Apple TV App Isn’t Available Right Now? How to Fix

Some Apple TV 4K users are running into an annoying and confusing error when trying to open the Apple TV app:

“Apple TV app isn’t available right now. Check your internet connection and try again.”, see the screenshot below:

The error message suggests a network problem, but in most cases, the internet connection is perfectly fine. Other streaming apps like Netflix, Peacock, and Hulu continue to work without any issues. Users report that even after restarting the device or router, the problem persists—only the Apple TV app refuses to load.

Note: We’ve previously covered what to do if apps like Netflix or Amazon Prime aren’t working on Apple TV. You can check out these guides for step-by-step solutions:

• Amazon Prime Not Working on Apple TV, How to Fix
• Netflix Not Working on Apple TV, How to Fix
• YouTube App Video and Audio Delays on Apple TV
• What to Do if HBO Max isn’t Working on your Apple TV
• Roku Apple TV App Not Working? How to Fix

Symptoms of the Issue

Here’s what you might notice if you’re affected:

• Only the Apple TV app doesn’t work — All other streaming apps function normally, as I stated above.
• The error shows up repeatedly — even after restarting the Apple TV.
• Internet is working perfectly — Wi-Fi is stable, other devices stream without issue.
• AirPlay from another device works — You can still stream Apple TV+ from your iPhone or iPad to your Apple TV.
• You may lose viewing history — temporarily within the Apple TV app.
• Switching to a different Apple ID (like a family member’s account) may make the app work again.

If this sounds like your situation, here’s the fix that solved it for most people.

The Fix: Remove and Re-Add the Default User

The workaround that has helped many users—including me—is removing your Apple ID user account from the Apple TV and adding it back.

Here’s how to do it:

1. On your Apple TV, open Settings.
2. Go to Users and Accounts.
3. Select your Default User.
4. Choose Remove User from Apple TV, then confirm.
5. After it’s removed, re-add the same Apple ID and set it as the default user again.

Once I did this, the Apple TV app opened as if nothing had happened. My viewing history returned, and everything worked normally again.

This appears to be more of a user authentication glitch than anything else. The app fails to validate your Apple ID session properly, but instead of showing an actual login error, it throws a vague “check your internet connection” message. In reality, your internet is likely just fine.

Other Fixes That Worked for Some

If removing and re-adding your profile doesn’t work right away, a few users also had success with these steps, you may try them as well:

• Sign out of your Apple ID in Settings > Users and Accounts, then sign back in.
• Restart your Apple TV after logging out.
• Reset your Apple TV completely (as a last resort) by going to Apple TV, go to Settings > System > Reset.