ATV4 (64GB) has worked flawlessly since Christmas. However, yesterday, when I turned it on, the home screen came up as normal. But when I tried to open an app (Netflix), it just went to a blank white screen and stuck there. Tried force closing apps, restarting, etc. and nothing worked. I figured my best bet was to do a factory restore. Of course, as the factory restore is about halfway done, we lost power due to a storm. Now all that comes up when I turn the ATV on is a picture of an ATV with a lightning cord going to an iTunes symbol. I set up an apt with the genius bar, but I'm wondering if I should have them try to fix it or just ask for a replacement. If I do ask for a replacement, am I going to get a brand new one, or just a refurbished one? Any input would be greatly appreciated!!
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
ATV4 Perfect Storm...
- Thread starter hinesmj
- Start date
-
- Tags
- atv4
- Sort by reaction score
I would have thought a new one to be honest, but you have tried everything I would have done.
May be best to leave until your appointment.
I would, but it's a USB-C cable, which I don't have. I don't want to buy one for this specifically since it should still be under warranty.
That's what I don't quite understand though...if I bring it in, and request a replacement, will Apple give me a brand new one, or a refurbished one? I've had terrible luck with refurbished electronics overall and I'd like to avoid this. I just want to know what to expect when I go in there.
I believe Apple will always replace yours with a new one in a generic cardboard box, no? They sell refurbished one online but I have never read they replaced it with ones.
former genius here.
The replacements are typically refurbished. You wont know it, but it could be a new one, depends on how many they have been able to refurbish since it came out. IF they don't have any replacement models in stock and the manager does an override of the system to allow for a retail (new) replacement. if you are in the return period they can just do an exchange.
i would suggest that you get a USB-C cable if you don't want a replacement one. Buy one from the apple store- go home plug into your itunes- then take it back with in return period and ask for a refund they will do it no questions asked.
The replacements are typically refurbished. You wont know it, but it could be a new one, depends on how many they have been able to refurbish since it came out. IF they don't have any replacement models in stock and the manager does an override of the system to allow for a retail (new) replacement. if you are in the return period they can just do an exchange.
i would suggest that you get a USB-C cable if you don't want a replacement one. Buy one from the apple store- go home plug into your itunes- then take it back with in return period and ask for a refund they will do it no questions asked.
Thanks for the help! I wish it was that easy...I got mine on Black Friday for $50 off at Target. If I use your suggestion, I'll have to spend $50 to get a new unit...
then go buy a usb C cable- use it on your apple tv 4 to reinstall it. if it doesnt work you have to go back to apple store anyway.... return cable- go to genius bar. get replacement.
OP, you're making this really difficult for yourself. If your AppleTV isn't working, Apple will take care of you. If the replacement has an issue, Apple will take care of you.
Honestly, I'd just take it in. You may get a new unit or a refurbished one, but in the end if it works, it's better than the current non-working unit.
Honestly, I'd just take it in. You may get a new unit or a refurbished one, but in the end if it works, it's better than the current non-working unit.
Apples refurbs are in great condition, nothing to concern yourself with -- you're making it all much harder than necessary. All available options have been shared with you, and you're resistant to all of them -- not sure why you typed your original question. Good luck!
Last edited:
I'm pretty certain you'll get a new replacement, I thought refurbs were towards the end of the current products cycle...
Nope -- you might get a new one the first couple weeks after a product launch, but as soon as there are refurbs available, that's what you'll get -- unless they're out. With the ATV4 though, I'd say 'refurbs' are pretty much new units that someone tried out for a week or so and returned.
Yes I agree, since the OP seems to have one that does not work even a refurb should be better...
I understand exactly what you mean, but trust me, Apple's refurbs are substantially superior than everyone else's refurbs. I've seen some real crap slung out, such as an Alienware with moldy food in the keyboard, and often very short warranties. They dump it on you and really don't want to see it back a third time.
In contrast, Apple's refurbs are like-new, including remanufacturing and repackaging, even the little clear plastic protective strips to protect the finish. Warranty is exactly the same as new, not shortened. Mobile products like an iPod are disassembled and get a brand new battery and case. I've had two refurb ATV's, a refurb iPhone, and even a $2000+ refurb Mac Pro. No regrets whatsoever.
In any case, it doesn't matter. The unit you have doesn't work, so you need to get it switched out. The replacement will also have a warranty, so even if it's a refurb they'll make right on it too if there is a problem.
Exactly what I said... repeating things is fun... ...today must be National Parrot Day
WowExactly what I said... repeating things is fun... ...today must be National Parrot Day
Thank you. I appreciate you actually answering the question I had without a snarky comment. It was informative and addressed my concerns, which is what I was hoping for when I posted originally. It's nice to know that not everyone on the internet needs to insert a passive-aggressive dig when commenting on something! Thanks again.
Exactly what I said... repeating things is fun... ...today must be National Parrot Day
"This is a late parrot....'
Your ATV4 doesn't sound broken, when you go to the apple store, just ask the genius to reinstall its OS, and I'm sure you'll be fine!
Imagine formatting you computer and having the power cutout in the middle, you'd have to start over. Technically, this is what happened to your device, right now tvOS is only "half installed", it just need to be put back on it
Imagine formatting you computer and having the power cutout in the middle, you'd have to start over. Technically, this is what happened to your device, right now tvOS is only "half installed", it just need to be put back on it
