Problem getting Apple TV, needs iTune account but...

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Level 1

4 points

Problem getting Apple TV, needs iTune account but...

Hi. I have signed up online for Apple TV, so I have a password etc, but when I try to use the ID (email) and password to sign in to Apple TV on the television, it tells me I have to get an iTunes account first. So I downloaded the iTunes app to my PC, opened it, and clicked on Account. Here I used my Apple TV id and password, as requested - so far, so good. Then it wanted the payment details. I always use Paypal, so it sent me to the Paypal log-in page, but for the password. Apple had automatically entered my Apple account email address, invisibly. And that will not work because I keep one separate email address for Paypal only.

Why is it so very complicated to get Apple TV? Is there an easier way?

Apple TV (3rd generation)

Posted on Nov 6, 2024 4:28 AM

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Answer 1

Nov 6, 2024 6:04 AM in response to Upfed

it tells me I have to get an iTunes account first.

Your Apple Account needs to be activated for iTunes Store services.

This account needs all the information as asked for, including your name, DoB, country (state), a verified email address (when creating the account, respond to test message!), and a valid payment method (as issued in the matching country). The linked payment method should be pre-authorized for any future charges, when that applies, like for subscription fees.

It is highly recommended to add a trusted phone number for two-factor authentication to send verification codes to.

Then it wanted the payment details. I always use Paypal, so it sent me to the Paypal log-in page, but for the password, Apple had automatically entered my Apple account email address, invisibly. And that will not work because I keep one separate email address for Paypal only.

Why is it so very complicated to get Apple TV? Is there an easier way?

Try being signed in to the PayPal site, before the Apple TV app wants to go there. That should then skip the sign-in page, I think.

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Answer 2

Upfed Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 6, 2024 5:33 AM in response to Rudegar

The sign-in on the TV itself makes it absolutely clear that I have to use iTunes to create an Apple account. I don't use iCloud, I don't have any Apple laptop, no iPhone, never use iTunes, and it looks as if there is no way to add my payment info directly in the Apple TV sign up process. I think that is bizarre. But I think I would have problems anyway because I want to use Paypal for Apple TV monthly payments, and I use a separate email address for it.

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Answer 3

Nov 6, 2024 6:16 AM in response to Upfed

It seems like Apple is asking for payment details because your Apple ID is linked to iTunes, even if you're not trying to buy anything. To fix this, go to your Apple ID settings and check that your PayPal account is linked with the correct email address. If you're only using the Apple TV free trial, you should be able to skip the payment details by selecting "None." If the issue persists, try signing out of your Apple ID on both your TV and iTunes, then sign back in.

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