kmehaff1
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Apple TV will not connect to network. Stuck on "Setting Time and Date..."

I bought an Apple TV, hooked it up following the instructions, and it kept getting stuck on "Setting Time and Date"; I was still able to use Airplay with my iPhone and iMac, but i was unable to connect to iTunes or HomeSharing. The Apple tv would say it was linked to my wifi and that the signal was strong, but the network wasn't detected. So i returned my Apple TV, and exchanged it last week for a new one. This new one has the same problem but now it won't let me Airplay with my phone or computer. I'm getting so frustrated with this device. I tried hooking this device and my previous one to my iMac to update via iTunes with a micro usb cord, but both devices were not detected by my computer. HELP PLEASE!

 

Side Note: i currently live in Bahrain (the middle east), and i have a Sony TV. not sure if that will affect anything.

Apple TV

Posted on Mar 25, 2015 6:57 AM

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kmehaff1

Q: Apple TV will not connect to network. Stuck on "Setting Time and Date..."

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  • Helpful answers

  • by braden85,

    braden85 braden85 Mar 28, 2015 6:51 AM in response to kmehaff1
    Community Specialists
    Mar 28, 2015 6:51 AM in response to kmehaff1

    Hey there kmehaff1,

     

    I understand that you are having an issue with your Apple TV, and that it appears to not be able to set the date and time on the device. In order to troubleshoot this further, you may want to make sure all of the necessary ports for using the Apple TV are set to remain open on your router:

     

    TCP and UDP ports and protocols used by Apple TV - Apple Support

    https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201733

     

    You may also need to add your Apple TV as an allowed MAC address on your router, depending on your settings, as mentioned in the following article:

     

    • Verify that your Wi-Fi router is not using security features that may restrict content or devices:
      • If your router has a built-in firewall, you may need to adjust your settings to provide access to common ports used for services. For more information, see Apple TV: TCP and UDP ports and protocols.
      • If you need to add the MAC address to the access list for the Wi-Fi router, the MAC address is listed as the Wi-Fi address in Settings > General > About.
    • Update your Wi-Fi router to the latest firmware.
      • For an AirPort Base Station, refer to this article for information about firmware updates. For third-party Wi-Fi routers, check the manufacturer's website for details on updating your firmware.
    • If possible, connect using Ethernet and verify that you can play content. If you are able to successfully play content using Ethernet, verify your Apple TV is using the latest software by choosing Settings > General > Software Update.

    Apple TV (2nd and 3rd generation): Troubleshooting Wi-Fi networks and connections - Apple Support

     

    https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204400

     

    Also, since you mentioned that your Apple TV is not seen by the computer when connected via micro-USB, here is some information that may help you resolve that issue:

     

    Connect your Apple TV to a computer (determine which Apple TV model you have):
    • Apple TV (2nd generation): Connect one end of the micro-USB cable to the back of your Apple TV, and the other end to one of your computer's USB ports.
    • Apple TV (3rd generation): Connect one end of the micro-USB cable to the back of your Apple TV, and the other end to one of your computer's USB ports. Connect the power cable from your Apple TV to a power outlet.

    Apple TV (2nd and 3rd generation): Restoring your Apple TV - Apple Support

    https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202118

     

    Take care, and thanks for visiting the Apple Support Communities.

     

     

    -Braden

  • by Daimyo421,

    Daimyo421 Daimyo421 Aug 3, 2015 7:47 PM in response to braden85
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 3, 2015 7:47 PM in response to braden85

    I have spent hours going thru forums trying to get this fixed.

    I tried your options and the update and it says update was not successful try again later. ***

  • by vazandrew,

    vazandrew vazandrew Aug 3, 2015 7:57 PM in response to Daimyo421
    Level 6 (19,023 points)
    Apple TV
    Aug 3, 2015 7:57 PM in response to Daimyo421

    Make sure DNS is set to auto (settings - general - network)

    Make sure router has port 123 open (refer to manual if unsure)

    Test on another network

  • by Winston Churchill,

    Winston Churchill Winston Churchill Aug 4, 2015 2:47 AM in response to Daimyo421
    Level 10 (103,392 points)
    Apple TV
    Aug 4, 2015 2:47 AM in response to Daimyo421

    Assuming this is not the first time you have used your Apple TV


    1. You might try restarting the Apple TV by removing ALL the cables for 30 seconds.
    2. Also try restarting the router. (Also try removing it’s power cord for at least 30 seconds)
    3. If the problem persists, try a restore, you may want to try the previous procedures several times before doing this.
    4. If restoring from the Apple TV doesn't help, try restoring from iTunes using a USB cable.


    If this is a new Apple TV, in addition to trying the above, it may also be that your network router is not allowing access to the timeserver, check that your router allows access over port 123.


    You might also try connecting to a different network and then trying again on your own, you might try at a friends or use the wifi hotspot on your mobile phone if you have one.