Apple TV Death after update?

Seen quite a few people with this problem. After the update the light just blinks. After unplugging ethernet, it can't find router. Some people reset the router and said that worked. Others restored by plugging into iTunes and got it working. I did all of the above multiple times, still death. Going to have to take it into the Apple Store tomorrow I guess. Unless another update comes that fixes this.


Also the weird part, I know it's under warranty since it isn't even a year old, but I went to check the serial number and Apple said the serial number wasn't found.

Posted on Sep 25, 2012 12:29 AM

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367 replies

Sep 26, 2012 12:04 PM in response to Karen P

The same thing happend to me this morning. After reading your post I was able to use the suggestion of restoring to an earlier version:


Apple TV 2:

http://appldnld.apple.com/AppleTV/041-4362.20120605.t8i4U/AppleTV2,1_5.0.2_9B830 _Restore.ipsw


Apple TV 3:

http://appldnld.apple.com/AppleTV/041-4361.20120605.grjot/AppleTV3,1_5.0.2_9B830 _Restore.ipsw


Step 1. I downloaded the correct restore file to my macbook pro.

Step 2. I then unplugged all cables to the AppleTV.

Step 3. I logged into iTunes on my macbook pro.

Sept 4. I then used a micro USB cable that came with my WD external hard drive plugged it into my macbook pro then AppleTV. The restore screen came up automatically. I pressed option and store at the same time. I was taken to the screen to find/use the restore file that I had downloaded in step 1. I'm happen to say everything went smoothly. iTunes confirmed that the restore was completed.

Step 5. I then connected the HDMI cable and power cord to the AppleTV and went through the AppleTV set up. I'm back in business! I hope this helps.

Sep 27, 2012 6:48 AM in response to RandomVillain

I spoke to Apple support regarding the update and at fist they said that this is an issolated case. They were suprised when I mentioned that its on Apple Dicussions.


Want to encourage everyone that has this problem to arrange a call with Apple, they are obviously not monitoring the discussions. This way they will see that there are more than 1 person with the problem.


Log the problem here and Apple will call you back, no need to wait on the phone for ages.

http://www.apple.com/uk/support/appletv/


I have been told that it will take 4 days to get back to me! So glad I was able to roll back the update otherwise I would have been without TV!

Sep 30, 2012 3:26 PM in response to RandomVillain

i've followed the steps mentioned earlier (i pasted it below) but nothing happens on my screen.

i see a few people got it working again but even though i've followed exactly as instructed, none of those things explained his posting happens to my computer screen or itunes, therefore i cannot do anything to downgrade my apple tv 2.


can someone help me to fix it, please ?



Apple TV 2:

http://appldnld.apple.com/AppleTV/041-4362.20120605.t8i4U/AppleTV2,1_5.0.2_9B830 _Restore.ipsw


Apple TV 3:

http://appldnld.apple.com/AppleTV/041-4361.20120605.grjot/AppleTV3,1_5.0.2_9B830 _Restore.ipsw


Step 1. I downloaded the correct restore file to my macbook pro.

Step 2. I then unplugged all cables to the AppleTV.

Step 3. I logged into iTunes on my macbook pro.

Sept 4. I then used a micro USB cable that came with my WD external hard drive plugged it into my macbook pro then AppleTV. The restore screen came up automatically. I pressed option and store at the same time. I was taken to the screen to find/use the restore file that I had downloaded in step 1. I'm happen to say everything went smoothly. iTunes confirmed that the restore was completed.

Step 5. I then connected the HDMI cable and power cord to the AppleTV and went through the AppleTV set up. I'm back in business! I hope this helps.

Oct 1, 2012 4:30 AM in response to HaraKen

I believe many people are following this thread through email responses like me.

Here are two others, one that is old and revived and another new one:


https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4094180?tstart=0


https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4360482?tstart=0


I would guess that of all the people that have commented recently on these three posts, that is maybe 5% of who it has affected.


And the really interesting thing to note is that the broken wi-fi happened to others BEFORE the Sept. 24 5.1 update.

