If you can’t use the Apple TV app on your iPhone to download or play a show, movie, or event after updating to iOS17, here are some easy ways to troubleshoot and fix the problem.
With the Apple TV app , you can watch shows and movies from streaming services and cable and satellite providers. However, some users have reported that they can’t download a show, movie, or event using the Apple TV app on their iPhones after iOS 17 update. Others have stated that the movie or TV show won’t start playing. Ither users have complained that the video quality is bad and it stops playing from time to time. If Apple TV app is not working on your iPhone running iOS 17, there are several methods you can try to fix the problem.
9 Ways to Fix Apple TV App Not Working on iPhone in iOS 17 Issue
If you are having problems with TV app on your iPhone, here are nine best ways to troubleshoot and fix your problem.
1. Close And Reopen The Apple TV App
Closing and reopening the Apple TV app can potentially fix a minor software glitch that would prevent the app from working properly. To close the Apple TV app, you’ll first need to launch the app switcher.
To launch the app switcher on an iPhone with Face ID, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to the center of the screen. Hold your finger in the center of the display for a moment until a preview of all the apps you have open appears. If you have an iPhone without Face ID, double-press the Home button to launch the app switcher. Then, swipe TV up and off the top of the screen to close it.
2. Turn Your iPhone Off And Back On
This trusted troubleshooting method seems to work like magic. It’s been known to fix many issues and is one of the first fixes you should try when Apple TV app is not working on your iPhone. It’s possible that a different app or your iPhone’s software has crashed in the background, which could be fixed by performing a restart. Restart your iPhone and see if TV app is back up and running.
If you have an iPhone with Face ID, press and hold the side button and either volume button until you see the power icon and slide to power off on the display. On iPhones without Face ID, press and hold the power button (commonly referred to as the Sleep / Wake button) instead of the side button and a volume button.
Drag the red and white power icon from left to right to shut down your iPhone. Wait about 20 seconds, then press and hold the side button (iPhones with Face ID) or the power button (iPhones without Face ID) to boot up your iPhone again.
3. Check Your Wi-Fi Or Cellular Data Connection
If Apple TV app is not working on your iPhone, make sure your internet is working overall. Try testing other internet-hungry apps and see if you can navigate them without issues. You can also do something as simple as opening the browser and searching for anything on Google. Or check if another device in your network is working. If nothing else is connected to the internet, you have found the culprit.
If you’re using Wi-Fi, start the Settings app on your iPhone and tap on Wi-Fi. Make sure the switch next to Wi-Fi is on and a blue checkmark appears next to the name of your Wi-Fi network. Try toggling the switch off and back on if Wi-Fi doesn’t seem to be working.
Next, try restarting your router. There’s often a dedicated button for this, but unplugging the router from the power source and plugging it back in works too.
If the movie or TV show won’t start playing on Apple TV, multiple people on your network may be using the internet. Ask them to temporarily pause their internet activities.
If your Wi-Fi connection is poor, use Cellular data instead or check out our article to learn how to diagnose and fix more advanced Wi-Fi problems on iPhone.
If you’re using the Apple TV app over cellular data, go to Settings > Cellular. Make sure the switch next to Cellular Data is on at the top of the screen. Try toggling the switch off and back on again if you don’t think Cellular Data is working.
If your cellular connection is poor, connect to Wi-Fi instead or check out our article to learn how to diagnose and fix more advanced Cellular Data problems on your iPhone.
4. Are Apple TV Services Down?
If Apple TV services are down, the movie or TV show won’t play. While a rare occurrence, sometimes Apple servers go down, causing widespread blackouts on the Apple TV services. Check if this is what’s going on before trying other troubleshooting steps below.
Check the System Status page for service interruptions or check a third-party provider’s website for any interruptions. If there are service interruptions, try to stream or watch the video later.
5. Update iOS
Likewise, running an older version of iOS may also be the reason why Apple TV app is not working on your iPhone. This is a common issue if you’re running a significantly outdated iOS version. Check if there are any updates to your iPhone. Start the Settings on your iPhone and go into General > Software Update. Tap Download & Install or Install Now if an iOS update is available.
6. Have you reached the active streaming limit?
If you share the account with other family members, there is a chance you have reached the limit of active simultaneous streams. If other people are using Apple TV or Apple TV channels, make sure it doesn’t exceed the limits for streaming on multiple devices.
Here are the limits for streaming on multiple devices
- Apple TV : One subscription allows you to enjoy 6 simultaneous streams. If you have an Apple Music student subscription, which includes Apple TV for a limited time, you can stream Apple TV only on one device at a time.
- MLS Season Pass: One subscription allows you to enjoy up to 6 simultaneous streams per Apple ID.
- Apple TV channels: One subscription allows you to enjoy up to 3 simultaneous streams. Some channels might allow more than 3 simultaneous streams.
7. Uninstall & Reinstall The Apple TV App
If the Apple TV app is not working after you’ve restarted your iPhone, there may be a deeper software problem with the app. The best method to troubleshoot a more significant software problem with the app is to delete and reinstall it.
Press and hold on TV app icon until the quick menu appears. Select Remove App > Delete App > Delete to uninstall it.
To reinstall the Apple TV app, launch App Store and search for the TV app. Once you’ve found it, tap the redownload button to the right of the app — it’ll look like an arrow pointing down out of a cloud. A status circle will appear to let you know how much longer it’ll be before the app reinstalls.
8. It Might Be Your Location or Your VPN
Apple TV is not supported in all countries. When you click to play anything on your Apple TV app in unsupported country or region, it’ll return an error that says “not available in your country or region
Verify that the geolocation of your IP address is for the correct country or region. Geo-restricted services tend to dislike virtual private networks, and they often block their services to those trying to mask their location with one. If you have activated a VPN on your iPhone, turn it off and try to use Apple TV app again.
9. Contact Apple Support
If you’ve completed all of the steps above and Apple TV app still isn’t working on your iPhone, it’s time to contact Apple support. You can get support over the phone or via online live chat. Check out how to contact Apple Support right here!
Fixed Apple Tv App Not Working after iOS 17 update!
You’ve fixed the problem with the Apple TV app on your iPhone and you can now start watching shows and movies from streaming services and cable and satellite providers. Next time the Apple TV app is not working on your iPhone after iOS update, you’ll know exactly what to do. If you have any other questions about Apple TV app, drop a comment down below!