Apple TV not loading (Solved!)

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When you realize that Apple TV is not loading, it can be super frustrating.

Luckily, the majority of the time, it is easy to fix the issue.

We have made a guide that can assist you by providing some simple tips that will help you get your Apple TV app up and running again.

Why does Apple TV stop loading?

The cause of Apple TV not loading is likely caused by a software issue or faulty internet connection.

When Apple TV fails to load, it is usually because a software conflict has occurred on your streaming device.

Alternatively, we have found that insufficient internet connections will cause the Apple TV app not to load correctly.

Here are some tips on how to make stop the Apple TV loading issue:

  1. Check the Server Status of Apple TV
  2. Restart the Apple TV app
  3. Sign out of the Apple TV app
  4. Soft Reset your Source Device
  5. Reset your Router
  6. Update Apple TV and your source device
  7. Disconnect other devices in your home from the internet
  8. Close any other apps that are running
  9. Disable VPNs or Ad blockers
  10. Contact the Apple TV app Support

Scroll down to follow a more detailed guide on how to work through these steps and stop the Apple TV not loading issues.

How to stop the Apple TV not loading issue

Method 1: Check to make sure Apple TV servers are operational

When Apple TV is not loading, the vast majority of the issues will usually be with your network or playback device.

Before you go into the other fixes that are listed below, it is worthwhile checking that there are no issues or outages with the Apple TV platform.

This is also a useful tool to try when Apple TV is buffering.

Apple TV not loading, check network status
The DownDetector website monitors the Apple TV network for any issues

Method 2: Restart the Apple TV app

It is a good idea to restart the Apple TV app if it is not loading.

By restarting the Apple TV app, you give the opportunity for any updates to be correctly installed and establish a new connection with the Apple TV servers.

The restart can also help in clearing any software conflicts that prevent the app from loading correctly.

Method 3: Sign out of the Apple TV app

Another potential quick fix to the Apple TV not loading issue is to sign out of your account.

By signing out of your Apple TV account before you return and log in, you may resolve any account-related issues with are cause the Apple TV app not to load.

Method 4: Restart your Playback Source Device

To access the Apple TV app, you will be using a playback device to access the app.

The most common playback devices for the Apple TV app are:

  • Smart TVs
  • Content Devices such as Apple TV, Firestick, or Roku
  • Games Consoles such as PlayStation and XBOX
  • A PC or MacBook Laptop

The universal recommendation for these devices and the first step in trying to eliminate the Apple TV not loading issues is to perform a power cycle of these systems.

To perform a power cycle of the devices, simply unplug them for 60 seconds before plugging them back in.

This restart allows any updates that have been downloaded in the background to successfully install and start, and it also clears the system cache.

Clearing the system cache and any lingering apps running in RAM can help in reducing software conflicts that are preventing the Apple TV app from loading.

By reducing the number of apps running in the background, you give the Apple TV app the best performance.

Method 5: Reset your Router

This is one of the oldest tricks in the book, but it is definitely effective in getting the Apple TV app to load.

How do I reset my router?

The easiest way to reset your router is to simply unplug it from the wall socket for 30 seconds before plugging it back in.

Unplug your router, stop Apple TV not loading correctly.
Restarting your Router almost always improves your bandwidth capacity to be able to effectively play content.

This action will “power-cycle” your router and provide more bandwidth to increase your ability to play content faster on the Apple TV app.

Why does resetting your router reduce the Apple TV not loading issues?

Think of all the devices that are and have been connected to the router. I’m sure that in today’s digital world that quite a few devices are connected to the router.

Your router is like a mini-PC and will slow down as more tasks are added.

Having all of those devices connected will reduce the bandwidth available and can prevent you from connecting to the Apple TV network if a network conflict is apparent.

Method 6: Update your Apple TV app

If you are playing Apple TV using a device such as a Firestick, Roku or smart TV then I would recommend that you update the app if possible.

Method 7: Close any apps that are running

If you have followed our first step of restarting your playback device, then this step would have been completed for you.

Otherwise please continue to close any running apps on your streaming device to reduce any software conflicts that are preventing Apple TV from loading.

How does having open apps cause the Apple TV app not to load?

Imagine your internet connection to your  Apple TV application like an artery in your body. The more games and apps that are running are like blockages in your arteries, sorry for the weird analogy!

Those blockages impede your ability and can cause software conflict that prevents the Apple TV app from loading.

Method 8: Update your device software/firmware before downloading

Whether you are using a TV, Content Device, or Games console, updating your firmware or software to the latest version can help in preventing issues from arising over time.

Sometimes updates can be missed, or an installation can be interrupted and cause issues with your playback device.

Old firmware or a partial firmware installation could cause Apple TV not to load.

Ensuring that you have the latest software on your devices also gives you access to new apps and an improved viewing experience.

Method 9: Disable any Ad blockers or VPNs

VPNs and Ad blockers can negatively affect your ability to connect to the Apple network and cause Apple TV not loading issues.

Your connection to a VPN will always limit the speed at which you can play content.

We understand that using a VPN can be a sensible choice, especially due to privacy concerns.

Unfortunately, by using a VPN, you are creating another dependency that can cause Apple TV not to load correctly.

Method 10: Contact Apple TV Support

If you have tried all the tips above and nothing has worked, then you can contact Apple TV app support for further assistance.

Conclusion

If you have followed the guide, then you would have been successful in getting the Apple TV app to load correctly.

Happy streaming!

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