tvOS 17.1 Update bricked my Apple TV 4K 1st Gen

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Level 1

13 points

tvOS 17.1 Update bricked my Apple TV 4K 1st Gen

This morning while trying to update my Apple TV 4K 1st gen to tvOS 17.1 the same thing happened, it told update failed, and when I tried to update again it landed in the Hello screen, and tried to restore it by pressing the menu + TV button it did nothing and just a blank screen with white light blinking.

This is not at all acceptable for a normal user update, and there is no USB port for restoring, So I gave it to Apple repair center for diagnostics and will update on its progress.

Also, there are posts on Reddit that same issue has happened to people with Apple TV 4k 1st gen especially with tvOS 17 Update, So I think Apple should look into this issue and sort it out immediately

Apple TV 4K (1st generation)

Posted on Nov 10, 2023 1:45 AM

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Answer 1

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Amirtaraj Author

Level 1

13 points

Nov 18, 2023 1:48 AM in response to Amirtaraj

I am happy to let you know that my bricked Apple TV 4K 1st gen was replaced by a brand new Apple TV 4K 1st gen, the whole thing took 7 days, In the first few days the service center folks tried to reboot and get it back working but it couldn't come back to life and ultimately was escalated to Apple, and they approved on replacing the set it cannot be repaired as there is no service port available.

Thank you, Apple India, and also thanks to the iPlanet Care, service center, Mysuru for helping me get the product replaced.

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Answer 2

Nov 17, 2023 10:20 PM in response to jtrj13

All my Apple TVs just bricked after the iOS update, I have 1244 movies on Apple TV and they now owe me $35000 since the iOS update jacks up your Apple ID and you have to resign in to everything and it gets all Apple TVs bricked so I can not access any of my movies anymore, way to go apple, you need to test this stuff before you send out updates, this is on all 8 of my Apple TV boxes

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Answer 3

Nov 10, 2023 2:31 AM in response to Amirtaraj

Apple repair facilities are suitable. Be aware that third party Apple Authorized Service Providers may have different policy and pricing than Apple’s own.

For other readers here: In general, users are advised to contact Apple Support about such issue. Contact Apple for support and service (phone numbers) or start your support request online (chat/email/callback).

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Answer 4

Nov 17, 2023 6:37 PM in response to jtrj13

I suppose the Reset function will not work? You have no access to select any options?

Did you see an image of an iPhone? If you did, check the link.

If your TV shows an iPhone next to an Apple TV - Apple Support

You might try unplugging it and leaving it overnight. Possibly, some errant voltage will drain off and allow the box to work.

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Answer 5

Amirtaraj Author

Level 1

13 points

Nov 10, 2023 11:14 AM in response to Urquhart1244

I had contacted Apple support and registered a case ID with them and with that took the Apple TV box to Apple authorised service centre, and it’s presently there, the reason for my post was, this happened with regular user software update with no interrupted power/ network (connected through LAN) and this shouldn’t be acceptable coming from Apple.

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Answer 6

Nov 10, 2023 1:34 PM in response to Amirtaraj

When I updated mine, it took a very long time. Then I realized that was just the download process. The system does then go through an install process after the download is finished.

Since you no longer have it, I suppose we can't check. Is there any chance you might have interrupted it?

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Answer 7

jtrj13

Level 1

8 points

Nov 17, 2023 8:35 PM in response to Saltgrass

It did not. I only see a blinking light on the Apple TV. That option did appear on my iPhone and I clicked on it, but it had no effect. The TV has been unplugged from power for the last couple days and the issue persists. After multiple calls with Apple Support they've confirmed that replacing or purchasing a new device are the only two paths forward. This is so unlike Apple.

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Answer 8

jtrj13

Level 1

8 points

Nov 18, 2023 4:45 AM in response to Amirtaraj

Hi Amirtaraj, how were you able to escalate this issue? I've called multiple times to support but have gotten the same response. Buy replacement or a brand new one. Not having a service port seems like a design issue on their end so it only feels appropriate that they replace it at their expense.

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Answer 9

hcsitas

Level 6

12,914 points

Nov 10, 2023 12:59 PM in response to Amirtaraj

Use Feedback - Apple TV - Apple to vent.

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Answer 10

Amirtaraj Author

Level 1

13 points

Nov 10, 2023 9:44 PM in response to hcsitas

Have sent the feedback here with the issue that I faced.

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Answer 11

Amirtaraj Author

Level 1

13 points

Nov 10, 2023 9:46 PM in response to Saltgrass

I believe there is no chance, as I have this particular Apple TV near router so it’s connected through LAN port, and also didn’t face any network issues while I was working on my laptop at that time.

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Answer 12

jtrj13

Level 1

8 points

Nov 17, 2023 5:56 PM in response to Amirtaraj

Same thing happened to me a few days ago. The Apple TV 4K is bricked and I’m told I can replace it for $109 or buy a new one. That is completely unacceptable for a device that is under two years old.

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Answer 13

etmecho

Level 1

4 points

Jan 3, 2024 7:07 PM in response to Amirtaraj

$200 USD for a bricked device for less then years ownership is ridiculous. Also have to pay a fee to repair it.

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tvOS 17.1 Update bricked my Apple TV 4K 1st Gen

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