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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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Posted on Sep 25, 2012 1:40 AM

Had the same issues. Since resetting didn't work for me, I downloaded an old version of 5.0.2 software and restored that via iTunes (hold the option key when pressing the Restore button, this allows to point to a downloaded .ipsw file).


The old version still works fine, so it can't be a hardware thing. Waiting for a 5.1.1 update now

367 replies

Dec 24, 2012 9:09 AM in response to RandomVillain

To add to the choir: Same issue here (5.1.1 release no longer recognizes / stays connected to my network via WiFi). I am about 3 minutes away from trying the downgrade option.


I add that the folks at my local Apple Reseller, iCentre (Leidschendam, The Netherlands), were extremely unhelpful. The only thing they said they could do is send off the unit to Amsterdam to be evaluated by their tech support staff. Likely 2 weeks before I would get a new device, or a fixed one.


Anyway, this has been frustrating and time-consuming, and I'm extremely disappointed in Apple's lack of response to this.

Dec 28, 2012 1:04 PM in response to Big red 1986

There needs to be an option to "hide" an update so we're not being constantly pestered to update our Apple TVs when we all know the current software is riddled with bugs and unstable. My old LG BD590 bluray player has this capability (to hide a software update request to not be constantly pestered by it), and I would assume Apple would have the same ability if not more given the size of their software development group?


I'm still running an old ATV software version (afraid to update). Waiting for a stable version to be confirmed by the user community, and Apple.

Dec 28, 2012 1:09 PM in response to stevekor

Well after enduring this issue for a while, I did a dumb thing...i turned off the providers wifi and attached a new Airport Extreme. Everything is working perfectly. Don't know if this is cheap provider equipment issue..since it worked fine before Apple update and rolling back continued to work fine..but using the airport extreme resolved all my dropping connectivity issues and actually boosted performance considerably.

Jan 3, 2013 12:33 PM in response to RandomVillain

The 5.1.1 update actually killed my Apple TV ... like completely dead - no light at all! So there was no chance of a recovery backdate.

Fortunately I had just bought it before Christmas so was able to take it into the Apple store for a retail swap. But a couple of techs there indicated that they had several customers come with dead ATVs directly resulting from the 5.1.1 update so hadn't done the update themselves. They indicated they wouldn't untll at least 5.1.2 or some pressing need to update.

I would caution anyone from doing this update until there is a known fix.

Jan 3, 2013 12:42 PM in response to Roy B

Perhaps RoyB in Cupertino can confirm reports that the 5.1.1 update is actually turning the Apple TV into black bricks - he was looking for information about the 5.1 update back in September - this would be a more serious problem in my mind since there is no ability to restore the previous software after the hardware is apparently damaged.

Jan 3, 2013 2:30 PM in response to dc cma

The instructions for doing a Restore came with my ATV 2nd gen manual. It made no mention of pluging in the power cord. Only the micro USB connection. The restore still did not fix the problem. I only got to the "Please Select A Language". English was already highlighted so I pressed the select on the remote, but nothing happened. I could navagate to other areas, but could not select them. I had previously taken the ATV to the apple store and the guy did a restore at the store, but when I got home ATV could not see my wireless. Since I can't click on "Settings" on the ATV, I can't do anything to have ATV look for my wireless. This has been, and still is, a pain in the rear.

Jan 3, 2013 11:38 PM in response to 64211659

I'm so relieved to have found this thread. I thought I was going crazy.


I tried to update ATV last night after putting it off for ages, and I got the same problem: the update stalled and after an hour I just unplugged it. I tried the update again tonight because ATV came up on the screen but it wouldn't let me select my library under COMPUTERS (I just got the "Loading Library" message).


Tonight the update worked properly: it finished, it installed, it rebooted and returned me to my usual ATV home screen. But when I went to COMPUTERS to load up my library, I got the "Loading Library" message again, which hangs in there for a good 2 minutes, before the unit just shuts itself down.


My ATV3 is officially bricked.


Kirby

Jan 4, 2013 3:15 AM in response to dchao99

Like most here, I have tried most of the suggestions with no success. I have 3 AppleTVs and only one had this problem. I booked an appointment at the Genius bar to have a look at the problem unit. He was able to locate this issue in Apple's internal knowledge base with the main symptom being listed as missing content on Wifi or ethernet. Although this isn't completely the issue all are experiencing, he allowed me to read Apple's notes and noticed that this is indeed the issue.


The notes indicates he was to attempt a restore to the latest version and if not, install the older version that is known to work. It further stated he wasn't to do an exchange as the issue was known and to be fixed in a coming release. Fortunately the Genius staff was able to restore my unit to the latest version and get everything working. Although the note said no exchanges, he said Genius staff had discretion to exchange if the update did not take as it was understandably frustrating to have to use an old software release on these new units.


I encourage all with this issue to book a Genius appointment.

Jan 4, 2013 9:38 AM in response to James Wishart

After a very lengthily conversation with an Apple Senior Advisor we were able to determine that it was a firmware update on my Dlink router. Yup, a firmware update on the router. It seems that the web interface for the router was lying to me when it stated that I had the most recent update to the firmware. Good fun! I'll see how it goes over the next few days, but it seems that the wireless is working now as it should be.


FYI: Apple contacted me directly using the information in my profile (email and telephone) and we were able to schedule a phone call that worked well for my schedule. So, yes, someone at Apple does read these forums.

Apple TV Death after update?

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