Apple TV may not play content purchased from the iTunes Store
Symptoms
Content you purchased from the iTunes Store may not play on your Apple TV, however, the content plays in iTunes. The purchased titles may be visible on the Apple TV but appear to be skipped over without being played.
Note: All non-purchased content (such as content imported from audio CD) plays correctly on the Apple TV.
Products Affected
iTunes Store, AppleTV
Resolution
If your Apple TV is exhibiting the above symptoms, one of the solutions listed below may resolve your issue.
Update your software
Make sure that you have the latest version of iTunes installed on your computer. You can download it here.
It is also important to ensure that your operating system software is up to date. If you have a Mac, you can update your software automatically using Software Update. Windows users should check Microsoft's website for the latest Windows updates.
To check for updates for your Apple TV, select Settings > Update Software.
Deauthorize and reauthorize your account in iTunes
In some cases iTunes may "forget" that your music is authorized. You can refresh the authorization by deauthorizing and then reauthorizing your computer. To deauthorize a computer:
- In iTunes, choose Deauthorize Computer from the Store menu (your computer needs to be connected to the Internet).
- In the resulting dialog, enter your Apple ID and password.
- Click OK.
You can now reauthorize your computer by simply trying to play one of the songs you've purchased. A dialog box will appear asking you to enter your Apple ID and password. Once you have done so, click Authorize to finish the process. If you recently used the deauthorize all option in the iTunes Store, see this document for steps to take.
Note that an active Internet connection is required to playback purchased iTunes Store content on Apple TV.
Restore the Apple TV
Restore the Apple TV as documented here.
Recreate the iTunes Library
Issues with your iTunes Library could contribute to this issue. Try recreating your iTunes Library by following the steps in this article.
Issues with specific content
Does the issue persist with some of your purchased content, whereas other purchased content plays without issue? If so, there may be an issue with the content itself, and you can restore it from your most recently made backup.
If you have other issues with iTunes Store content, please contact iTunes Store Customer Service.
This document will be updated as more information becomes available.
Additional Information
Important: Mention of third-party websites and products is for informational purposes only and constitutes neither an endorsement nor a recommendation. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance or use of information or products found at third-party websites. Apple provides this only as a convenience to our users. Apple has not tested the information found on these sites and makes no representations regarding its accuracy or reliability. There are risks inherent in the use of any information or products found on the Internet, and Apple assumes no responsibility in this regard. Please understand that a third-party site is independent from Apple and that Apple has no control over the content on that website. Please contact the vendor for additional information.