apple tv hd missing "wifi button"

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Level 1

12 points

apple tv hd missing "wifi button"

My AppleTV HD (I think it is A1625 model) was initially set up with ethernet but that's broken. OK, wifi works on the iPhone, iPad and MacBook pro. But even when the failed ethernet is unplugged from the AppleTV it will not display WiFi as an option. In a search for this topic I find this:

"Switch between a wired and wireless network"

Open Settings on Apple TV, select Network, then select Wi-Fi.

On my AppleTV HD, Settings > Network does NOT display Wi-Fi at all.

You would think that with the Ethernet unplugged it ought to drop back to allow the user to set the needed credentials for WiFi but there is no button.

All of these were done without the Ethernet plugged in.

I have restarted the AppleTV HD.

I have unplugged the AppleTV HD.

Frustrated, I have reset this AppleTV.

Using the "Use iPhone" option with an iPhone that is successfully connected to the Wi-Fi it bogs down at connecting using the Wi-Fi.

Attempting the manual setup option I find that not only is Wi-Fi not an option, but that it still believes that the Ethernet is connected.

I will say again, the iPhone, iPad, MacBook Pro are connected to the Wi-Fi router.

This model supports Wi-Fi 802.11ac with MIMO.

What am I doing wrong that this device will not show any way to connect to a Wi-Fi router.

Apple TV HD

Posted on Oct 11, 2023 03:28 PM

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Answer 1

sam4520 Author

Level 1

12 points

Oct 12, 2023 01:46 PM in response to Sean_B1

Sorry, apparently I wasn't clear about these linked steps.

1.Check that everything is on, connected, and in range

iPhone, iPad, macbook pro is connected to wi-fi which are sitting next to the AppleTV. So the Wi-Fi can be found unless this AppleTV was damaged since it was set up using Ethernet (which appears to be broken itself).

Please understand the number one problem that I state up front: There is no Wi-Fi button available to me anywhere under Settings > * with the Ethernet cable disconnected from the AppleTV.

So without the option to even select Wi-Fi I cannot even get to these steps in the linked document.

Please read my post carefully where I document all the restart options indicated in the support document.

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Answer 2

sam4520 Author

Level 1

12 points

Oct 12, 2023 02:19 PM in response to genieen16

This AppleTV was set up using Ethernet two months ago on this router successfully so the ports are not an issue, or we would not have had a successful installation.

The issue since that successful installation that it appears the Ethernet connection is broken between it and the router is that after disconnecting the faulty Ethernet cord and fully restarting, etc there is NO option to use Wi-Fi despite this model supporting Wi-Fi.

I will have to call Apple since it appears this device is damaged.

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Answer 3

Jul 21, 2024 04:43 PM in response to sam4520

In have the same problem. Did EVERYTHING. I just discovered that if I am comected to the modem by the ethernet cable, and I unplug it, then the option of wifi appears but once I click in one of the wifis, the wifi option dissapears again and you can no longer see it (with the ethernet cable still unplugged)

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Answer 4

Sean_B1

Community Specialist

Oct 12, 2023 12:45 PM in response to sam4520

Hello sam4520,

We would like to see how we can help you with your Apple TV's Wi-Fi connection. Follow the steps in this link and get back to us with your results: If your Apple TV can't connect to Wi-Fi - Apple Support

"1.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.

2.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.

3.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."

Cheers!

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Answer 5

genieen16

Community Specialist

Oct 12, 2023 02:01 PM in response to sam4520

Hello sam4520,

If your Apple TV HD is not showing Wi-Fi as an option or it is greyed out, you may want to verify that you do not have a firewall on your router. If the router has a firewall, you might need to change the settings so Apple TV can use the ports listed on this page: TCP and UDP ports used by Apple software products - Apple Support.

If you have verified those settings and still have an issue, you may want to reach out to Apple Support directly for further assistance with this issue. You can reach out to them by clicking here: Get Support or over the phone by calling the number that is most local to your region: Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support.

Best wishes!

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apple tv hd missing "wifi button"

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