Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

can't connect to the server

my apple TV second generation can not connect to the Itunes store. I keep getting a message saying. Apple TV can't Connect to the server at this time. Please try later. Is it on my end or is there an issue on Apples side? I can see previews and such but can not buy or rent anything

Posted on Sep 5, 2011 6:10 PM

Reply
16 replies

Sep 5, 2011 6:27 PM in response to Jason Kam Kam

did a search and found that Resetting the apple TV might do the trick. held down Menu and Down for 6 seconds or untill the little light on the ATV started flashing, the ATV rebooted and now everything is working fine. I think the problem happened when I was unplugging and plugging in the ATV before trying to figure out why there was no Video output (found it was a faulty HDMI cable) after that it never has worked. after the Reset it works fine now

Sep 27, 2011 4:59 PM in response to Jason Kam Kam

This has happened a couple of times to me now.

Usually everything works fine, with the only irritation being that periodically (every few weeks) my Apple TV forgets my iTunes password and I have to enter it again.


Last Saturday night it was logged on with my previously rented movie showing, then when I tried to watch it the connection to the server was lost and I couldn't reconnect despite re-enterering account details and password multiple times during the evening. YouTube was working fine so it wasn't a network issue.


I didn't try resetting the Apple TV but decided to watch a DVD that was lying around instead.

A day or two later I checked and the connection was fine again.


I don't know if the Apple TV had an error that reset itself over time, or whether the iTunes server was overloaded or having technical issues.


If it happens again I'll try the reset.

If it's a server issue Apple needs to sort it out ASAP as it won't take many times of not getting on for customers to get frustrated with the service and stop using it.

Nov 27, 2011 8:12 PM in response to Jason Kam Kam

I'm also having this issue. Was watching Netflix just fine for a couple hours, then it went to sleep and I have not been able to get it back on. I have unplugged/plugged-in several times. Did the reset as well. Nothing is working. I've had to enter my password (yes I know it is correct) several times now. It just continues on "Unable to sign in - Apple Tv can't connect to the server at this time. Please try later."

Jan 17, 2012 5:59 PM in response to Jason Kam Kam

I have four Apple TV's in my home, and I get this message all the time. What is intersting, is when it occurs on one,it occurs on ALL four simultaneously. We also have two iMacs, two iPads, and three iPhones, all use the same apple I'd and password, those other devices connect to iTunes just fine when this occurs with the TV's. I too can also watch previews, use Netflix, etc.


It is clearly a gremlin specific to iTunes and Apple TV's, and your account. Re booting the TV does work.

I am forever rebooting Apple TV's, as well as forever returning them for free replacements as they experience a variety of problems, locked screens, failure to pair with a remote, etc.



Apple knows the fix for this is a reboot, so why is that not an express lane answer??


Very frustrating devices, ITunes does have the best content, and the highest prices. But I suggest use your apple tv for watching Netflix at $8 / month rather than $5 / movie. Especially when they do not seem to care enough to fix bugs like this so we can enjoy the pleasure of overspending for their content without extreme frustration.


Imagine three kids with Apple TV's in their room. (we do not have cable). A thousand "Dad, can you come fix my Apple TV again".


Signed, the 24 hour on call IT man because I was stupid enough to invest in so much apple product.


Bottom line? Anytime anything goes wrong with your Apple TV, it's not you as long as you have Internet, it's Apple, reboot when in doubt, or unplug and replug, even better.

Nov 25, 2012 9:18 PM in response to Jason Kam Kam

I've been having this issue for a few weeks now and im getting realy anoid at having to repetedly reset my Apple tv. i'm apple to access my itunes threw all my other devices but not on my apple tv. what's up with this? if this continues ill be force to get rid of my apple tv and get a boxee. hope apple resolves this issue soon.

can't connect to the server

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.