An Apple TV gives you access to some of the best video content available.
However, sometimes Apple TV users report not being able to stream content.
Does Apple TV block streaming?
Apple TV doesn’t block streaming. As long as you can stream content on another Apple device, you should be able to stream it on your Apple TV. However, there can be various reasons you may not be able to stream on your Apple TV.
In this article, I’ll discuss the instances where you might not be able to stream content on your Apple TV.
I’ll also explain how streaming works on an Apple TV, and give you some tips on what to do if you still can’t stream content. Let’s dive right in!
How Does Streaming Work on an Apple TV?
To better understand what causes streaming issues on an Apple TV, it is essential to understand how streaming on an Apple TV works.
To stream audio and video on your Apple device, you need to use the AirPlay feature.
This allows you to stream content from your other Apple devices onto your Apple TV.
AirPlay can do the following:
- Stream audio and videos
- Play music or podcasts
- Screen mirror your Apple device onto your Apple TV
To use AirPlay to stream content from your Apple device onto your Apple TV, follow these steps:
- Connect your Apple device to the same WiFi network as your Apple TV.
- Select the video you want to stream onto your Apple TV.
- Tap on the AirPlay icon. In some apps, such as the Photos App, the AirPlay button may only be visible after you press the share button.
- Select your Apple TV on your device’s touch screen.
After this, your video should start streaming on your Apple TV screen.
To stop streaming, tap the AirPlay icon in the app you’re streaming from and select your Apple device on the list on your screen.
Why Can’t I Stream Videos or Movies on My Apple TV?
If you have followed the steps mentioned above, and your videos and movies still don’t stream on your Apple TV, it could be due to one of the following reasons:
Poor Internet Connection
A simple factor that can interrupt your Apple TV’s streaming may be a poor internet connection because AirPlay requires a strong internet connection to function correctly.
To rectify this, ensure that your devices are connected to a strong and stable WiFi network.
It may be worth checking your WiFi connection’s download speed because one that is slow may prevent you from streaming content seamlessly.
If you find that your WiFi speed is too slow to stream content, you may need to upgrade your package.
If that doesn’t work, try restarting your router.
You Haven’t Paid Your Streaming Service Subscription
Being behind on paying your subscription bills may be another easy-to-overlook reason your Apple TV isn’t working.
Streaming services, such as Netflix or Hulu, offer monthly subscription services and, if they haven’t received payment from you, they will automatically cut your access.
An easy way to rectify this is by visiting the streaming service’s website and checking your account details. You will soon see if your subscription fee is up to date.
To prevent this from happening in the future, consider setting up a monthly reminder to pay for your subscriptions.
You Are In a Restricted Region
Certain content can be restricted in some countries or regions. This means that you will not be able to stream the content on any Apple device.
Check online for restricted regions for your chosen content before streaming it on your Apple TV.
If the site is restricted, try using a different streaming service. If you still can’t access the content, use a VPN.
Streaming Is Blocked by the Service Provider
Sometimes, the streaming website blocks AirPlay access and prevents you from streaming onto your Apple TV.
This is usually due to the website’s rights, or lack thereof, to distribute the content.
To resolve this problem, consider using a different website that allows you to stream on your Apple TV with AirPlay.
Outdated Software
If your Apple device or TV has outdated software, it may create problems while streaming.
You can fix this issue by updating the software on your Apple devices.
This usually only takes a few minutes, and can resolve the issue of your content not playing.
You’re Using Different Networks on Your Devices
When your Apple device and TV are on different WiFi networks, it can sometimes cause streaming issues. For instance, your iPhone might be connected to the cellular network, while your TV has a WiFi connection.
To fix this, simply connect all your devices to the same network.
Using a VPN
If you’re using a VPN to browse the internet, it may interfere with your streaming.
This is because your VPN may be using a server that doesn’t support AirPlay.
Some VPNs may even block online streaming altogether. To deal with this issue, turn your VPN off and try streaming again.
Apple TV or Streaming Site Glitch
Sometimes the reason you can’t stream content on your Apple TV is a simple glitch in the system.
These glitches are often difficult to explain, but restarting your Apple TV usually resolves the issue, and allows you to stream content.
What if You Still Can’t Stream on Your Apple TV?
If all of the above methods don’t work and you still can’t stream on your Apple TV, you could mirror or cast your Apple device’s screen onto your TV screen.
A disadvantage of screen mirroring is that it can compromise your privacy because it projects everything on your device’s screen to the TV.
You can learn more about screen-casting using your iPhone in my article titled Cast Button Not Showing Up on iPhone.
Does Apple TV Block Streaming? Conclusion
Apple TVs don’t generally block streaming.
There are other factors that may cause you to be unable to stream.
These include poor network connectivity, being in a region with restricted access to specific content, being blocked by the service provider, outdated software, and using a VPN.
