(11 Fixes) Apple TV Not Working On Sony Bravia [2023 Guide]

“Oh, Apple.

As if iOS updates couldn’t get any more annoying.

And now this?”

But to tell you the truth…

The solution’s right under your nose.

And the best part?

It doesn’t take 5 minutes to do.

Continue reading to discover:

11 proven fixes to solve your Apple TV problem.
How to check if your Sony Bravia TV model’s compatible with Apple TV.
Why Sony’s privacy policy is the 1 thing that’s stopping Apple TV from working.
And so much more…

Why is Apple TV not working on Sony Bravia?

Apple TV doesn’t work on your Sony Bravia TV because of a compatibility issue. Another highly likely reason’s due to Sony’s privacy policy settings. Other times, there may be service interruptions or a disabled sync setting. A bad WiFi signal, outdated software, and app bugs can also create issues.

Apple TV not working on Sony Bravia: 11 fixes

#1: Make sure your Sony Bravia model’s compatible

You just bought a brand new Sony Bravia.

And with this problem surfacing, you might be wondering…

Is Apple TV worth it? Well, let me tell you.

It’s well worth the subscription you’re paying for.

But there’s just 1 teeny little detail you might be missing out.

And it’s whether your Sony Bravia TV’s compatible with your Apple TV.

True enough – several models are compatible.

However, there are a few that don’t fit the bill, like the X70G and X90K Sony Bravia models.

Here’s a list of all the Sony supported models that are compatible with Apple TV:

Z9J series (2021).
Z9F series (2018).
Z9G series (2019).
A9F Series (2018).
A9S Series (2020).
Z8H series (2020).
A9G Series (2019).
X85J series (2021).
X90J series (2021).
X91J series (2021).
X80J series (2021).
X95J series (2021).
X95G series (2019).
X85G Series (2019).
X80H series (2020).
X85H series (2020).
X90H series (2020).
X95H series (2020).

Now, if you have an older TV model, there’s a workaround solution for this.

One fix is to get a streaming device like Roku or Firestick.

Alternatively, you can get an Apple TV box to resolve your issue.

Dig deeper: Can You Use Apple TV On Older TV? 7 Easy Steps

#2: Check Apple’s Status page

It’s not uncommon for apps to run into service interruptions or service outages.

Fortunately, Apple has a page that lists all the statuses of their apps.

If an issue was resolved, Apple also mentions it on the same page.

In times like these, your Sony Bravia TV isn’t the problem.

Rather, it’s an issue that’s happening on Apple’s end.

Now, if the servers are down, all you need to do is wait.

Apple should resolve it in no time.

#3: Run Apple TV on other devices

Put it this way.

What if…

Your TV’s the problem?

How would you know?

There’s 1 way to find out.

Test Apple TV on your other devices.

In fact, if you have a spare TV, this method should work too.

Whether it’s Samsung, LG, TCL, or Vizio, any is fine.

In addition, you can also run Apple TV on your smartphone or tablet.

Ultimately, if the app runs on all your devices, there may be something wrong with your TV.

But before you start testing Apple TV…

You might want to check out Apple’s full list of supported devices.

Done with the test?

Okay, here’s how to take the next step.

If Apple TV runs on all your devices, head to fix #4.

However, if the app doesn’t run on any device, head to fix #5.

#4: Reset Apple TV

What you’re dealing with here is an app glitch or bug.

And when that happens, your best fix is to reset Apple TV.

Now, don’t worry.

It’s not complicated.

In fact, all you have to do is restart your Sony Bravia TV.

It’s a surefire way to refresh your TV’s system while resetting the app.

Here’s how it’s done:

Unplug your TV.
Wait for 1 minute.
Plug your TV back into its power source.
Launch Apple TV.

#5: Check your WiFi connection

See – here’s the thing.

When Apple TV fails to work on all your devices, it’s mostly due to a poor WiFi connection.

After all, isn’t it weird that none of your devices couldn’t launch Apple TV properly?

Normally, running an internet speed test is an option.

You could do that or dive right into the fix:

Unplug your router and modem.
Wait for 5 minutes.
Plug your router and modem into its power source.

#6: Enable Sony Bravia Sync settings

Your Sony Bravia Sync settings allow your TV to recognize the app.

If you’re using an Apple TV box or streaming device like Chromecast or Roku, then…

Enabling your sync settings is required so that Sony recognizes the device in your HDMI port.

Here’s how to do it.

For older Sony Bravia models:

Press the Home button on your remote.
Tap “Settings.”
Select “System Settings.”
Choose “Set-up.”
Scroll down and tap “Bravia Sync Settings.”
Click on “Bravia Sync device list.”
Toggle Enable to turn it on.

