Apple TV 1st generation two factor authentication

Question

Level 1

22 points

Apple TV 1st generation two factor authentication

I own an Apple TV 1st generation which can no longer log into iTunes since the implementation of the two factor authentication for iTunes/iCloud. What is the procedure to login my Apple TV 1st generation with iTunes?

I have already tried the following, which does not work:

Generated a two factor verification code from my iPhone SE and added it to the end of my password on my Apple TV iTunes login.
Generated an app-specific password from the Apple account manager web portal and entered it as my password on my Apple TV iTunes login.

Nothing seems to work. I would prefer to keep the two factor authentication enabled, but if this security mechanism hinders my ability to use my Apple TV 1st generation, then maybe disabling it is the only solution?

Apple TV, null

Posted on Dec 13, 2016 9:00 PM

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Answer 1

Jason Kim

Level 2

184 points

Sep 22, 2017 7:13 PM in response to MacVideoPro

This is the answer!!! Yes!!! I never thought the Remote app was useful for the 1st Gen Apple TV, since it doesn’t even let you navigate (no arrow keys). But it works exactly as he said when it comes to password entry. What a relief! Entering passwords with my TV Remote was horrible and then became literally impossible once 2-factor kicked in. Adding the extra code to the end of my password using my TV remote simply failed over and over. Using the Remote app works. I don’t understand why there is any difference... but as long as it works, I don’t care.

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Answer 2

Aug 2, 2017 3:35 AM in response to Woodwyn

Hello All,

After struggling two log in with two-factor authentication with my AppleTV 2nd Gen., I thought it would be straightforward doing it on my AppleTV 1st Gen.

Not at all! I repeated the process multiple times to no avail. UNTIL I USED THE APPLE REMOTE APP TO ENTER THE ID AND PASSWORD + CODE!

So, the full process is:

1. install the "Remote" app on your favorite IOS device

2. open the app and, on the AppleTV go into Setting>General>Remotes

3. pair the AppleTV with the Remote app running on your IOS device

4. on the AppleTV, go into iTunes Store and in the log-in screen

> on the IOS device, the Remote app will prompt you to enter your AppleID

5. enter your AppleID, finish by tapping Return

> on the IOS device, the Remote app will prompt you to enter your password

6. enter your password, do NOT tap Return yet

7. obtain a verification code (either on your Mac: System Prefs.>iClod>Account Details>Security tab>Get A Verification Code or on your IOS device: Settings>[you name on top of the screen]>Password & Security>Get Verification Code)

8. switch back to the "Remote" app on your IOS device and enter the new verification code immediately behind your password with no space or anything separating them, tap Return to validate

You should be logged in with two-factor authentication on your venerable AppleTV 1st Generation!

I hope this help,

MacVideoPro

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