Is functional wi-fi/bluetooth required for certain features of the Apple TV?

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Is functional wi-fi/bluetooth required for certain features of the Apple TV?

I have an Apple TV that cannot connect to Wifi or Bluetooth. I have exhausted its support options at the Genius Bar, and currently work around this problem by plugging it into ethernet and using my phone as the remote (the actual remote no longer works, which is another main point of evidence that the wifi/bluetooth isn't working).

This has served me fine for simply using the TV for watching shows/streaming, etc. However, certain features seem to require the "bring the phone close to the TV" workflow. This obviously does not work in my case.

Is it truly the case that I can't "Finish Home Setup" or use Fitness+ because of this physical hardware issue? I have a working internet connection! Shouldn't that be enough? I understand perhaps the necessity of bluetooth/wifi for, say, real-time Apple Watch metrics for Fitness+...but to say that I can't use the app at all without bluetooth/wifi, even when I am connected to the internet? It seems beyond the pale for me.

I would love to understand why this is a requirement for certain seemingly innocuous features of the device, or, if not, at the very least where I can go to see exactly what I can and can't do with an Apple Tv with no wifi/bluetooth.

Apple TV (4th generation)

Posted on Feb 13, 2023 10:42 PM

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Answer 1

Urquhart1244

Level 10

146,232 points

Feb 14, 2023 5:44 AM in response to Tytyro

why this is a requirement for certain seemingly innocuous features of the device

Strict requirement or not, this is the way the hardware and software currently works, as Apple designed it. Damaged parts can render a device useless for some or all features. Apple recommends replacing damaged devices that have officially no real repair options for just some of their parts. Apple services assume that your devices are fully functional, or else they may not work as intended. Not everything has a workaround.

You can check with Apple for out-of-warranty/AppleCare+ ‘repair’ (read: replacement). They have a small discount (see: Get an estimate) available, although you can get a new, more capable model for a little bit more. Or try the refurbished or second hand market for bargains.

or, […] see exactly what I can and can't do with an Apple Tv with no wifi/bluetooth.

Wi-Fi is inactive when using ethernet, and that works for all features. Wi-Fi is not a requirement. Wi-Fi devices can communicate with ethernet devices through your router, when set up properly.

Bluetooth is used for discovery (nearby-ness) and/or pairing of devices that have Bluetooth capability. There is no list readily available for non-bluetooth usage.

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Is functional wi-fi/bluetooth required for certain features of the Apple TV?

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