Apple TV 4th Generation "Verification failed there was an error connecting to the Apple ID server"

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jessyloue Author

Level 1

9 points

Apple TV 4th Generation "Verification failed there was an error connecting to the Apple ID server"

Hello can anyone please help me?

I have a 4th Generation Apple TV and I cant seem to get it to accept my apple ID and password.

This is what I have done so far:

Chosen English (UK)

Chosen UK

Tried to pair with a device upon set up (iPhone 6s)

Failed over 10 times even though the password is correct

Error message that appears is "Verification failed there was an error connecting to the Apple ID server"

Tried the manual log on, same error message.

Tried the manual log on but this time I skipped the Apple ID Login, to see if I could log on via iCloud and ITunes manually from the menu, same error message appeared.

It recognises my wifi so that isn't a problem. Restored it to factory settings.

Logged onto my non apple laptop and logged out of iTunes store to enter password and checked it was correct, wrote down each letter/digit as I typed them.

Tried to pair the device several times more, continued to get the same error message. Did the manual bit again, same error, restored factory settings again.

Went onto my iTunes account on my phone and logged off and logged back on.

Tried to pair the device several more times with the same outcome.

Tried to do the manual set up over 15 times. Same error. Restored factory settings yet again.

Changed my Apple password from my iPhone, and updated laptop.

Because the Apple TV now is connected to my wifi it decided to do an update. I waited 15 minutes for this so I could try to now use my new apple password.

Tried to pair the device again. Still getting the same error message.

Why is this so hard? What am I doing wrong here? I have been doing this for 2.5hrs now. Can someone please help me?

AppleTV 2, iOS 9.3.2

Posted on Jun 15, 2016 2:43 PM

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Answer 1

Jun 15, 2016 3:51 PM in response to jessyloue

Are you in the UK

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Answer 2

AGNT4SD6

Level 1

4 points

Jun 15, 2016 6:53 PM in response to jessyloue

I'm having the same issue. First I restarted the device to see if that would do it, that didn't help. Then I tried logging out of "iTunes and App Store" and it froze doing that so I have to hard close the Settings Screen. Then when I went back in I was signed out. Tried signing in again and I just get the "Signing In...." with the loading circle and nothing happens.

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Answer 3

Jun 17, 2016 11:04 AM in response to AGNT4SD6

Ive just got a new ATV4 and am having exactly the same problem. Looks like the atv3 is getting plugged back in!

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Answer 4

PJxJ

Level 1

11 points

Jun 19, 2016 10:59 AM in response to jessyloue

So folks after spending a rather long fathers day with this exact problem and having exhausted all on-line advice for my config BT home hub settings etc.

I reset everything. Connected the ATV4 via ethernet to my router. Went all the way through manual set up until I could access settings / system / software updates / update software . This allowed me to update to TVOS 9.2.1.

Took about 5 minutes to download, update and restart system. Bingo....Apple account allowed me to sign in.

Then disconnected the ethernet cable and was able to connect via wifi, instantly the BBC iPlayer app appeared (assume UK automatic app download), so opened it and started playing first programme to ensure could view content. Instantly worked , picture great HD.

Hope this helps folks.

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Answer 5

Jun 19, 2016 12:54 PM in response to jessyloue

I had this exact same problem. Eventually I checked for a software update having skipped the set-up and this fixed the issue. Go to Settings and System and look for the software update. My box said '1 available' which I selected and it took about 10 minutes to run through the process. I did connect using an ethernet cable to the router to avoid any WiFi issues, which I get a lot of.

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