Apple TV 4K will not connect to Ethernet. I have reset it, rebooted router, and followed trouble shooting from forums. This is my 3rd Apple TV with a similar issue. Can I get some help please?? And also why can we not choose how to connect? Apple should provide the option.
It’s certainly not the router. Firstly because If it were wifi would not work. Secondly, my other 2 Apple TVs and HomePods would also have an issue. Lastly, I have zenarmor installed on opnsense so I am able to view all the traffic. Apple Tv is not sending nor is it receiving any traffic via Ethernet. It has to be Apple TV hardware of software issue.
WiFi allows Apple to determine location precisely without depending on the router. Ethernet OTOH won’t play nice with location. Combine that with a China-made no-name router loaded with insecure, open-sourced software/firewalls, and you have a recipe for mystery problems that all point to the router.
Unless you replace your router with a known, branded router, it will continue IMO to be the prime suspect. Assuming you aren’t using a cable longer than 6’, replace the router. Or toss the Ethernet connection and stick with WiFi. I don’t see any other option (but hopefully I’m proven wrong). Good luck! 👋
Are there any led lights on any of the Ethernet ports you could check? It appears there are none on the AppleTV but your router may have some.
I will also assume if you check the network settings on the AppleTV, there are no indications of an IP address?
I really can't think of anything that should cause your situation, but I suppose the port may be bad. You have done a close inspection of the physical port?
Looks like a no-name router that’s not up to Apple security snuff. That’s the problem with open source stuff - too open. Replace it with something more mainstream, should fix.
Last night, I tested my AppleTV 4K and just inserted the Ethernet cable and it moved to that automatically.
I suppose you could check the Ethernet connection you are trying to use with another device.
First rule of evolving Apple Security: what worked in the past may not in future, that too without notice or explanation.
I’ve never heard of this router, wouldn’t rule it out as the root cause of your problem. It’s probably fiddling with security by design. I’d replace with a branded router asap.
I have 1gb fiber with opnsense router -> 1gb to link switch -> Cat6 -> Apple TV 4K. I do not get any error messages. I tried forgetting my wireless network, restart, plug Ethernet. Apple TV only show no WIFI connection.
The router is a Protecli vault with aes-ni. It’s a reputable firewall appliance. I did test the cables with my cable tester as well as with Xbox. The Apple TV had been working with the Ethernet for over a year.
I think I’m going to have to stick with wifi until I resolve the issue. I just a note but protectli is not a Chinese product. It’s an American based company made of networking experts competing https://protectli.com/about/. It’s an excellent and capable appliance.
Could you give us an overview of your system configuration? What Ethernet router is being used? Do you have adequate Ethernet cables?
Are you getting any messages during the attempts to connect?
“Headquarters in the US, Canada and Germany” - that’s quite a head scratcher. But good decision, all the best.
Apple TV 4K Ethernet
