AppleTV The Apple activation server is currently unavailable

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Level 1

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AppleTV The Apple activation server is currently unavailable

I have an Apple TV (4th generation) model MGY52LL/A on tvOS 18.5 and after erasing all content and settings I get the error "Activation Error: The Activation server is temporarily unavailable"

I have tried it on WiFi and ethernet and still get the same result.

My WiFi and ethernet connection are working properly. I was able to activate an iPad and an Apple TV 4K model MQD22LL/A just fine.

I have connected the AppleTV device to my Macbook and restored it and tried erasing all content and settings through Apple Configurator.

It still does not connect to the Activation Server.

How can I fix this?

Posted on Jun 24, 2025 9:51 AM

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Answer 1

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Urquhart1244

Level 10

146,274 points

Jun 24, 2025 11:23 AM in response to awilson124

You'll have to ask Apple staff about (un)availability of activation servers. None here have special knowledge about that.

Apple has a system status page, where you might see if certain services are (un)available, or have current or recent outages. (I’m not sure where activation servers should go in that list — if listed at all.) Apple system status - Apple Support

There is a method to force activation, through a local tool called Apple Configurator.

Read here for more details: discussions.apple.com/thread/253315520. While it talks about a different model, I believe it should work for 4th gen. as well. Be sure to connect the Apple TV box to the computer through USB, and power the box through its own power cord after making the USB connection. Then launch the app.

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