Apple TV cannot connect to WiFi

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Level 1

12 points

Apple TV cannot connect to WiFi

Please read before a standard reply, I tried all the remedy steps listed here and I still get a -100 error inlcluding this article.

support.apple.com/en-us/HT204400

does not allow to type in password. It skips this step.
does not allow to forget network. There is no option for this choice.
updated to latest software via ethernet, doesn’t connect via wifi.
restarted modem, router, Apple TV. doesn’t work.
even with reset Apple TV settings, cannot connect via wifi.

Can somebody please help and advise with a workaround or hack.

I am fairly technical but this is a sev1 error and Apple TV is stuck in an error loop. QA should be better.

Thank you.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Apr 30, 2023 06:19 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Urquhart1244

Level 10

145,674 points

Aug 8, 2023 09:54 PM in response to InfernoWRX

In addition to the formerly mentioned steps, please consider:

Try the ‘Other…’ option instead of selecting a listed discovered network. Especially if the password has been changed for a known (remembered) network name.
For Apple TV (4th generation or earlier), verify that the router or access point isn’t set to use WPA3, as only device models from ~2018 or later support that. Instead use ‘WPA2/WPA3 Transitional’. Some users report that they had to set ‘WPA2’-only first.

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Answer 2

Vancouver22

Level 8

37,154 points

Apr 30, 2023 07:43 PM in response to InfernoWRX

does not allow to forget network. There is no option for this choice.

when you click on your network name - you click on it again to bring up “Forget Network”

If your Apple TV can't connect to Wi-Fi - Apple Support

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Answer 3

InfernoWRX Author

Level 1

12 points

Aug 8, 2023 08:14 PM in response to Kat3y161

Hi Kat3y161, unfortunately no workarounds. This is a stubborn issue and suspect that Apple deliberately prevents WiFi access to older gen AppleTVs. This is engineered to skip the WiFi actions.

Also when the AppleTV is connected via Ethernet cable, nearly all the apps cannot function. booo...

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Answer 4

Vancouver22

Level 8

37,154 points

May 4, 2023 12:43 AM in response to InfernoWRX

Hi there

Note: there won’t be a forget network if you’ve never set up a network on this Apple TV.

This is what Apple says to try:

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 your Apple TV can't connect to Wi-Fi - Apple Support

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Answer 5

InfernoWRX Author

Level 1

12 points

Aug 8, 2023 08:07 PM in response to Vancouver22

Unfortunately that's the issue with this older gen AppleTV. It does not allow the screen to forget a network. It's as if Apple deprecated older TVos capabilities to even use it.

Thank you Vancouver 22 for sharing the standard trouble shooting steps. Now I wish there was a way to hack this properly.

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Answer 6

Oct 13, 2023 09:24 AM in response to InfernoWRX

For error (-100)

FIGURED IT OUT :) Change your network from WPA2/WPA3 to just WPA2. Then back out of the Wifi on your Apple Box and come back and you can log in with your password. This fixed my issue on all 3 of my Apple TV Boxes.

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Answer 7

Feb 26, 2024 07:25 PM in response to panjmorgan

I have the same issue, however I am trying to connect my Apple TV device to my iPhone via personal hotspot. My Apple TV device is stuck in a loop I have no option to forget the network or update the password . . . . does anybody know how to do this?

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Answer 8

InfernoWRX Author

Level 1

12 points

May 3, 2023 11:07 PM in response to Vancouver22

Thanks @Vancouver22.

Unfortunately the system skips that step to forget network or even enter a correct wifi password. Others have posted the same issue without a resolution.

Here is a video that shows the above UI hiccup. In fact, the system sounds off a double tap as if to skip either the wifi password entry or Forget Network. And yes, I downloaded the system update via ethernet. Unfortunately the room where the Apple TV will be placed has no access to an ethernet cable.

Appreciate any help. Thank you

[Link Edited by Moderator]

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