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RobbyM25
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Apple TV stuck on Ethernet

Apple TV model A1625, stuck on ethernet. The Apple TV has no Ethernet connected and is trying to connect to Ethernet instead of WiFi. There is no option to switch it back to WiFi. I tried plugging in a working Ethernet cable and it did not provide internet. I tried factory resetting the device twice (once via settings and once via computer) but still no luck. I have seen others ask this question but the answers are always just check your internet, which is clearly not the case. Is there a solution to this or is it an unfixable hardware issue?

Posted on Sep 15, 2026 6:50 PM

4 replies

PreCognition
User level: Level 6 (12,236 points)

Sep 15, 2026 7:49 PM in response to RobbyM25

Given what you’ve already tried, I don’t think this is an Internet/router problem.


Apple says that when the Ethernet cable is unplugged, the Wi-Fi option should return after a few minutes. If your Apple TV can't connect to Wi-Fi - Apple Support


I’d power the Apple TV off, disconnect everything except HDMI and power, and check the Ethernet jack for debris or damaged contacts. Then leave it powered on for several minutes and check Settings > Network again.


If it still reports Ethernet with nothing plugged in, and Ethernet itself also doesn’t work after two restores, that points pretty strongly to a hardware problem with the network interface rather than a setting. At that point I wouldn’t keep factory-resetting it.

Rudegar
User level: Level 10 (187,102 points)

Sep 15, 2026 11:54 PM in response to RobbyM25

could easy be a defect ethernet port in the unit, which falsely think there is something connected which makes it disable wifi

ckuan
User level: Level 10 (122,944 points)

Sep 16, 2026 3:39 PM in response to RobbyM25

Your TV is 11 years old and it won't update to the latest tvOS 27.

Make an appointment with the Apple Genius Bar and if it's too expensive,

maybe it's time for a new one.

RobbyM25 Author
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Sep 16, 2026 3:30 PM in response to PreCognition

If it is a hardware issue, what are my options? Try to take it apart and resolder a new Ethernet jack or bring it in for repair? Or is there not much to do at this point?

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256357727