Hello Pbenson1,
We'd like to help with your Apple TV.
Let's follow the steps below to try and get your Apple TV connected to Wi-Fi so you don't have to have it plugged in.
"Follow the steps below if your Apple TV can't connect to Wi-Fi. After each step, try to connect to Wi-Fi again.
If your Apple TV connects to Wi-Fi but you can’t watch and stream movies or TV shows in the Apple TV app, find out what to do.
Connect to Wi-Fi
If your Apple TV has an Ethernet port, make sure your Apple TV isn't connected to an Ethernet cable. If you're using an Ethernet cable, you won't see the option to connect to Wi-Fi.
Go to Settings > Network, then choose a Wi-Fi network to join. If asked, enter your Wi-Fi password. If you don't know your password, learn what to do.
If you want to connect to a captive network
Apple TV supports captive networks, which are networks that require an additional or secondary login. To connect to one of these networks, update your Apple TV to the latest software. Then use the steps above to connect to Wi-Fi. During setup, your Apple TV will prompt you to continue on your iPhone or iPad. Select Continue on iPhone or iPad, then follow the onscreen instructions on your device to complete setup.
If there's a problem connecting to the network, or if you get a password error
On the Apple TV menu, go to Settings > Network > Wi-Fi. Select your current Wi-Fi network and click Forget Network. Press Menu or the Back button on your Apple TV Remote. Then select Network again and select your Wi-Fi network to connect.
If you want to switch from an Ethernet connection to Wi-Fi
Unplug the Ethernet cable from your Apple TV. You might have to wait several minutes for the Apple TV to notify you that you can join a Wi-Fi network.
Check that everything is on, connected, and in range
Make sure that that your internet router is connected to your modem and that both are powered on. If your router and modem are combined, make sure that the device is powered on.
If possible, keep your Apple TV and Wi-Fi router in the same room, but don't place your Apple TV directly on or within a foot of your router. Try to avoid physical obstructions in the path of your wireless signal, especially metal surfaces. If your Apple TV has an Ethernet port, connect your Apple TV directly to the modem with an Ethernet cable for the best experience.
Restart your Apple TV, router, and modem
After you restart each device, see if you still need help.
On the Apple TV menu, go to Settings > System and select Restart.
Unplug your router and your cable or DSL modem from power. Then plug them back in.
Use an Ethernet cable and check for software updates
If your Apple TV has an Ethernet port, try connecting your Apple TV directly to your router, or cable or DSL modem using an Ethernet cable. Apple TV connects to internet with either Wi-Fi or Ethernet. When you use an Ethernet cable, Apple TV automatically uses that connection instead of your Wi-Fi network.
Join your network and check for software updates. Go to Settings > System > Software Updates. If there's an update, install it. Then unplug your Ethernet cable and try to join your Wi-Fi network again."
If your Apple TV can't connect to Wi-Fi
Let us know if you have any questions.
Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.
Take care!
