Setting up iCloud on Apple TV

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Level 1

9 points

Setting up iCloud on Apple TV

Whilst restoring my second generation Apple TV, my login to iCloud is accepted but after inserting security code Apple TV fails to recognise my iCloud as a valid account.

Posted on Nov 6, 2025 1:04 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Urquhart1244

Level 10

146,094 points

Nov 6, 2025 1:38 PM in response to Robersen

For the legacy models Apple TV box (2nd and 3rd generation from 2010-2013) [A1378, A1427, A1469], the iCloud services are unfortunately no longer supported. iCloud has changed beyond the capabilities of the system software on these older models. You can keep using the remaining functionality, but not iCloud services. iCloud services are supported on the 2015 and later models [A1625 and later].

Also see: discussions.apple.com/thread/255664587

Identify your Apple TV model - Apple Support

Find your Apple TV model number - Apple Support

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Answer 2

Robersen Author

Level 1

9 points

Nov 7, 2025 3:32 AM in response to Robersen

Thank you for this elaborate but clear reply. My apply TV is obviously too old. The reason why I did not conclude this immediately is that when trying to set up iCloud, the failure message tells me that “the user doesn’t have iCloud enabled”. It then sends me a link to the iCloud help pages. Why doesn’t Apple retire their equipment more gracefully??

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Answer 3

vazandrew

Level 8

40,834 points

Nov 6, 2025 2:06 PM in response to Robersen

It should also be mentioned that any remaining functionality would be limited on that model. Most, if not all, providers of the server based channels available have since dropped support. Also, Apple only provided a version of their Apple TV app for the 3rd gen, and other services (like Apple Music) require a model from 2015 or later. Even airplay 2 requires a newer model, so that may limit what content can be casted. Lastly, the 2nd gen is around 15 years old and more likely to have issues (of which there would be no support).

Ultimately, if you don't have a need for a current model you could still get a used Apple TV HD (2015 model)

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