Older AppleTV units can't get internet connection after tvOS 26.1 update.

[AppleInSlowDecline]

Hey everyone,

Have 4 AppleTVs in the house. Two are newer 4K models, and two are older units - one is an A1842 generation, and one is an A1625 generation. All models auto-updated to tvOS 26.1. The two newer units both work flawlessly, but the two older models cannot get internet access now. They are connected to my WiFi network with no issues - full signal strength, and I can still project photos and video to them via AirPlay. But I can't access any content on Apple+, YouTube, etc that required an internet connection. Anyone else had this problem? If so, any fixes?

 

[AppleInSlowDecline]

Figured it out, in case anyone else has this issue. Did a reset of the AppleTV, and that fixed the issue. Thankfully it was quick to set the older models back up using my iPhone and by syncing them to my other AppleTVs in terms of reinstalling and arranging apps, etc.

 

[Basic75]

Did a reset of the AppleTV, and that fixed the issue.

To be clear, you mean a factory reset, not just a reboot?

 

[Boyd01]

FWIW, I have two AppleTV HD's (aka AppleTV 4) and they finally auto-updated to 26. Not seeing this kind of problem on either of them (fortunately).

 

[AppleInSlowDecline]

To be clear, you mean a factory reset, not just a reboot?

Yes, a reset, not just a restart.

 

[Basic75]

Yes, a reset, not just a restart.

Reset, reboot and restart are synonymous. Did you also try one of those? I'm really surprised that an Apple TV misbehaves after a software update.

 

[Boyd01]

Reset, reboot and restart are synonymous.

Maybe I'm not understanding? But I think restart and reboot are (probably) the same thing, but reset is something very different - and not something I've ever had to do.

Reset or restore your Apple TV to its factory settings - Apple Support

Use these steps to erase your Apple TV, restore it to its factory settings, and remove all information on it.

support.apple.com

 

[hamiltonDSi]

Maybe I'm not understanding? But I think restart and reboot are (probably) the same thing, but reset is something very different - and not something I've ever had to do.

Reset or restore your Apple TV to its factory settings - Apple Support

Use these steps to erase your Apple TV, restore it to its factory settings, and remove all information on it.

support.apple.com

You did a Restore. Not a Reset.

For example, lets take a WiFi Router to make this easier :

You can RESTART it, so all networks and settings will be the same and untouched after it turns on.

You can RESET its settings, after that the software will be reseted to a ‘new, out of box’ state. All the settings and networks will be deleted however the operating system was not reinstalled.

Or you can RESTORE its software. In this case the operating system will be completely removed and installed fresh.

These are all different actions with different outcomes.

 

[Boyd01]

You did a Restore. Not a Reset.

Thanks, but I didn't do anything, my ATV's continued working fine after auto-updating.

But I don't think "reset" is synonymous with "restart" and "reboot". To me, restart and reboot are synonymous and can be accomplished directly from the menu - like choosing restart on a Mac. But "reset" involves erasing data and preferences which is something completely different.

 

[Starfia]

Just to chime in afterward: I have what I think is the first model of Apple TV to run tvOS (from 2017), and I didn't have the issue. But thanks for the report.

 

[AlaskaMoose]

Thanks, but I didn't do anything, my ATV's continued working fine after auto-updating.

But I don't think "reset" is synonymous with "restart" and "reboot". To me, restart and reboot are synonymous and can be accomplished directly from the menu - like choosing restart on a Mac. But "reset" involves erasing data and preferences which is something completely different.

You are correct. That's why the Apple TV's menu gives you two options, to restart, which is similar to a reboot, or even if you just turn the Apple TV off, and then restart it. In fact, you can even remove the power cord from the Apple TV, wait a few minutes, then connect the cable and the Apple TV restarts as it usually does.

But if you choose to Reset the Apple TV, both your Apple account (name, and passwords) and also all the other accounts you had (Netflix, ESPN, and so on), are also deleted. After all of these are deleted you would have to reenter everything all over again, starting with your Apple account and password. Sometimes may even have to enter your network password, too.

A reset is what I would do if I were to sell my Apple TV, or just if I wanted to return its factory settings. By the way, I do the same when I get rid of routers that I have had in my home network (reset them).

 

[mwhite]

Correct

You did a Restore. Not a Reset.

For example, lets take a WiFi Router to make this easier :

You can RESTART it, so all networks and settings will be the same and untouched after it turns on.

You can RESET its settings, after that the software will be reseted to a ‘new, out of box’ state. All the settings and networks will be deleted however the operating system was not reinstalled.

Or you can RESTORE its software. In this case the operating system will be completely removed and installed fresh.

These are all different actions with different outcomes.

Correct. Except for the fact that there is no such word as “reseted”. The past tense of reset is “reset.”

“I reset the device.” “The device was reset.” “The device has been reset.”

 

[Basic75]

But I don't think "reset" is synonymous with "restart" and "reboot".

It has been for decades. If "factory reset" is shortened to "reset" then a well-established term is being shortened beyoned the point of retaining its meaning.