how to setup a static IP on apple tv

When you use a home automation system that scans the network for the IP address, and you want to use that system to control the detected devices (i.e. Apple TV) then you want a static IP so you don't have problems down the line with your scripts and you can address that device directly every time without fail.

You could set up your router to do manual assignment of IP address instead of using DHCP, but that is a PITA, because then you'd have to manually set up IP for all your devices.

If you have AirPOrt Extreme, you could do this:

1. In your Apple TV, go to the Settings >> About and write down the MAC address of your ATV
2. Start up the AiPort Admin Utility
3. Go to Network tab
4. click + in the DHCP reservations
5. Choose an IP you want for your ATV & Enter the MAC address
6. From now on, this IP address will be reserved to the MAC address and only your ATV will be able to get it, no other device will.
7. It is not a static IP in a true sense, but behaves just like one.

Works great for me...

If you don't have a AP Extreme, I'm sure other routers will allow you do reservations too.

I see:

Manual IP set up is:

1. Menu >> Settings
2. General
3. Network
4. Configure TCP/IP
5. Choose Manually
6. Enter your desired IP

I'm still not sure how this would work.

You'd either have a router or connect your ATV straight to the ISP, in either case, you'd be assigned a different IP other than the static one you bought. OR am I missing something?

If you are behind a router, it is a moot point because that IP will be private and visible only within the router's network.

Can you elaborate on how exactly you've envisioned to work? You got me curious now..... 😁

I actually set up IP reservation for all our devices, because I used to have an issue where one laptop would have a certain IP, then it would go to sleep, another laptop would connect and "Steal" that IP. Then, when the first laptop woke up, they'd start fighting or it and both lose internet connectivity.

Ever since I set up reservations, I'm in peace.

Not sure why the OP wanted to do this, but the usual reason is to point the ATV (or similar) device at a system that implements a VPN to somewhere that has a broader range of offerings than your normal ISP connection would.

Thanks for the info, I just installed my ATV last week, and was just thinking about how to do this. And since the other end of my VPN supports Netflix HD and the ISP doesn't it means some additional incentive to reconfigure.

Do you have AirPort Extreme?