Apple TV will not connect to home computer via iTunes

Question

Level 1

10 points

Apple TV will not connect to home computer via iTunes

3rd generation apple TV - have used home computer for music, etc. in the past. Nothing changed as far as computer, network, etc., but last two times we've tried to use, it just states to turn on home sharing with my Apple ID. Microsoft 8 computer, running latest version of iTunes. Home Sharing is turned on on both computer & Apple TV with same ID. Have restored Apple TV, reset computer and iTunes multiple times, still says to turn on home sharing for the computer to show up. At a loss as to what to do next. Followed all the hints/tips/suggestions found on the board. No updates needed for Apple TV or iTunes. Even turned off firewall to make sure that wasn't interfering with no success.

Win, Windows XP

Posted on May 8, 2016 4:23 PM

Reply

Answer 1

May 8, 2016 4:39 PM in response to FLRN88

The Windows firewall may be preventing ATV seeing iTunes. I assume you've opened the necessary ports, particularly for bonjour.

Did this start after the latest ATV 3 software update, released Feb. 25, 2016?

Reply

Answer 2

FLRN88 Author

Level 1

10 points

May 8, 2016 4:41 PM in response to Diana.McCall

Yes, I think that is when it started as a matter of fact. I have the windows firewall turned off, as I use another program. I temporarily disabled it, and it still wouldn't work.

Reply

Answer 3

May 8, 2016 5:01 PM in response to FLRN88

That update has a lot of security changes that Apple has introduced across all platforms. The details for ATV 3 are here About the security content of Apple TV 7.2.1 - Apple Support

You will need to keep those ports open in the firewall, since ATV needs to connect to the bonjour service, and eventually to iTunes. You could check that the bonjour service is running. It's a regular Windows service.

Does it work if you start ATV first, then iTunes? When iTunes starts, it will broadcast its services, and ATV may hear it.

If one of computer and ATV is wired while the other is on WiFi, there might be a problem with the router routing multicast packets between the subnets. I know it was working, but some software change may make it more critical. If possible, you could try putting them both on wired, or WiFi, to eliminate any question.

Are you sure iTunes is current, since it was probably updated in Feb or even late March, along with all the other OSs?

There's some more info at Get help with Home Sharing - Apple Support

Reply

Answer 4

FLRN88 Author

Level 1

10 points

May 9, 2016 8:27 AM in response to Diana.McCall

I'm not sure what steps to take next. I've disabled my firewall completely to see if that is the issue - it still tells me to make sure home sharing is selected in iTunes. iTunes is the latest version (I always allow update) - it is 12.3.3 I've tried starting ATV first and then starting iTunes, no luck. They are both on a Wi-Fi network, have reset the network several times, no luck. I ran the network test under iTunes and all was well. Very frustrated at this point as the device is basically unusable via iTunes. Thanks for your responses.

Reply

Answer 5

May 9, 2016 10:58 AM in response to FLRN88

You could check for WiFi interference near either ATV or PC, see Potential sources of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth interference - Apple Support

I've seen some posts regarding disabling IPv6 on either the router or the PC (TCP) settings for the wireless adapter. It's a long shot, but...

I assume you have only one WiFi router, so the two devices are really on the same network.

Reply