Are you excited about that Prime Video exclusive movie that’s dropping?
Maybe you’ve been bingeing one of their originals?
If you said yes on either, then you need to make sure Prime Video is working on your Apple TV.
So, keep these fixes close if ever your Apple TV decides to be cranky.
Just…
Continue reading to learn about:
- How to reset your Prime Video on Apple TV.
- Common problems with Prime Video on Apple TV.
- 9 quick fixes for Prime Video not working on Apple TV.
- And a lot more…
Why is Prime Video not working on Apple TV?
Prime Video isn’t working on your Apple TV because of compatibility issues. Moreover, you should also look into your internet connection, app and firmware versions, and device issues. It’s also caused by the Prime Video servers or your account.
Prime Video not working on Apple TV: 9 fixes
#1: Check if your Apple TV is Prime Video ready
The streaming platform is available on a wide selection of TVs, streaming devices, and gaming consoles.
However, it has limited availability for Apple TV. It’s only compatible with:
- Apple TV 4K.
- Apple TV (3rd and 4th Generation).
There are two ways to check for your Apple TV model in case you’ve forgotten.
Checking Apple TV model through the menu
- Head to the Home screen.
- Select Settings.
- Select General.
- Select About to view the model.
Checking the Apple TV model on the unit
- Disconnect Apple TV.
- Check under the unit for the model number.
Here’s a tutorial on how to do it:
Sadly, the only fix for this is to upgrade your unit.
#2: Check your internet connection
Prime video requires at least 1mbps to stream content in HD.
However, if you want to stream in HD and higher qualities, aim for 5mbps and above.
To check your internet speed, I suggest using either Fast or Ookla.
Tip: For better accuracy, do a speed test using the Apple TV browser.
If the speed you’re getting isn’t up-to-par with your data plan, then proceed with these troubleshooting tips.
Connect Apple TV with an ethernet cable
- Connect one end of the ethernet cable to your Apple TV and the other to your router.
- Wait for a few seconds until Apple TV automatically switches to a wired connection.
Note: The Apple TV 3rd Generation and Apple HD has 100mbps ethernet connections.
The Apple TV 4K 2nd Generation has a 1 Gbps ethernet connection.
Reset your router
- Turn off your router.
- Unplug it from the socket.
- Press and hold the power button for 15-30 seconds.
- Turn it back on.
Do you want to stick to a wireless connection?
You answered that with a yes…
But what if your Apple TV model doesn’t have an ethernet port?
I got you…
Here are tips to improve wireless connectivity:
- Keep the router closer to the Apple TV.
- Turn off Bluetooth from nearby devices.
- Disconnect other devices connected to the network.
- Remove physical obstructions between Apple TV and router.
#3: Update your Prime Video
Amazon releases updates for Prime Video to sort out bugs and adds new features and shows.
Is your Prime Video on your Apple TV updated?
Apps will automatically update on your Apple TV.
However, if you don’t have an internet connection or enough memory on your device, the update gets postponed. Here’s how to do it manually:
- Open the App Store.
- Tap on the search bar at the top right.
- Search for Prime Video.
- Select the app.
- Tap on Update if there’s one pending.
#4: Update your Apple TV
Don’t forget to update your device as well.
Like apps, this should update automatically.
However, if it doesn’t, here’s how you can do it manually:
How to update Apple 4K TV/ Apple 4K TV HD
- Head to Settings.
- Select System.
- Select Software Updates.
- Select Update Software.
- Select Download and Install if an update is available.
Reminder: You can sign up for beta updates on the Software Updates menu.
Select Get Beta Updates to do so. This helps you gain access to features earlier than other users.
How to update Apple TV 3rd Generation or older
- Head to Settings.
- Select General.
- Select Software Updates.
- Select Update Software.
- Select Download and Install.
- Wait for Apple TV to restart.
#5: Restart Prime Video
Other than updating, you should consider restarting your app as well.
This helps sort out any bugs or glitches that prevent it from playing on your Apple TV.
Here’s how you can restart your app:
- Press the TV button twice on the remote.
- Look for the Prime Video app in the following menu.
- Highlight Prime Video app and swipe up on the touch surface on the remote.
- Force stop the app.
- Re-launch it.
Now, force stopping halts any processes done by Apple TV.
However, bear in mind that this may not solve your Prime Video’s problems. If it persists, I suggest you reinstall the app,
- From the Home menu, highlight Prime Video.
- Press and hold the clickpad center or touch surface.
- Press the Play/Pause button.
- Select Delete.
- Launch the App Store.
- Search for Prime Video and redownload the app and its updates.
Reminder: Deleting the app will log you out. As such, don’t forget to write down your username and password first.
#6: Restart Apple TV
The problem can also be your Apple TV itself.
I suggest restarting the system in case none of the steps above work. Here’s how:
- Head to Home menu.
- Select Settings.
- Select System.
- Select Restart.
- Wait for the device to restart.
#7: Check if the servers are down
Prime Video has millions of subscribers.
If there’s a hit new show that people flock to, the servers can overload.
This will prevent you from going in.
As such, you should consider checking if the servers are down using this Down Detector.
Sadly, there’s not a lot you can do with this other than wait for the servers to be fixed.
#8: Update your account
Your Amazon Prime membership will renew automatically.
However, if there aren’t enough funds on your payment method, the renewal gets canceled.
Aside from this, problems with your bank card or payment method can cause the cancellation too.
Head to your account through the Amazon Prime portal. Then, update your details if necessary. Here’s the service’s updated pricing:
- Prime Video standalone subscription – $8.99/month.
- Amazon Prime membership – $14.99/month or $139.00/year.
As for payment methods, you can use the following:
- Visa.
- Discover.
- Mastercard.
- American Express.
- Amazon Pay Balance.
#9: Contact Support
“I’ve done everything, and Prime Video still isn’t working!”
This can be very frustrating, I understand.
If none of the tips above work, I encourage you to contact Amazon or Apple support immediately.