Clayton Rhoades

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

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  • by judysings,

    judysings judysings Feb 18, 2015 6:59 AM in response to Clayton Rhoades
    Community Specialists
    Feb 18, 2015 6:59 AM in response to Clayton Rhoades

    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

  • by Clayton Rhoades,

    Clayton Rhoades Clayton Rhoades Feb 18, 2015 7:09 AM in response to judysings
    Level 1 (62 points)
    Apple Music
    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.