Apple TV will not update, why?

I have the latest generation of Apple TV and it will not update to the latest software, can anybody tell me why??

iPad 2, iOS 5.0.1

Posted on Jan 28, 2013 6:07 AM

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12 replies

Jan 28, 2013 7:01 AM in response to BPK07

I have the same issue. I have tried to update several times. Every time I get the error that the update was not successful and to try again later. I have a newer unit as well, since I just bought it in October of 2012. I recently tried to use Hulu Plus through my Apple TV and nothing will play. I was hoping this update would fix Hulu Plus.

Jan 28, 2013 7:34 AM in response to BPK07

If you are using ethernet, try the update with wifi.


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 Devices list, and then click Restore.



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



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

Jan 29, 2013 10:39 AM in response to BPK07

Apple TV - 2nd Gen: Update failed twice yesterday - very very slow - several hours before update failure message and it doesn't appear to have reached a complete download before failing. Attempted again this morning - result ATV has completely disappeared - no onscreen feedback and iTunes has dropped ATV from list of recognized devices. All I've got now is a fast blinking light on the ATV. I haven't tried to do anything more complex than to run the update so I'm not sure what's happening. Ran the update on my iPad and iPhone without problems so I don't think it's my network. Using Wi-Fi for everything - Ethernet not possible (computer and ATV on opposite ends of apartment). What's up with this update?

Jan 29, 2013 4:23 PM in response to Robert Looper1

Tried again today and both worked. Unplugged the ethernet cable on the one I have hardwired first. Must have been a server issue. Not uncommon for early adopters to make a run on the servers and impact new update downloads. The way it looked (like it had completely downloaded the update) maybe it was not passing a CRC check for integrity or something. Anyhow I hope everyone else has the same luck. Back in the good graces. 🙂

Got a lot of hope for Apple TV. Really want to cut the cable cord....

Jan 29, 2013 8:21 PM in response to Icebugz

Connecting to wifi did not allow the upgrade to work. It looked like it was working, but then hung. I waited an unreasonable amount of time before I aborted, knowing I would have to attempt through iTunes. My update worked only after I plugged into iTunes. But, the upgrade took and the unit worked perfectly after reinstalling into my system. Very disappointing to have to use this process for the upgrade. This upgrade did allow Hulu Plus to work, as well. Here's hoping the next upgrade does not require such an effort.

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Apple TV will not update, why?

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