In this guide, we will show you various methods to fix the Apple TV 3 Activation Failed error that results in AirPlay not working. The third iteration of this digital media player and microconsole developed by the Cupertino giants beholds quite a few nifty features up its sleeves. These include the likes of 1080p video output (from iTunes, Netflix, YouTube, etc), a faster A5 processor, and a revamped UI. Moreover, it also allows you to stream or mirror content wirelessly from an iPhone or Mac using its AirPlay feature.
However, not everyone is able to make full use of this functionality. A slew of complaints is lined up across Apple Support Forum where users have voiced their concern regarding the inability to screen mirror their device over to their TV sets. Their iPhone or Mac is infact no longer showing in the list of AirPlay. Upon further investigating, we found out that if you go to the About section of your TV, it will list out Failed under the Activation section.
This is really quite astonishing in its own rights as to how come the TV’s activation fail all of a sudden without any manual intervention from our end. What is even more intriguing or rather concerning is the fact that this issue is present for the past five years, but is yet to be addressed. Fortunately, there do exist a couple of workarounds that have been known to fix the Apple TV 3 Activation Failed error that results in AirPlay not working. So without any further ado, let’s check them out.
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Fix Apple TV 3 Activation Failed error: AirPlay not working
Do note that there’s no universal fix as such. You will have to try out each of the below-mentioned workarounds and then see which one spells out success for you. So with that in mind, let’s get started.
FIX 1: Using Apple Configurator 2 App
- To begin with, install Apple Configurator 2 on your Mac from the App Store.
- Then plug in your Apple TV 3 to power as well as to a Mac using a micro USB cable from the Apple TV to the Mac.
- Now launch the Configurator app, and click on the “Prepare” gear icon in the top menu bar.
- After that, select Restore and wait for the process to finish.
- Once completed, you will get the prompt to “Unplug USB cable and power.”
- Do so as instructed and then power on your TV. As soon as it is booted, plug in the USB cable connected to your Mac again.
- You will now see a “mirrored” display of a TV and Apple TV icon with the setup screen (as if it was plugged into a TV).
- So click on it and it should then display the Apple TV home screen and version-related information on the right-hand side.
- On the left-hand side of the Configurator app, you will see a menu with four items. Click on the second item titled Apps.
- This will give you a message that the “Apple TV not activated”. So click on the Activate button.
- Now unplug from Mac and power, plug into the TV, and carry on with the normal setup.
- As soon as the setup is complete, it should fix the Apple TV 3 Activation Failed error that results in AirPlay not working.
FIX 2: Via 3utools
- First off, install the 3utools on your Windows PC.
- Then connect your TV to the power and then connect it to the USB on your PC.
- Now launch the 3utools and it shall list out your Apple TV 3. Click on More.
- It will now load a new page where you have to search for “Batch activation”.
- Select it and then click on All > Start. The process will now being and could take a minute or two.
- Once complete, your TV stands activated and the underlying issue would be resolved.
So with this, we round off the guide on how you could fix the Apple TV 3 Activation Failed error that results in AirPlay not working. We have listed two different methods for the same. Do let us know in the comments section which one spelled out success for you. Likewise, all your queries are welcomed in the comments section below.
