Apple TV not working consistently with Airplay

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Apple TV not working consistently with Airplay

I’m trying to set up my Apple TV Gen 3 (yes I know it’s old!) so that I can stream music from my iOS devices to my TV/Soundabar.

I’m not interested in all the features of TV+ - I just want to stream using Airplay (1 not 2).

I’ve set the Apple TV up correctly (I think) and the Airplay screen shows the Apple TV device listed along with other Airplay speakers/receivers.

Unfortunately, however, I can’t see the Apple TV device when I use my iOS devices - but I can see the other Airplay receivers in my home.

It’s not quite true to say it has never worked. Once or twice the Apple TV has appeared on my iPad/iPhone list of Airplay options and I have been able to stream to my TV/Soundbar. It doesn’t last though. If I move away from the Apple TV I just can’t get back to it - and then, suddenly, after 2 or 3 days it will (might) come back.

I’ve restarted everything, made sure I’m on the same network etc. etc. but nothing helps. I can also PING to the Apple TV IP address.

Can anybody help me work out what is going on? And hopefully give me a solution.

TIA

Apple TV 3, 8

Posted on Aug 31, 2024 3:02 AM

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Answer 1

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Urquhart1244

Level 10

149,536 points

Sep 1, 2024 5:08 AM in response to graeme2507

Alright. So AirPlay is working, just not from your iPhone to this Apple TV box.

Verify that the iPhone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Phones on cellular can’t stream locally.

If your router offers multiple networks, then please change that configuration to have the router combine all radio bands and the wired into one logical network. If your router offers a Guest Network, then that is intended for internet access only, not for communication between devices on your home network. Let that be for guests only.

Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points - Apple Support

On the Apple TV box, verify in Settings﹥General﹥About﹥… that it doesn’t say “Activation: Failed.” If it does say that, then AirPlay isn’t possible until that is fixed.

First try a factory reset, (re-)register the device with your valid Apple ID account, and the rest of the setup.
If the issue persists after that, then you should apply this workaround from user RKG61: discussions.apple.com/thread/253315520

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Answer 2

Urquhart1244

Level 10

149,536 points

Aug 31, 2024 4:40 AM in response to graeme2507

Please note that AirPlay is an activity on the home network. To stream from iPhone to Apple TV, the signal goes through the Wi-Fi access point and/or router. Distance between iPhone and Apple TV box is irrelevant.

Depending on where these devices are in your home, the connection might not be as strong as you would hope. Also neighboring networks might interfere, by using the same Wi-Fi channel(s) or close-in-frequency.

Use AirPlay to stream audio - Apple Support

Airplay has been choppy - Apple Community

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Answer 3

graeme2507 Author

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8 points

Sep 1, 2024 10:25 AM in response to Urquhart1244

Looks like we may have found the problem. I have the “Activation Failed” status. A factory reset hasn’t helped - the only thing that fails during set up is when I try to login to iCloud - even though I’m 100% certain I’m using the correct Apple ID login.

I haven’t tried the changes to the router settings as I don’t want to screw things up that seem to be working correctly. I have 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz networks set up and they have different SSIDs. I don’t have a Guest Network set up.

Any further thoughts?

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Answer 4

Urquhart1244

Level 10

149,536 points

Sep 1, 2024 2:58 PM in response to graeme2507

I have 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz networks set up and they have different SSIDs.

If both devices connect to to same, then it could work.

Any further thoughts?

2. If the issue persists after that, then you should apply this workaround from user RKG61: discussions.apple.com/thread/253315520

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Answer 5

graeme2507 Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 31, 2024 5:13 AM in response to Urquhart1244

Hi - thanks for your reply.

My Apple TV is about 4 or 5 metres from my router - no obstructions. The display shown on my TV indicates that the Wi-Fi signal is strong.

Likewise the iOS devices I’m using are about 2 metres from my router - again the indication is that the signal is strong.

Airplay to other devices is fine - noticeably my Mac Studio where I can mirror screen and this is located about 15 metres away upstairs and with a number of walls in between. Also Airplay to a speaker - SONOS Roam 2 - works well and this could be anywhere.

My Wi-Fi is also strong - 400+ Mbps from router to Internet and slightly less within my house - I.e. device to internet is about 300 Mbps.

Any other thoughts ?

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Answer 6

graeme2507 Author

Level 1

8 points

Sep 2, 2024 3:04 AM in response to Urquhart1244

I had a look at the workaround but…..

I don’t have a “configurator 2” app shown in the App Store - there is one called “configurator” so I’ll give that a go. Doesn’t look straightforward and it seems to want a micro USB connection to the Apple TV which is connected to my TV and is about 15-20 m from my Mac (don’t have a laptop).

I can obviously disconnect the Apple TV from my TV and move it near my Mac but would lose visibility of the configuration - or I could move both to be near my Mac!

I’m happy to do that if “configurator” will work - what do you think?

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Answer 7

Urquhart1244

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149,536 points

Sep 2, 2024 4:32 AM in response to graeme2507

The Apple Configurator app is indeed the correct one. It is now at version 2.17, hence sometimes named ‘Configurator 2’. On prior versions macOS, you would need a not-the-latest version of the app (e.g. v2.16 for macOS 12.4–13.x).

This app can do a lot more, but you only need to do the described actions. The app can load properties and/or configurations onto a managed device, for some details beyond what on-device settings can do.

The Apple TV box doesn’t need the TV screen while doing this, so you can bring it to your Mac.

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Answer 8

graeme2507 Author

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8 points

Sep 2, 2024 7:37 AM in response to Urquhart1244

Well, we got there! Thanks enormously for all your help.

'Configurator' isn't that user intuitive but I managed to eventually get my Apple TV activated successfully - despite several failed attempts to download and install different software.

The Apple TV is now connected to an external DAC (using an optical cable) and plugged into my 'vintage' Hi-Fi (using an RCA cable) meaning that I can play my Apple Music library into my audio system (you'd think it would be easier!).

Thanks again.

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Answer 9

Urquhart1244

Level 10

149,536 points

Sep 2, 2024 8:03 AM in response to graeme2507

You’re welcome.

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Apple TV not working consistently with Airplay

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