Can’t login to iCloud on Apple TV 3rd generation

This seems to be the same issue that was listed earlier but the Solution did not work for me. When I enter my Apple ID and iCloud password, it sends me a verification code which I enter. After I enter it, it spins for a bit and tells me that iCloud is unavailable. Any help would be appreciated!

Posted on Nov 27, 2022 8:38 AM

Reply
50 replies

Apr 24, 2023 1:55 PM in response to orubin

well well....miracles happen ?

I can log on now too ; typing the password then doing the 2FA ; and pasting the password via remote on the phone is also working. I see my icloud photo's again on the tube !


(strange advise to begin with ; what is different between typing the password or pasting it via the remote on a phone but anyway apple seems to have done a tweak)

Jul 20, 2023 3:44 AM in response to curtmeiss

I had this issue too. And just found a workaround.


It seems that older generation Apple TV’s time-out too quickly before the verification code can be submitted. The solution is to append the verification code to the end of your password right in the same password field. The. AppleTV never asks for the verification code separately. Do this:


  1. After you enter your Username then type your Password but don’t hit Submit.
  2. Manually request a verification code on another device: On your iPhone / iPad go to Settings > Tap your name > Password & Security > Get Verification Code
  3. On your Apple TV, type this code directly into the same password field after your password, no space in between, then submit.


Depending on what screen in AppleTV you started from which it requested your password, you may have to do this twice.


Hope this helps.


Best,


JZKeys



Aug 1, 2023 5:56 PM in response to curtmeiss

If you have a MacBook, remove the hdmi cable and under it you should see a port for a micro-USB. Use a micro-USB connect the Apple TV to a MacBook. And under the finder folder on macbook(blue/white smiley face) you’ll see the Apple TV connected on the left side.

click it then hit restore and let the Apple TV download update and restore then once done. Unplug Apple TV from power and plug back in. And it should restart

Aug 3, 2023 9:04 AM in response to curtmeiss

This is Apple monopoly at work. After spending mega bucks on their phone, TV & storage subscriptions , they now make you spend hours logging into your cloud that disappears off any Apple device that they truck you into upgrading to obsolescence. Stop! Assert your ownership rights . You already paid for your equip & photos. They are yours - mirror them on your phone & when the time comes they levee fees for that - put them where Apple can’t get them- on a thumb drive - stick that into your tv. & let Apple figure out where they can stick it. Feed your family not Apple greed. Do I hear an Amen?

Sep 11, 2023 6:19 AM in response to curtmeiss

Same here… and we can get no help from Apple, apparently.

I KNOW it's an old device, but it's still working perfectly (from the hardware perspective) and they won't let us log in to the iCloud servers just because they don't want us to. I can't see my photo stream, my playlists or anything related to my iCloud account on my Apple TV :-/

Sep 24, 2023 12:32 PM in response to rgomesbr

I can't see my photo stream …

Nobody can see the My Photo Stream on any device, as the service has been discontinued.

My Photo Stream - Apple Support


… my playlists or anything related to my iCloud account on my Apple TV

Advanced Data Protection for iCloud as an account property may invalidate some iCloud services on devices with older software. It may have been turned on through one of your other devices. It can be undone if wanted. 

Sep 26, 2023 4:12 AM in response to curtmeiss

I have a similar problem with an Apple TV 4K 1st gen (A1842) running on iOS 17 (21J354):

  • Select Users and Accounts
  • Select my default user
  • Select iCloud
  • Select Sign In
  • Select Sign in Using iPhone or iPad
  • Enter my Apple ID and password on the iPhone


After it shows a "Update user settings on this Apple TV…" dialog on the phone and "Signing In…" on the TV. These screens run forever…


PS: This did not help…

Sep 26, 2023 4:29 AM in response to blackjacxxx

I have a similar problem with an Apple TV 4K 1st gen (A1842) running on iOS 17 (21J354):

Then your issue is not similar, as the issue in this thread is specific to legacy devices. For best assistance and visibility, please start a new thread using the “Ask the Community” link in the bar (desktop) or drop down menu (mobile) at the top of the page.

Can’t login to iCloud on Apple TV 3rd generation

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.