Apple TV issues when using ethernet- just started

Question

Level 1

3 points

Apple TV issues when using ethernet- just started

I am having a problem with ethernet on 2 apple tvs in our house, both 4th generations 32gb. We had a bad storm that knocked the power out for a few minutes. After that we had internet issues I believed was due to the modem. However, after troubleshooting for 2 days I realized if I unplugged the ethernet on one of the Apple Tvs the rest of the internet for the house would work normally. That Apple TV has been working fine on Wifi, but if plugged into ethernet it appears to "bring down" the network and no other device will connect. The other Apple TV was on Wifi while I was testing but then I plugged it back into ethernet and it also seemed to work normally for about 4 days. After that it would say there was no internet connection and when checked the IP address and DNS where all blank. If I unplugged the ethernet from that one it would connect to Wifi and work ok again. So basically I seem to have 2 different issues with them when using ethernet and they only work on Wifi. I would like them both to work on ethernet if possible, but I am not super technical and would like to know if I am missing something obvious. Thanks for any help.

Apple TV HD, tvOS 17

Posted on Oct 23, 2023 10:28 AM

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Answer 1

MuttuRam

Level 1

12 points

Jun 17, 2024 1:29 PM in response to zalewski22

So mine was resolved after I disconnected my mesh routers and rebooted (hard) my modem . Reconnected only my main mesh first , then followed by 2 other mesh units. Apple TV then got the ip from modem / router and worked fine . For some reason , I think there was a conflict of ip address or something like that is my guess.

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Answer 2

TammyW_03

Community Specialist

Oct 24, 2023 2:18 PM in response to zalewski22

Hey zalewski22,

Great question! The resource is also meant for "access points" and not just the Wi-Fi router. In addition to those settings, these steps can help. Be sure to test after each step:

Restart your modem and Wi-Fi router to ensure fresh connections
Try with a different Ethernet cable to rule out cable issues
Ensure the date and time are correct on your Apple TV's as this can effect connections if it's incorrect. If you can't change the time or time zone on your Apple device - Apple Support
Reset your Apple TV. Please note, this does restore your Apple TV to factory settings so you'll need to set it up again: Reset Apple TV - Apple Support

If those steps don't help, you'll want to reach out to Apple Support to investigate this more:. Although the link was provided earlier, here it is again so you don't need to scroll up: Get Support

Take care!

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Answer 3

Matthew_J5

Community Specialist

Oct 24, 2023 11:45 AM in response to zalewski22

Hi there zalewski22,

Thank you for posting to Apple Support Communities.

We understand that you're having an issue connecting your Apple TV devices to Ethernet. Make sure you're following the steps here: Set up Apple TV - Apple Support

Apple has a good article for how routers and access points should be set up as well: Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points - Apple Support

If you're still having an issue after looking through those articles, contact Apple Support for additional help: Get Support

Take care.

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Answer 4

hcsitas

Level 6

13,964 points

Jun 17, 2024 9:05 AM in response to FJGII

It could be that your home wiring is too long for the Apple TV. To resolve, connect a switch like this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079JP94QQ/

to the nearest wall. Connect the Apple TV to it with a cable not longer than 6’ to it, might fix.

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Answer 5

hcsitas

Level 6

13,964 points

Jun 17, 2024 9:16 PM in response to FJGII

It could be that your home wiring is too long for the Apple TV. To resolve, connect a switch like this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079JP94QQ/

to the nearest wall. Connect the Apple TV to it with a cable not longer than 6’ to it, might fix.

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Answer 6

FJGII

Level 1

12 points

Jun 17, 2024 2:11 PM in response to zalewski22

In the past I've rebooted my ISP router and then my mesh router to get the ethernet port on the ATV to work. I've done that again today and it's connected. The question is will it fail again. And if so, why is it filing so it can be fixed. we'll see. It would be nice if the ATV would allow you to switch from Ethernet to Wi-Fi in the App. That way if it fails, I can simply switch to Wi-Fi from the ATV menu. As it is I have to go to the ATV and unplug the ethernet cable to switch to Wi-Fi. Thanks!

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Answer 7

zalewski22 Author

Level 1

3 points

Oct 24, 2023 11:57 AM in response to Matthew_J5

Thank you for the input. I looked through the Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points, but most, if not all, seems related to proper settings for using Wi-fi. Unless I am missing something, which is very possible. If I am trying us ethernet only and no wireless connections, how much of those steps are going to relate? Thanks

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Answer 8

zalewski22 Author

Level 1

3 points

Oct 28, 2023 7:25 AM in response to TammyW_03

Thanks for the replies. None of those settings seemed to change, unless I missed a step. Basically, the problem is if I plug the Apple TV into either port on the modem with any number of cables, I get no Internet connection, and this message:

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Answer 9

FJGII

Level 1

12 points

Jun 17, 2024 7:21 AM in response to zalewski22

I have a similar issue. My Apple TV ethernet connection just stops working. I've replaced ethernet cables, just recently replaced my router and still the same intermittent problem exists. This is extremely frustrating. When purchasing the latest Apple TV, Apple forced us to buy the more expensive model to get the ethernet port. I've wired my home in order to get wired connections and eliminate Wi-Fi issues. AND the Apple TV doesn't allow you to switch from Ethernet to Wi-Fi. That means when the problem happens , you can't just go into Apple TV settings and switch from Ethernet to Wi-Fi because the Apple TV doesn't allow that. You have to go to he Apple TV and physically unplug the Ethernet cable in order to connect to Wi-Fi. I'm still looking for solutions and am afraid the only solution is going to be purchasing another Apple TV which just isn't right.

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