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User profile for user: PRKSlayer
PRKSlayer Author
User level: Level1 5 points
I want to connect my Apple TV to my computer using the USB but it won't work. When I plug it in it doesn't light up and doesn't show up on iTunes. Note that this Micro USB works with my other devices like phone or Kindle!
Apple TV
Posted on Mar 28, 2014 7:56 PM
23 replies
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User profile for user: beyondthenet3
beyondthenet3
User level: Level1 8 points
Jun 7, 2015 2:57 PM in response to vazandrew
I had read that page but until now did not see the small grey text about needing a non-charging usb cable.
I think Apple needs to put call-outs in big red letters so dummies like-me don't glance over the small grey type.
Why make vital text small/grey as if it is not so important?
Anyway, I know this is not your fault.
Thank you for helping.
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User profile for user: manuelfm87
manuelfm87
User level: Level1 5 points
May 29, 2015 4:34 PM in response to PRKSlayer
FOUND SOLUTION!!!
the power cable needs to be disconnected. the only cable that should be connected is the usb port. !!
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User profile for user: Phil0124
Phil0124
Community+ 2024 User level: Level10 200,483 points
Apr 11, 2017 3:28 PM in response to GCMios
GCMios wrote:
The actual cable is called USB c cable -- that is the correct one and I have tested several and they all work great.
Only the 4th generation Apple TV has a USB-C port. It did not exist back when this thread was started and for most of its existence.
Second and Third generation Apple Tvs referred to in this thread have a Micro USB port.
A USB-C cable will not work in a micro USB port.
User profile for user: vazandrew
vazandrew
User level: Level8 40,378 points
Mar 28, 2014 8:05 PM in response to PRKSlayer
Did you follow the steps exactly? Removing all cables, then connecting via micro usb (if on a 3rd gen, you need to connect power). Make sure to connect directly to computer, not a keyboard port or USB hub. Try a different cable.
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User profile for user: tedbenic
tedbenic
User level: Level1 10 points
Mar 28, 2014 9:05 PM in response to PRKSlayer
The Apple TV's Mini USB port is solely used for service & diagnostics. That being said, you must be trying to restore your device from iTunes, which is the only USB function I'm aware of. I don't know why you'd connect a Kindle? Perhaps this is what's confusing me. Could you be more specific? Sorry, I hope I can understand & be of assistance. How is the device behaving? what's the issue?
Here is a guide to restoring your Apple TV. If that's your goal, I'm sure you found it already: http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4367
If that does not work, then I'd assume it's a hardware issue. The USB cable, or the USB port on either device may be faulty. at which point, I'd say vazandrew gives good advice.
Wish you luck! 😀
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User profile for user: vazandrew
vazandrew
User level: Level8 40,378 points
Mar 28, 2014 9:09 PM in response to tedbenic
Yes, the OP is trying to restore the unit. He was referring to the fact that the micro usb cable works when in use with the Kindle (separately from iTunes).
However, certain cables are only meant for charging purposes or specific devices, and thus trying a different cable is advised.
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User profile for user: tedbenic
tedbenic
User level: Level1 10 points
Mar 29, 2014 12:09 AM in response to vazandrew
okay, I see, heheh 🙂
User profile for user: BoLaurent
BoLaurent
User level: Level1 0 points
May 23, 2015 9:08 PM in response to tedbenic
I was trying this with a micro-usb cable that charges an external battery, and it did not work. I switched to a Kindle cable, but that also did not work. I rooted around and found some other micro-usb cable, which did work.
Moral of the story is that not all micro-usb cables are completely functional.
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User profile for user: vazandrew
vazandrew
User level: Level8 40,378 points
May 23, 2015 9:29 PM in response to BoLaurent
As above, cables meant for charging wont work (this requires data transfer) and those bundled with other devices may only be designed to work with that device
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User profile for user: iUser619
iUser619
User level: Level1 0 points
User profile for user: vazandrew
vazandrew
User level: Level8 40,378 points
May 27, 2015 9:05 AM in response to iUser619
There is no such cable. Take it to an Apple Store and if it's deemed to be hardware related they are usually good about replacement
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User profile for user: beyondthenet3
beyondthenet3
User level: Level1 8 points
Jun 7, 2015 1:10 PM in response to vazandrew
What if you do not live near an Apple Store?
I tried 3 micro-usb cables and none of them worked. Can someone point to an inexpensive cable on Amazon or Ebay that will work with a Mac and Apple TV (second generation).
I have two Apple TVs and both broke at the same time (can see Apple logo only). I have tried all the instructions on Apple's support and nothing works. The only thing I can think of is that all my usb cables are designed for charging only.
=====
Update: I found a 4th micro usb cable and it connected to iTunes!!
Unless you hear from me again, then I think the problem most people are having is that they are using charging usb cables. The one that is finally working is a Belkin is this model on Amazon for $6:
Belkin 4-Feet MIXIT Micro USB Cable (Blue), Compatible with Amazon Fire Phone
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User profile for user: vazandrew
vazandrew
User level: Level8 40,378 points
Jun 7, 2015 1:14 PM in response to beyondthenet3
They are either for charging only, or were bundled with a device (in which case it's likely only designed to work with that). Glad you got it sorted out
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User profile for user: beyondthenet3
beyondthenet3
User level: Level1 8 points
Jun 7, 2015 1:39 PM in response to vazandrew
Andrew, if you work for Apple, I suggest that you go to the countless threads on this topic and post the 'need non-charging usb' answer before countless people become forever frustrated with Apple.
Similar search strings that I tried:
how to restore apple tv
apple tv logo only showing
apple tv broken after updates
apple tv blinking
apple tv died
etc ad adfinitum
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User profile for user: vazandrew
vazandrew
User level: Level8 40,378 points
Jun 7, 2015 2:32 PM in response to beyondthenet3
No one here works for Apple, this is a user support forum. There aren't that many posts as it's really a small group of users that encounter this (this issue is caused by an interruption during updating or environment, i.e. power outage).
There are a few of us that try to support regularly and do post what is required. The Apple support page also states this (which easily comes up with a search of 'apple tv restore' or similar), which was linked to earlier in the thread.
Restore your Apple TV (2nd and 3rd generation) - Apple Support
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Apple TV won't connect to computer with Micro USB
