How to Connect an Apple TV to WiFi

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Credentials

In order to connect to a wireless network, you must have the required credentials. These are:

Wireless Network Name (SSID)
Wireless Network Key (Password)

Finding Network Credentials

Most wireless routers/gateways have a label with the default credentials. If the credentials aren't there, look in the devices documentation.

Default Wi-Fi credentials highlighted on router/gateway sticker.

If your Internet Service Provider (ISP) installed the wireless router or gateway, they might have left you a setup sheet which may have the credentials.

2. Connect to Wi-Fi

Depending on which generation of Apple TV you have, the menus and options might look slightly different on your screen.

On Apple TV 4K or Apple TV (4th generation) you will find the Network option directly in the Settings menu.
On Apple TV (2nd or 3rd generation) you will have to go into Settings then General to find the Network option.

Below are the steps for the latter:

On your Apple TV go to Settings.

Apple TV screen with Settings option highlighted.

From there go to General.

Settings screen with General option highlighted.

Then go to Network.

General settings screen with Network option highlighted.

And go to Wi-Fi.

Network settings screen with Wi-Fi option highlighted.

Wait for the list of Wi-Fi networks to populate, then select your Wi-Fi networks name and type in the password if needed. If your Wi-Fi network is set up to be hidden the select Other instead and type in your Wi-Fi network name.

When typing in the password, keep in mind that it is case sensitive. To change cases or switch to special characters you have to use the options highlighted in the image below. Select Submit to connect to the Wi-Fi network.

Once connected, select Done and the Network screen will show your Wi-Fi connection details.

3. Check Other Devices

To help troubleshoot the problem we should check if other devices can connect to the wireless network.

4. Check Environment

If other wireless devices are connected to the network and functioning properly, chances are the router is OK. It's possible there is an environmental issue. Do you have a portable wireless device (Smart Phone, Tablet, Laptop, etc.) that you can put in the same area to test and see if that device's wireless connection still functions as intended in that location?

5. Power cycle

If you haven't already, please try power cycling the device you're working with. To do so, simply turn it off, wait 30 seconds and turn it back on again.

6. Incompatible Routers

At this time, Apple has not indicated that there are any compatibility issues with specific models of networking equipment on the market. To ensure that your specific networking equipment and all settings will work properly with your Apple TV, please reach out to the manufacturer directly for further assistance.

Some wireless routers broadcast a dual-band wireless signal and provide both 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless networks. Your device may not see the 5GHz network, which is completely normal. Not all devices contain the antenna to communicate on the 5GHz band. Also, some routers broadcast guest networks that your device may not be able to connect to depending on your router's settings.

7. Guided Path not helpful.

8. Escalate to PTE

If you are a PST, follow the Escalation Process to PTE.

9. What's next?

10. It Can't Happen Here

It Can't Happen Here

11. Range Check

The device needs to be within a reasonable range of the router in order to connect and have the best connection speeds.

In general, in most homes, you can be up to 30 feet from your router for a decent connection.
From 30' to 50' away, the speeds will be slower, and may drop occasionally, but it should be usable.
Greater than 50' away, and the signal will most likely be too weak to overcome interference. The speeds will be slow, and the connection may be sporadic.

The above numbers are approximates only. Optimal range may vary based on router make and model.

12. Guided Path not helpful.

13. Escalate to PTE

If you are a PST, follow the Escalation Process to PTE.

14. What's next?

15. It Can't Happen Here

It Can't Happen Here

16. Relocate Router Check

Your router may need to be relocated to a more centralized location in order to provide better coverage for all your devices.

Good Placement

A house, separated into rooms detailing how placing Wi-Fi in the center of a house will provide better coverage to reach all devices. Diagram.

Bad Placement

A house, separated into rooms detailing how placing Wi-Fi in the corner of the house can cause some devices to not have a Wi-Fi signal. Diagram.

17. Router Relocation

Since this appears to be a range issue that can be resolved by putting the router in closer proximity to the device's intended use area, we recommend moving the router to a more centralized location.

18. Range Extender

If wireless signal is not reaching your device, and relocating your router or the device itself to be in closer proximity is not possible or doesn't resolve the issue, a great way to boost wireless signal without replacing existing equipment is to acquire and install a range extender. Range extenders work with your existing wireless router as a type of wireless repeater used to expand the reach of wireless signal in your home.