Apple TV - occasional "WiFi not connected" message

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Level 1

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Apple TV - occasional "WiFi not connected" message

Although there is no interruption in video or music, my Apple TV shows a brief message in the top right corner "WiFi not connected" for around 5 seconds, every hour or so. It seems to be new since the latest software update.

I have tried many things such as updating and rebooting the router, forgetting and re-connecting to the Wifi, etc. Nothing seems to make a difference. It's happening on both my Apple TV's in my home. One is a 2023 4K, the other is an older model, perhaps 2021.

Is anyone else experiencing this? Any ideas on what I could try next?

Apple TV HD, tvOS 16

Posted on Nov 29, 2023 2:10 AM

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Answer 1

hcsitas

Level 6

13,970 points

Nov 29, 2023 10:51 AM in response to MainDude

😁 - good one. Try Ethernet with the older one to see if it works without interruption. That will eliminate or isolate the problem better.

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Answer 2

MainDude Author

Level 1

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Nov 29, 2023 10:46 AM in response to hcsitas

Apple TV 4K has no Ethernet ports. Also, almost certain that "WiFi not connected" message would not occur if connected by LAN cable.

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Answer 3

hcsitas

Level 6

13,970 points

Nov 29, 2023 10:42 AM in response to MainDude

2 meters - test with Ethernet?

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Answer 4

hcsitas

Level 6

13,970 points

Nov 29, 2023 10:58 AM in response to MainDude

It’s not a false message, the disconnection is too brief to interrupt (buffering takes care).

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Answer 5

hcsitas

Level 6

13,970 points

Nov 29, 2023 11:12 AM in response to MainDude

Other devices have the icon visible - message unnecessary for normal operation. FWIW, I haven’t had this issue. Wait it out until the next update, might fix.

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Answer 6

MainDude Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 29, 2023 11:09 AM in response to hcsitas

Ok, although no other device on the network sends "WiFi not connected" messages, most of them Apple devices. Also before the tvOS 17 update, neither of the Apple TVs did this. I suspect that the update contains a change in the connection status logic, and that's why I'm asking if anyone else has experienced this.

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Answer 7

hcsitas

Level 6

13,970 points

Nov 29, 2023 2:24 AM in response to MainDude

How far is the router from the ATV?

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Answer 8

MainDude Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 29, 2023 10:38 AM in response to MainDude

The ATV 4K is approximately 2 meters, very close. The other is upstairs, around 20 meters - but has a good signal strength indication.

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Answer 9

MainDude Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 29, 2023 10:56 AM in response to hcsitas

Thank you for the suggestion - both Apple TVs *do* work without interruption. That's not the issue. It's only the message "WiFi not connected" that is false.

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Apple TV - occasional "WiFi not connected" message

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