I can't use airplay on my Apple TV 3rd Generation

On my recently setup Apple TV 3rd Generation I can't use airplay, I went into about section and it said activation failed which I believe has something to do with it, does anybody know how I can fix this?

Apple TV (3rd generation)

Posted on Jun 25, 2024 2:12 PM

Similar questions

Apple TV Gen 3 Activation Failed, No Airplay Has anyone found a fix yet on how to activate an Apple TV gen 3 or even just to fix the Airplay issue? I'm just looking to stream from my iPhone to my TV
3633 3
Apple TV not showing up on AirPlay I recently bought this Apple TV (model number A1427) secondhand and reset it. All features work except for AirPlay and Screen Mirroring, the Apple TV just doesn't show up on my Phone on both share options. However the Apple TV does show up when i try to use my phone as a remote. Also a strange thing is that the Apple TV says it failed activation. Just for the record i am connected on the same network, apple tv is on its latest possible version (7.9 - 8163), and the hdmi cable works for sound and display.
575 2
Apple TV 3rd Gen failed activation FIX Copied a post to give new date that it’s actually still working. I’ve just got mine working once more after AirPlay stopped working and not being able to sign into iCloud on the device no more but: After a million tries.... the following process worked! This is using all legitimate tools, so no drama! To fix failed activation, and therefore restore AirPlay capability, on a Mac, install Apple Configurator 2 from the app store. Requires osx 12.4 or newer!! I didn’t need to restore device however when I clicked on activate it did fail but I clicked it again and it worked, it should go to an add profile page and it’s done. Plug in your Apple TV 3rd Gen to power and to a Mac using a micro USB cable from the Apple TV to the Mac. In the configurator, perform an Apple TV OS "Restore" using the "Prepare" gear icon in the top menu bar (it should prompt you that you must do this anyway). Once it has been restored using the configurator, do what the prompts say: "Unplug USB cable and power." Then, "Power it back on" and wait for it to boot. When the status light is solid (booted), plug in the USB cable connected to your Mac again. You will then see a "mirrored" display of a TV and Apple TV icon with the setup screen as if it were plugged into a TV. Click on it, and it will then display the Apple TV home screen and version info, etc. on the right. A menu of 4 items will now be available in the left-hand column of the configurator app. Click on the second item "Apps". You will see a message "Apple TV not activated". Click the button that says "Activate". Bam! Unplug from Mac and power, plug into the TV you would like it on, and carry on with a normal, activated setup! Hope this helps - let Apple know that they should use this method. IT WORKS!
9357 9

1 reply

Urquhart1244

Level 10

146,202 points

Jul 1, 2024 2:07 AM in response to ArthurThomas12

activation failed … has something to do with it

You are correct. AirPlay needs device activation with an Apple ID account.

Please see user RKG61’s solutions here: discussions.apple.com/thread/253315520.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

I can't use airplay on my Apple TV 3rd Generation

Welcome to Apple Support Community

A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.

Learn more Sign up