Definitive fixes for Apple TV not showing up in iTunes

A problem in which the Apple TV does not show up in iTunes' device list has proven particularly persistent and frustrating. The issue can materialize randomly, or after updates to iTunes or the Apple TV software. We've published a variety of fixes in recent weeks, none universal. Using a shotgun approach, however, most users can solve the problem, applying some combination of the following solutions:

Just say "OK" Navigate to the Apple TV tab iTunes preferences, and simply click the "OK" button. This simple act may trigger a reappearance of the Apple TV in iTunes' device list.

Reset the Apple TV Reset the Apple TV by unplugging it from the power outlet, waiting about five seconds, then plugging it in again. Try the solution above "Just say 'OK'" again.

Turn off firewall Open System Preferences, then click on the Security pane. Check the box next to "Allow all incoming connections." MacFixIt reader Mike writes:

"When the firewall was configured to allow specific apps, I kept getting a message saying the some port, 39xx something I think, was not opened. However, in Leopard unlike in previous versions, there does not seem to be a way to open specifically-numbered ports. Bummer. I can't tell whether the offending port is open or closed in Leopard. Also, there is no app that I could have added to the enumerated list of good apps because Apple TV doesn't have an app, it just has a wireless connection. It looks like a Catch 22."

[Apple suggests making sure that UDP port 5353 on your Firewall is open]

Reduce Heat Some users have found that placing the Apple TV in near proximity to other devices that generate significant heat detrimental to proper operation. MacFixit reader Brett Wickens writes:

"In my case, my AppleTV was on top of my DirecTV HD DVR. Both pump out a lot of heat and I found that my AppleTV was overheating so the OS was freezing (when I turned it on, I got a stationery Apple Logo in the middle of the screen, and of course it could not be seen by iTunes). I moved the Apple TV to be adjacent to the DVR and since then it remains cooler and has not frozen/disappeared from iTunes."

Use static IP address Adjust the DHCP range on on your router or Base station to assign addresses manually manually. Changed the Apple TV to a static IP address, and check for persistence of the issue.

Connect to TV Make sure that your Apple TV is actually connected to an output device. MacFixIt reader Andy Ringsmuth writes:

"My TV only has one DVI port, and I've got a DVI-HDMI cable that I manually switch between the AppleTV, my BluRay player and my DirecTV box depending on what I'm watching.  If the AppleTV doesn't show up in iTunes, I've noticed that if I make sure the AppleTV is plugged in to the TV, then it will show up."

Reinstall iTunes Try reinstalling the latest version of iTunes. If that doesn't work, you may need to reinstall the Apple Mobile Device package as well. This can be accomplished by installing Pacifist, the dragging the iTunes install package onto Pacifist and using the "Install" button in the Pacifist window. One reader writes:

"What I eventually did was completely remove all of iTunes, including the AppleMobileService and other iTunes related items, then reinstall iTunes. I also had my APpleTV at the "Connect to iTunes" screen, and left it there. Mysteriously, my AppleTV suddenly showed up after playing with the "Look for AppleTV" option in the Preferences. But I did notice it took a little while for iTunes to actually notice it. While all my iTunes shared servers showed up immediately on iTunes startup, the AppleTV was never discovered until many minutes later (about 5 minutes after iTunes has started, then the AppleTV shows up)."

Change wireless channels Change the channel used by your wireless router -- interference may be at play. See our wireless tutorial for more information.

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

Resources