Can't log in to a 2nd generation AppleTV

Software: 5.2 (6010.96)

A newer version system software should be available for that model (v6.2.1 build 11D258 from 2014-09-17). The update file is still hosted on Apple’s servers (verified). To update the software on Apple TV (2nd or 3rd generation), go to Settings﹥General﹥Update Software﹥. If there's an update, download and install it. Don't disconnect or unplug your Apple TV until the update completes.

"Account Sign-in Failed. The iTunes Store is currently unavailable. Try again later"

Can I only be logged in to one at a time?

Normally, you can be logged in to as many Apple TV boxes as you have. Not sure if Apple changed something recently regarding legacy devices; I can’t check that. We don’t see many users with this model anymore.

It is advised to reset any second hand device first, to purge any customization and configuration settings from a previous user. Reset or restore your Apple TV to its factory settings - Apple Support. Then set up “as new”.

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If you have an Apple TV (2nd or 3rd generation) and two-factor authentication for your Apple ID, then you may be asked to type your password followed by the six-digit verification code directly into the password field. Additionally, there is a time limit, after which the code becomes invalid.

Try this: First enter the characters of your password (do not submit yet), then manually request a new verification code, then append that code to the password (no spaces or other separating characters), and then submit. That should help you get passed the time limit.

But I can’t upload any new software updates - it gives me a similar message saying you can’t upload at this time, or something like that.

If on-device options for updating do not work, then you can opt to restore externally through a computer and USB cable. Restore your Apple TV - Apple Support. Note that the 2nd generation model doesn’t need to be powered during this type of restore (unlike later models) [step 4]. The USB cable should give it enough power to write to disk.

Could it be that this is so old it can’t be logged in to?

I don’t think so, but it is possible. Not sure how Apple limits sign-in on technically ‘obsolete’ devices. They block 1st generation models since 2018, so they could extend that at some point. If you can't sign in to the iTunes Store on legacy devices - Apple Support.

Or it could be related to not-up-to-date system software.

Hey there!

Check @Urquhart1244 ‘s reply, it worked for me. I use the 2nd gen Apple TV as a second device.

👇

If you have an Apple TV (2nd or 3rd generation) and two-factor authentication for your Apple ID, then you may be asked to type your password followed by the six-digit verification code directly into the password field. Additionally, there is a time limit, after which the code becomes invalid.

Try this: First enter the characters of your password (do not submit yet), then manually request a new verification code, then append that code to the password (no spaces or other separating characters), and then submit. That should help you get passed the time limit.

adding the v-code directly after the pw worked for me!

Worked for me, thx!

I too have the same issue. My 2nd Gen Apple TV dont allow me to sign in iTunes.... How did you fix this issue?

I tried reset/restart but nothing worked. Please help.

👍 Hope it worked!