[7 Ways] Fix Apple TV video not available (2023)

Source: Apple

Let us first begin with a short brief of the Apple Tv app before getting onto the main topic of the article, i.e How to Fix Apple TV video not available on your device.

Apple TV is basically a vast hub for all the content you enjoy watching on different TV and movie applications – like Hulu, Showtime, HBO max, Roku, Youtube, etc. And lets you run it all from one convenient location.

As a result, when you are confused about what you want to watch, this helps you to avoid the need to open several different apps.

You can watch various Apple Original shows and movies from Apple TV+ (the app). There are thousands of movies to buy or rent. It provides you with prominent and popular streaming services.

It is all available on the expertly curated Apple TV app, and it’s everywhere. Be it your favorite Apple devices, streaming platforms, smart TVs, gaming system/consoles, and many more. It is the ultimate way to watch TV.

The Apple TV app is already on your favorite Apple devices, as well as streaming platforms, popular smart TVs, gaming systems/consoles, and AirPlay‑enabled devices. Just open the app and enjoy watching it on your big screen, such as Samsung smart Tv, Roku, FireTv, etc.

Editors’ picks are also available for you to choose from. With Watch Now, you can easily browse or explore some freshly brewed recommendations and hand-picked content by their editors that will help you discover what is best to watch on your holiday.

How To Get Started?

  • Go to your device’s app store and download the Apple TV app or Apple TV+ app
  • Open the Apple TV app or Apple TV+ app and choose Start Watching.
  • Go to Settings > then select Accounts.
  • Choose Sign In and continue

As soon as you launch your Apple TV, you will see a section entitled Up Next that displays everything you have seen so far. When you choose the content you wish to see, Apple TV immediately begins playing it and launches the necessary app.

For instance, if you have been watching your favorite comic or rom-com series on the HBO max app, you can launch your Apple TV and opt for the episode you are currently watching.

Your Apple TV will then launch HBO max and immediately start playback from where you left off. You can always get back to the Apple TV app by pressing the TV button on your Siri remote/Apple Tv remote.

Your Apple Tv is of utmost importance if you have a get-together at your place. And if it does not work properly, you will be embarrassed to the core in front of your family and friends, and we won’t let that happen to you. Let us begin with the reasons behind the issue first and then Fix Apple TV video not available error.


Why does my Apple TV keep saying video not available?

Reason 1: Internet Connectivity Issue

This problem may occur if your internet connection is not fast or is inconsistent. This is considered as one of the most popular reasons why you may be seeing the ‘Video Unavailable’ message on Apple TV+(the app). So, to prevent the issue make sure your device is turned on and connected to the respected Wi-fi/cellular data.

Also, if multiple devices are connected to your hotspot/internet, your connection speed might slow down. You are suggested to temporarily pause their internet connection.

Reason 2: Outdated Version

Nowadays, keeping the device and app up-to-date is very significant to prevent any kind of issue. In case, you are using a compatible smart TV, streaming device, or gaming system/console that is connected to the internet, the Apple TV app should be updated automatically, or you can go to the app store and do it yourself.


Reason 3: Check DNS Settings

DNS (Domain Name Service) is the application service that translates the IP address into a more recognized and memorable name. A wrong DNS server on your device means that you are not able to find the video file address on the Apple TV server.


Reason 4: Wrong Apple ID

In case, you are using more than one Apple ID then there is a great possibility that the Apple ID you used to sign in to your Apple TV app is the incorrect one.

One possible example is that you have purchased the shows or movies using your primary Apple ID. In that case, you will not be able to view those videos on your Apple TV app if you are signed in to your secondary Apple ID account.


Reason 5: Streaming Multiple Devices

If other people are streaming Apple TV+ or Apple TV channels simultaneously, make sure that they do not exceed the streaming limits for multiple devices.


SEE ALSO: Why is there no App Store on my Apple TV?


How to Fix Apple TV video not available?