Oct 2, 2012 11:21 PM in response to extekhed

After several upgrade and downgrade attempts, I was finally able to restore to version - AppleTV2,1_5.0.2_9B830_Restore.ipsw. Other downgrade attempts got me an error. This one, after the 2nd or 3rd time work all the way through the restore process. I was surprised. I plugged it in and everything came up.


I won't upgrade again until Apple acknowledges this issue and provides a fix for AppleTV 2 units. My AppleTV 3 unit upgraded without any issues.

Oct 21, 2012 11:36 PM in response to Mr N

Mr N wrote:


Apple consider this forum to be communication between customers, not communication from customers to Apple.


That's what this forum is - user to user discussions.


It is not an Apple to user technical support service.


There are moderators who will edit posts that they feel step beyond the terms we all agreed to when we signed up to use the service. They are not technical support staff for AppleTV.


You should all bombard Apple with comments about these issues through the official feedback page:


http://www.apple.com/feedback/appletv.html


They DO NOT reply to people individually, but this is the way to get comments through to the development team.


AC

Dec 2, 2012 9:35 AM in response to DexxaDK

The best thing to do...


Download AppleTV-Firmware from Apple here for:


Apple TV v2 – AppleTV2,1_5.0_9B179b_Restore.ipsw

Apple TV v3 – AppleTV3,1_5.0_9B179b_Restore.ipsw


Connect AppleTV with your USB-Cable to your mac (or PC).


Click Restore, but hold the "alt"-key than choose the downloaded Firmware. This works fine and after the restore is finished (like on the iphone), update it later.


This worked fine for me, no troubles anymore.


Rob

Jun 18, 2013 12:45 AM in response to ChaunceyB

Well, you only have my word but the "Replacement Program" is Real.

I posted my experiences in the following thread:



3rd Gen ATV dropping Wi-Fi and replacement Pgm solved (hopefully)



liwang26,

You may want to look at the thread. It affectes the 3rd Gen ATV's with SN's as described. Also they are replacing units up to two years after purchase.

As far as my satisfaction with the "new" ATV's goes, I am a VERY happy camper!! It's like it was before this mess started. There hasn't been a hiccup one. ATV is, once again, reliable!

Thanks Apple!


Eric

Sep 25, 2012 4:58 AM in response to RandomVillain

Ok, *sigh*, same death by Apple update for my Apple TV 3


Process:


  • Updated via TV and fixed LAN cable...constant blinking light for hours.
  • Restored via micro USB.
  • Stuck on language selection
  • Unplug LAN cable (which is working on the XBox - tested)
  • Menu proceeds to choose network (none detected) select wifi.
  • Hit menu, menu (after not finding Netgear wifi or iPhone personal hotspot)
  • Now at main settings where all options are available but NO network.
  • General > About reveals IOS 6 / v5.1
  • Repeat restore process - same deal.


Will now try downgrade restore.

Oct 2, 2012 7:29 PM in response to RandomVillain

I had the blinking light and USB iTunes thing happened after the update too.

Here's how I fixed it:

  1. I unhooked the Apple TV
  2. Hooked it up to the micro USB (plugging in USB first THEN power)
  3. iTunes saw it, then I clicked the "restore" button
  4. It downloaded and installed after about 10 minutes
  5. It then gave me the error that the update failed
  6. I then plugged the Apple TV in ANYWAY to the TV
  7. It worked.


AL

Sep 25, 2012 2:55 PM in response to RandomVillain

Hello all,


I would like to find out some more information about this issue. If you got this issue (black screen and blinking LED while Ethernet is connected, WiFi networks not found) after updating to Apple TV 5.1, can you please email me <royb@apple.com> with the answers to these questions:


1. What does your network look like? For example, what is your router and how is it connected to the Internet? Is your Apple TV getting a DHCP-assigned IP address or is it statically assigned? Do you have any other custom network settings that might be a factor?

2. What is your Apple TV's device diagnostic ID? Get this by highlighting "Send Data to Apple" in Settings > General and pressing the Right button.


Thanks,

Roy

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Apple TV Death after update?

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