100% working! This started yesterday in the evening around 10pm PST.
Apple TV Won't play purchased movies, Keeps asking to Authorize