If you are having trouble streaming, watching, or starting a movie or TV show that you purchased over a Wi-Fi or cellular connection, try attempting the steps mentioned below. After each step, try to stream or download the movie or TV show again and check if you can play the video.

Method 1: Boost Your Internet Connection

It is the most common problem and the most annoying one. If your cellular connection is poor, try connecting to the Wi-fi. If there are multiple people on your network who are using the internet, the connection speed might slow down. Ask them to temporarily stop using the internet for better connectivity.


Method 2: Use Updated Version

Update to the latest version of the Apple TV app, i.e, the latest version of iOS or iPadOS, macOS, or tvOS.
If you are using a compatible smart TV, streaming device, or gaming console that is connected to the internet, the Apple TV app should update automatically.

Go to Settings > General, then tap Software Update.

How to update phone software
Image Source : Support.apple.com

If it does not, you can do it manually from the app store. In case, you need help, contact the manufacturer or learn how to get the Apple Tv app on your device.


Method 3: Check DNS Settings

As mentioned earlier, if your device has the wrong DNS server attached to it, it cannot access the video file address on the Apple TV server. Here’s how you can fix it.

Go to the Settings on your Apple TV menu.

Then opt for Network > select Wi-Fi on the top screen.

After that, choose your Wi-Fi network and click on the Configure DNS option.

In the end, set the value to Automatic, so it will obtain the settings from your internet provider. After setting up things, you should be able to view your favorite TV shows without any issues.

How to change DNS settings
Image Source : Saintlad.com

Method 4: Check System Status Page

You have to check the System Status Page for service interruptions or check a third-party provider’s website for any interruptions. If there are service interruptions, you should try to stream or watch the video later.


Method 5: Verify Your Apple ID Or Reset/Restart Your Device

People tend to get confused especially if they have more than one Apple ID. To make sure you are signing in to the right one, kindly do the following,

Go to the Settings of your Apple TV.

Opt for the iCloud option and choose your account name.

Then, Choose the Sign Out option and restart your Apple Tv.

After your Apple TV is back on track > go back to the Settings.

Finally, choose the iCloud option > sign back on your primary Apple ID.

Also, you can just reset your Apple ID password or get a verification code and sign in with two-factor authentication.

If you are still facing issues, Restart your Apple Tv, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or mac. If you are using a smart TV or streaming device, turn it off and back on again.


Method 6: Device Limit

Ensure that other people are not exceeding the limit for streaming on multiple devices when using Apple TV+ or Apple TV channels. If there is some issue with your device, you should try to watch the video on another device while connected to the same Wi-fi or cellular network.

If the issue persists, consult your ISP (internet service provider) to check whether your network is causing the problem or not.


Method 7: Re-install The App

Attempting to uninstall and reinstall the Apple TV+ app may resolve the Video Unavailable issue. It is because, whenever you reinstall the app, a new, updated version of the app is downloaded without any setting misconfigurations that make it easy to use.

Still not lucky enough to get through the solutions?
You can go to the mentioned site (reportaproblem.apple.com) and request a refund after you log in with your ID credentials (Apple ID and password).

If you are having problems streaming movies or TV shows in apps that you downloaded from the App Store, you can contact the app developer.


Final Words

Here you will find everything related to the Apple Tv app, from how to get started to the most common reasons and suitable methods to Fix Apple TV video not available error. Go through them once thoroughly and do the needful. I surely hope this will rescue you from the problem.

I hope this felt insightful. Thank You!


Further Reading:

Why should I pay for movies on Apple TV when I have a Subscription?

(6 ways) Fix Apple TV remote touchpad not working (2021)

Fix: Apple TV Siri remote not working

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Sakshi is a Terpsichorean (dancing all her stress out), she always had a keen interest in writing creative content since her school days. Basically, balance & short-term goals are something she looks forward to. She's a big time foodie yet a fitness freak pursuing this job to fulfill her day-to-day needs.