Locating MAC address prior to initial setup - Appletv

I work in tech support that deals with hotel guest WiFi. We are frequently running into issues with people having a new Appletv going through the initial setup. While able to connect to the hotels WiFi, during setup the device is not able to login on the splash page or access the settings to get a MAC or IP and is unable to get internet access to complete the setup. Usually, if already setup, we can just go to Settings>About, retrieve the MAC and register it on the network with little problem.


So my question would be, before the initial setup is complete, is the MAC address of the device printed somewhere (box, device itself, instructions) that we could retrieve it from before the device has completed the initial setup? I have seen pictures of appletv device stickers that had the MAC listed but it doesn't seem to be on the current models that people are calling in with. They also cant seem to find it on the box or instructions.


If you guys did in fact stop putting the MAC on the device sticker with the serial, i would ask that you consider bringing that back. As of now our only solution is to see if they can use a personal hotspot or some other connection to complete the initial setup and then we can register it. I don't feel this is a satisfactory resolution to the problem so I'm reaching out here to see if there's anything else we can do.


and before anyone suggests it, no we cant look in the server to find the MAC and register it like is always suggested on a home router, there's hundreds if not thousands of devices and the first line support can only see a list of macs/ips on the server. no hostnames are shown, we have to find a MAC from the device/packaging.

Apple TV

Posted on Feb 25, 2016 4:31 PM

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2 replies

Feb 25, 2016 5:21 PM in response to Monk22

Please submit your suggestion via the Apple feedback for ATV:

http://www.apple.com/feedback/appletv.html

This is a user forum and posting does not ensure the issue will get formally reviewed as a suggestion.

You are correct that the MAC address is not printed on the device or boxes or paperwork and is not accessable during setup. It was printed on the box years ago but no longer.

I suggested to Apple that they display the MAC on the same screen that is used to initially setup and connect to the network. That way the user could get the ID and submitt it to be added and then proceed with the connection.

As a hotel IT person, you see this over and over. Please submit your suggestion and mention that this is an issue that could be and should be addressed to increase customer satisfaction.

I personally think having the MAC address display during setup would be best since the box may be trashed or not with them on a hotel stay and would be a simple software change that could be applied to sold units.

Feb 25, 2016 5:27 PM in response to Vinceassociate

thanks, i will get it submitted on that part of the site. this is the first time I've had to interact with apple support, i was hoping for a quick chat but couldn't find one. If they could just have the MAC displayed on the screen as you said, that would be an incredible help and I will definitely mention it, it would solve the problem perfectly.


thanks for pointing me in the right direction,

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Locating MAC address prior to initial setup - Appletv

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