Every few weeks my Apple TV will not recognize my computer unless I turn on wifi. Why?

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Level 1

103 points

Every few weeks my Apple TV will not recognize my computer unless I turn on wifi. Why?

I previously had an older imac with the latest apple tv running no problem. I replaced the older imac with an imac retina. Ever since then, about every 30 days my apple tv will cease to connect to the "computer" unless I go to the imac and turn on the wifi.

My imac retina is connected by ethernet. I have wifi throughout out the house. The apple tv is connected by wifi. This worked fine for 5 years with the only change in the latest set up is the new imac retina.

What causes this issue? Any way to avoid it?

Thanks.

Posted on Feb 16, 2015 7:11 PM

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Answer 1

judysings

Community Specialist

Feb 18, 2015 6:59 AM in response to Ramblinmanva

Hello Clayton,

The Apple TV and your new iMac need to be on the same Wi-Fi network. So, even though you prefer your iMac to be connected via ethernet, you should also turn on the Wi-Fi and leave it on. The ethernet (wired) connection will still override the Wi-Fi for your surfing needs. Here is some additional information:

Apple TV (2nd and 3rd generation): Troubleshooting Wi-Fi networks and connections - Apple Support
http://support.apple.com/en-us/TS4546

Cheers,

Judy

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Answer 2

Ramblinmanva Author

Level 1

103 points

Feb 18, 2015 7:09 AM in response to judysings

Judy,

Thank you very much for the response.

Do you know if something changed with the imac retina? I never had my wifi on in the past with my older imac and the apple tv was in place back then. I never had a moment's problem. I had the imac connected by Ethernet (wifi off) and ATV on wifi. Same as now.

One thing I do wonder though is that I'm pretty sure in the past I never activated the 5ghz separate signal. I wonder if somehow that has screwed it up.

Also, when I turn wifi on for the imac retina, the ATV will connect, and then if I immediately turn wifi off, the ATV will work fine for weeks with no problem. If connecting by wifi was a must, I wouldn't think this would happen. I prefer to leave wifi off if I don't need it on the imac.

Sorry for rambling.

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