In my experience, the Apple TV 4K can be unreliable when it comes to Ethernet connections. I have had frequent issues with Ethernet connections on my Apple TV 4K, including error messages that say “NO NETWORK CONNECTION” even though the device is still streaming content.
The network disconnection messages often came up when streaming high bit rate content, especially 4K Dolby Vision titles on Netflix.
I tried multiple Apple TV 4K boxes, different Ethernet cables, and different ports, but none of these solutions seemed to fix the problem. I also tried resetting all my devices, but this did not resolve the issue. Ultimately, I returned the Apple TV 4K because it was the only hard-wired device on my network that seemed to have problems.
Still, there are a few recommended fixes that have worked for other Apple TV Users, and it would be great to first try them before giving up on your device,
How to Troubleshoot Apple TV Ethernet not Working
There are several possible reasons why your Apple TV’s Ethernet connection may not be working:
Cable Issues
If the connection between your Apple TV and your TV or home theater system is intermittent or drops out frequently, it could indicate an issue with the cable. Error messages on your Apple TV related to the connection could also be a sign that there is an issue with the cable.
Ensure that the Ethernet cable is working and is securely plugged into the Apple TV and router. Also, try using a different Ethernet cable to see if that resolves the issue.
Router Issues
If your internet speeds are slower than usual, it could be a sign of a problem with your router. Make sure that the router is powered on and properly configured. If you have multiple devices connected to the router, try disconnecting some of them to see if that resolves the issue.
Network Settings
Ensure that the Ethernet option is properly set up in your network settings. Here’s how to do it:
- On your Apple TV, go to the “Settings” menu.
- Select “Network.”
- Under “Connect Via,” ensure that the “Ethernet” option is selected.
- If the Ethernet option is not selected, you will need to connect your Apple TV to your router using an Ethernet cable.
To do this, follow these steps:
- Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port on the back of your Apple TV.
- Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into an available port on your router.
- On your Apple TV, go to the “Settings” menu and select “Network.”
- Under “Connect Via,” select “Ethernet.”
Your Apple TV should now be connected to your router via Ethernet.
Software Issues
If you have recently updated the software on your Apple TV, it is possible that the update may have caused an issue with the Ethernet connection. In this case, you may want to try rolling back to a previous version of the software.
Check for updates
Many users don’t take software updates seriously. However, having updated software can save you from a lot of technical issues. To check for updates on your Apple TV, go to the “Settings” menu and select “System.” Then, select “Software Updates” and install any available updates.
Reset the Apple TV
In many cases, resetting your Apple TV can help fix various problems you may be experiencing. When you reset your Apple TV, it restores the device to its original factory settings and can help to resolve issues such as slow performance, connectivity problems, and software bugs.
To reset your Apple TV, follow these steps:
- On your Apple TV, go to the “Settings” menu.
- Select “System.”
- Select “Reset.”
- Choose “Reset All Settings.”
This will reset your Apple TV to its original factory settings but will not delete any personal content or apps. If you want to erase your Apple TV and start fresh, you can choose the “Erase All Content and Settings” option instead.
If none of these steps resolve the issue, you may want to try reaching out to Apple for further assistance.
