Q: Apple TV software update unsuccessful

Welcome to the Apple Community.

If your problem persists get yourself a micro USB cable (sold separately), you can restore your Apple TV from iTunes:

1. Remove ALL cables from Apple TV. (if you don't you will not see Apple TV in the iTunes Source list)
2. Connect the micro USB cable to the Apple TV and to your computer.
3. Reconnect the power cable (only for Apple TV 3)
4. Open iTunes.
5. Select your Apple TV in the Source list, and then click Restore.

If when you choose restore you get a message that the device cannot be found, download the file below

Apple TV Software Restore 5.1.1 (2nd generation)

Apple TV Software Restore 5.1.1 (3rd generation)

Then hold down the option key while choosing restore and select the downloaded file when prompted.

If you are using an Ethernet Cable try the update with it unplugged using wifi.  I have no idea why but some users have found that works!

Jules

If you are using an Ethernet Cable try the update with it unplugged using wifi.  I have no idea why but some users have found that works!

Jules

I was having the same problem, and unplugging the ethernet cable, restarting the Apple TV, and retrying the update over wi-fi worked for me.  Thanks for the suggestion!