For Sony Bravia TVs with Android OS:

Press the settings button (gear icon) on your remote.
Select “Watching TV.”
Tap “External inputs.”
Choose “Bravia Sync settings.”
Make sure “Bravia Sync control” is turned on.
Select “Bravia Sync device list.”
Tap “Enable” in the upper-right corner of your screen.

#7: Update Apple TV

Your apps don’t always play nice.

But believe me, it’s not entirely their fault.

The issue lies with outdated app software.

As a result, Apple TV doesn’t function properly.

It might still load, but the app may crash suddenly.

And the truth is, this isn’t an issue you’ll see only on Apple TV.

Other apps like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney Plus all have these problems.

However, I have great news for you.

You can quickly solve this issue in a matter of minutes:

Tap the Home button on your remote.
Select “Apps.”
Click on “Google Play Store.”
Tap your user profile icon (located at the top-right part of your screen).
Select “Manage apps and games.”
Click on “Updates.”
Update the Apple TV app.

Now, if you don’t see Apple TV listed in the “Updates” menu, here’s an alternative approach:

Go to your Google Play Store.
Use the search bar and type “Apple TV.”
Select the app.
Tap the “Update” button.

#8: Reinstall Apple TV

Is it me, or is Apple TV giving us a painstakingly hard time?

So, here’s what we’re going to do: reinstall the app.

Why?

At this point, if resetting Apple TV didn’t work, there could be a problem with your account.

And the best way to resolve that is by deleting Apple TV first.

That way, you’re removing any stubborn bugs or malfunctions.

Soon after, we’ll reinstall the app.

Below, I’ve laid an easy process to follow:

Tap your Sony TV’s Home button.
Access your Apps.
Launch Google Play Store.
Type “Apple TV” in the search bar (magnifying glass icon).
Click “Uninstall” to delete the app.
Close Google Play Store and restart your Sony Bravia TV.
Wait for 1 minute.
Turn on Sony Bravia TV and launch Google Play Store.
Install Apple TV and relaunch the app.

#9: Update Sony Bravia software

After reinstalling the app, Apple still won’t budge, huh?

Let’s shift our angle then.

And what I mean by that is…

Your Sony Bravia TV’s software needs an update.

Believe it or not, an app’s compatible with a device depending on its model number.

However, software versions are equally important.

Take Hulu, as an example.

Did you know it doesn’t run on TVs with a 3.0 OS software version?

And that’s what might be happening here.

Ready for an update?

Here’s how to do it:

Tap the Home button on your remote.
Scroll left until you hit “Apps” and click it.
Scroll down and select “Help” (question mark icon).
Tap “Status & Diagnostics.”
Choose “System software update.”
Tap “Software update.”

#10: Enable your Sony Smart TV services

When nothing seems to work, I believe the real answer lies with this fix.

Specifically, your Sony Bravia’s privacy policy.

Remember the first time you set up your TV?

It must’ve asked you to read a 10,000-word policy about its services.

Honestly, I always skip this part.

Because really, who has the time to read that much info?

We just want our apps to work, am I right?

Except, that’s exactly the problem here.

Agreeing to Sony’s privacy policy settings is the wall you need to break down.

Right now, your Sony Bravia TV sees Apple trying to connect.

However, there’s a huge wall between the two, and neither can break it down.

And yes – neither Sony nor Apple can climb up that wall unless…

You read the privacy policy and agree to its terms.

So, let’s go ahead and do that:

Tap the Home button on your remote.
Scroll left until you hit “Apps” and click it.
Scroll down and select “Help” (question mark icon).
Tap “Status & Diagnostics.”
Choose “Privacy setting.”
On your screen, you should see a Privacy Policy.
Read the entire policy and scroll down to the bottom.
Tap the “Agree to all” option.
Restart your Sony Bravia TV.
Optional step: delete the Apple TV app and reinstall it.

#11: Do a factory reset

If only Apple wasn’t so picky with who it gets along with…

We wouldn’t need to do this: a hard reset.

Put simply, it’s the end game.

Like Thanos snapping his fingers and removing well…just nearly about everybody.

But the only twist?

A hard reset clears all your data, errors, and bugs so you can set it up as a brand new TV.

Now, if you have an older Sony Bravia, follow these steps:

Tap your remote’s Home button.
Access Settings.
Select “System Settings.”
Tap “Set-up.”
Choose “Customer Support.”
Select “Factory Settings.”
Confirm the reset.

For those running an Android OS in their Sony Bravia:

Tap the Home button on your remote.
On the top-right corner of your screen, select Settings (gear icon).
Tap “Storage & Reset.”

Note: If you don’t see the Storage & Reset option, select “Device Preferences.”

Select “Factory data reset” or “Reset” depending on your Android OS.
Choose the “Erase everything” option.
Confirm the reset by selecting “Yes.”