The Apple TV Activation Failed error might appear for some unknown reason and stop you from logging in or using Airplay to stream content from an Apple device. Restoring the hardware back to factory settings may not work either. Follow this troubleshooting guide to find a simple workaround for this problem.
How to fix the Apple TV Activation Failed error permanently?
The Apple tv activation failed error mainly occurs when you have just finished updating the hardware and trying to log in to your streaming apps such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, or others. All that is visible to you is the ABOUT screen that displays the Activation status as ‘Failed’.
- Install Apple Configurator 2 on your MacBook.
- Connect to ATV micro-USB.
- Choose Apple TV3.
- Select Profile
- Go to Apps.
- When prompted with ‘Apple TV not activated’ message, look for the Activate button.
- Hit the Activate button to fix the problem.
Before proceeding with the above steps make sure your Apple TV hardware and MacBook are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Fix Apple tv 3 Activation failed
To fix failed activation error and restore AirPlay functionality on a MacBook, install Apple Configurator 2 from the App Store.
Now, plug in your Apple TV 3rd Gen to the power source and to your MacBook via a micro-USB cable. Make sure you have a data transfer micro-USB cable for Apple Configurator 2 app to recognize it not just a cable for charging.
Under the Configurator 2 app interface, locate the Menu bar. Select Prepare option visible as the gear icon.
Choose the Restore entry to perform the Apple TV OS’ restore operation.
Once the process is completed follow the onscreen prompts > Unplug USB cable and power.
Power On your Apple TV and wait for it to boot.
When the status light is solid (booted), plug in the USB cable connected to your MacBook, again.
You should see a “mirrored” display of a TV and an Apple TV icon with the setup screen.
Click the icon to display the Apple TV home screen and version info, etc. on the right. A menu with 4 items will be listed under the left-hand column of the Configurator app.
Choose Apps i.e., the second item. Wait for the ‘Apple TV not activated’ message to appear.
Locate the Activate button and when found hit it.
In the end, unplug from MacBook and power, and proceed further with the activated setup!
Hope that makes sense!
Configurator app download.
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