Rented and downloaded movies won't play on Apple TV

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Level 1

4 points

Rented and downloaded movies won't play on Apple TV

Twice now, I have rented a movie through Apple TV and downloaded it, so that I can watch it later, offline and it does not play.

The player screen will open, with the title and timeline at the bottom, the play/pause control in the center, and if I click on "Chapters," I can see thumbnails for each chapter. When I hit play, the timeline will progress, but the screen remains black and there is no audio.

I have also tried while I am online and no luck. I have quit and restarted both the application and my machine several times. The machine I am using is authorized and I'm signed in. I'm not using an external monitor.

I have seen others with the same issue and no resolution. Just hoping that maybe some new, helpful information has arisen since they were posted.

I am using a 2025 MacBook Air. My Apple TV version is 1.5.5.34

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Rented and downloaded movie will not play

MacBook Air 15″, macOS 15.5

Posted on Jul 24, 2025 12:54 PM

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Answer 1

brbo

Level 8

38,539 points

Jul 25, 2025 9:29 PM in response to scout224

Re: "Rented and downloaded movie will not play" "Twice now, I have rented a movie through Apple TV and downloaded it, so that I can watch it later, offline and it does not play."

Thank you for your post to this (user-to-user) community, and for including the details we need.

Am no expert in this area, yet your post certainly deserves some response.

I take it you are signed in to the Apple TV app with your Apple Account and password:

if this is not where you started already :Apple support have an article online (link below) that may be helpful,

Download and stream shows, movies, and events from Apple TV+, MLS Season Pass, and Apple TV channels - Apple Support

Eg: says:

(Step 4) "To find and play your downloads, go to the Library tab, then choose Downloaded."

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Trouble-shooting article:

See what to do: If you can't watch or stream movies and TV shows in the Apple TV app - Apple Support

Eg: says:

"If the movie or TV show won't start playing

After each step, try to stream or download the movie or TV show again.

Check the System Status page for service interruptions or check a third-party provider's website for any interruptions. If there are service interruptions, try to stream or watch the video later.
If you're having trouble signing in to your Apple Account, you can reset your Apple Account password or learn how to get a verification code and sign in with two-factor authentication.
If your cellular connection is poor, connect to Wi-Fi instead.* Streaming HD content requires 8 Mbit/s or faster. Slower tiers of Wi-Fi connections might not be fast enough to stream HD video content.
Try watching on a different device using the same Wi-Fi or cellular connection. If it doesn't work, contact your internet service provider to see if there's an issue with your network.
If other people are using Apple TV+ or Apple TV channels, make sure it doesn't exceed the limits for streaming on multiple devices." (There's also more info. in the above article.)

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Useful Resource: Apple TV app user guide: Apple TV app for smart TVs and other devices - Apple Support

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If needed: Apple TV support website: (info. / support/ contact options etc.

There is a "Get suport - start now link (online chat / phone/ tc., at the very bottom of the web-page (link below).

Apple TV - Official Apple Support

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