User profile for user: Li_03
Li_03 Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Apple TV 4K (1st generation) couldn´t update

Dear all,


I have an appleTV4k 1st generation bought yesterday form someone else which is 70Euros. Never opened.


Now i open it to wacch Desney+ but the TvOS is too old .It's on tvOS 12.3.


I've tried to update about 20 times, takes about 30 mins each time as it downloads the update. It fails and says update not successful. I've connected to Ethernet, full reset, rebooted. Nothing works. Tried 'update later' over night but that didn't work either.


Can I take it to Apple Store to be updated? The only issue is I don't have the receipt. The app I want to use requires version 18 so l'm kinda stuck at the moment.

Lots of similar stories online but no real answers.


Thanks

Apple TV 4K (1st generation)

Posted on Jan 10, 2025 7:11 PM

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User profile for user: Urquhart1244
Urquhart1244
User level: Level 10
150,358 points

Posted on Jan 10, 2025 10:09 PM

Please review the Get Help section at Update your Apple TV - Apple Support

The issue may be that the gap in versions is too large for a regular update.


If you buy a second hand Apple device, that has been used before, then that device should be reset, so that it can be activated/​registered with the new user’s Apple Account and personal settings. If it was never used before, then no reset is needed, although resetting would have a reset-and-update option to try.


If you need more assistance, do contact the Apple Support staff about your issue. They can give you the best advice. They may refer you to an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider, although the current policy could be different now.

They will want to know that the device has legitimate origins, regardless of being re-sold. They will check the device serial number for any red flags in their administration. (E.g. devices stolen from Store inventory will get blacklisted.)


Strictly speaking, the current Disney+ app requires tvOS 16.5 or later, but Apple only allows updating to the current version (tvOS 18.2 at this time), without method for intermediate steps.

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User profile for user: Urquhart1244
Urquhart1244
User level: Level 10
150,358 points

Jan 10, 2025 10:09 PM in response to Li_03

Please review the Get Help section at Update your Apple TV - Apple Support

The issue may be that the gap in versions is too large for a regular update.


If you buy a second hand Apple device, that has been used before, then that device should be reset, so that it can be activated/​registered with the new user’s Apple Account and personal settings. If it was never used before, then no reset is needed, although resetting would have a reset-and-update option to try.


If you need more assistance, do contact the Apple Support staff about your issue. They can give you the best advice. They may refer you to an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider, although the current policy could be different now.

They will want to know that the device has legitimate origins, regardless of being re-sold. They will check the device serial number for any red flags in their administration. (E.g. devices stolen from Store inventory will get blacklisted.)


Strictly speaking, the current Disney+ app requires tvOS 16.5 or later, but Apple only allows updating to the current version (tvOS 18.2 at this time), without method for intermediate steps.

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Apple TV 4K (1st generation) couldn´t update

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