Apple TV 4K Bricked via tvOS Restore

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Level 1

21 points

Apple TV 4K Bricked via tvOS Restore

My Apple TV 4K 2nd Gen recently updated to tvOS 17.4, which resulted in the HDMI-CEC functionality breaking. You can find more details on this issue in the Apple Community forum under "tvOS 17.4 - no HDMI CEC."

tvOS 17.4 - no HDMI CEC - Apple Community

I attempted to restore the tvOS by repeatedly plugging in and unplugging the device about five times until I was prompted with a window asking if I wanted to factory reset or "restore" tvOS. I chose to restore tvOS, which led to a display of the Apple logo and a progress bar for about 10 minutes. Following this, an iPhone and Bluetooth graphic appeared, prompting me to enter a code displayed on my TV into my iPhone. After entering the code, another loading bar appeared for about 5 seconds before glitching and starting over.

I'm stuck in this loop and can't escape it.

I've tried using different iPhones and pressing the home and TV buttons on the Apple Remote, which resets the device but brings me back to the code prompt. Powering the device on and off has the same effect.

I took the device to the Apple Store, and the Genius Bar was unable to resolve the issue because Apple removed the USB-C tech port on this model (A2169), making it impossible to troubleshoot the device with an external Mac.

Since the device is about six months out of warranty, Apple offered to swap it for $109 or I could purchase a new one for $129. It's frustrating that I followed the official restore process, ended up with a bricked device, and now I have to pay almost the price of a new one. Any suggestions to resolve this issue would be greatly appreciated.

Posted on Mar 26, 2024 12:20 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

iTrojanJer

Level 1

14 points

Jul 17, 2024 11:50 PM in response to ZachC_22

This is literally my story too. Took it to Apple Store in Cerritos and was offered the chance to purchase a refurb for $109 when it seems pretty clear the update is what killed the device.

We have an older AppleTV still working fine and it’s 2 years older than this one.

Our 4K 2nd gen was literally working fine one day and then went into a death-loop rebooting itself over and over. We already ordered the 3rd gen 128GB from Costco but are still hopeful we can salvage this one or force Apple to honor replacing it considering it’s their update which was the issue.

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Answer 2

KennyC4S

Level 1

19 points

Mar 28, 2024 02:52 PM in response to ZachC_22

My Apple TV 4K bricked today (3/28/24) and there seems to be nothing which will reset it. Without the USB-C connection on the device, there is no way to connect it to my MacBook Pro and reset it via the computer. I’m not even getting as much screen as you are. I was able to hear the low tone that occurs when you switch to the app screen but now it appears to have dropped the minimal audio connection.

Was there an automatic tvOS update recently that bricked Apple TV 4K?

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Answer 3

KennyC4S

Level 1

19 points

Mar 29, 2024 12:55 PM in response to ZachC_22

It appears Apple has made these devices disposable because there is very little that can be done once they stop responding. I already have another one on the way

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Answer 4

ZachC_22 Author

Level 1

21 points

Mar 29, 2024 12:19 PM in response to KennyC4S

Hey Kenny, I don't think 17.4 bricked it, at least for me my problem was that it broke HDMI-CEC so I just wanted to try and restore tvOS to hopefully regain HDMI-CEC functionality, at least until there was another update. Major mistake. Now I'm wishing I had not messed with it as now I truly bricked it by attempt the restore process which is really disappointing. Sorry you're having trouble with your ATV as well. Starting to look like our only solution is to get another one.

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Apple TV 4K Bricked via tvOS Restore

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