Apple TV Keeps Signing You Out? 8 Ways to Stay Logged In

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This article addresses several causes for frequent sign-outs on Apple TV, including default password settings that require frequent re-authentication, potential glitches in the Apple TV app, and issues with two-factor authentication on older devices

If you’re facing issues with your Apple TV app or device, it’s important to understand the specific problem you’re encountering. Here are the three common scenarios and how to tackle them:

• Apple TV App Logs You Out When Turned Off and On: If you notice that the Apple TV app logs you out every time you switch it off the night before and then turn it on the next day, the first solution we’ve detailed in the article is your best bet.
• Apple TV Device Repeatedly Signs You Out: In this case, your Apple TV device, which uses the same Apple ID as the Apple TV app, keeps asking you to sign in. It’s a different issue from the app alone. Here, the second solution I’ve provided will likely resolve your problem.
• Random Sign-Outs of the Apple TV App During Viewing: If your Apple TV app is logging you out randomly, even while you’re in the middle of watching something, I recommend trying the other solutions mentioned in this article.

1. Set Password Requirements to “Never Require”

Many Apple TV users have noticed that their device’s feature for password requirements is defaulted to “Always Require.”

This setting is likely the cause of the frequent login issues you’re experiencing.

Below is a simple guide for adjusting these settings on non-Apple devices, I’ll demonstrate using the Apple TV app on my Roku Express 4K+.

Step 1: Open the Apple TV app on your device, navigate to its drop-down menu, and select Settings.

Step 2: Proceed to Accounts.

Step 3: Select Password Settings.

Step 4: Choose Require Password, and then set it to Never Require.

Now, with these adjustments made, you can expect to remain logged in consistently each time you reopen the app.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that Apple TV device users typically don’t face this issue.

This is because the Apple ID on your Apple device automatically recognizes and logs you into your Apple TV app, streamlining the process.

However, you can still encounter the second scenario mentioned above with your Apple TV box.

2. Enter the Two-Factor Authentication Properly

If you’re using an older Apple device, like an Apple TV from the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd generation, you might face some challenges with the Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) feature.

This feature first appeared with iOS 9 in 2015. Therefore, older Apple TVs, released before 2015, need a special method to stay signed in.

When you sign in to your Apple account on your old Apple TV, you will have to type your password followed by the 6-digit verification code right next to the password.

To clarify the process with an example, imagine your password is “PointerClicker_TrustedTech” and the verification code you receive is “123456.”

When you’re entering the password on your Apple TV, you should combine them. So, you would type in “PointerClicker_TrustedTech123456” as your password.

However, this 6-digit code only gets sent to a trusted device (such as your smartphone) after you’ve filled in the password.

In that case, you can get the code manually right on your iPhone (iOS 9 or later), iPad (iOS 13 or later), or MacBook (OS X El Capitan or later).

On an iPhone or iPad:

Step 1: Go to the Settings app, and click your name.

Step 2: Head to Sign-In & Security.

Step 3: Select Two-Factor Authentication, and click Get Verification Code.

On a MacBook:

Step 1: Navigate to Apple Menu, and select System Preferences.

Step 2: Tap on the Apple ID.

Step 3: Select Two-Factor Authentication, and click Get a Verification Code.

While turning off the two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Apple ID might seem like a quick fix for some problems, it’s not the best idea.

Here’s why: 2FA is like a strong lock that keeps your Apple account and all the important information in it safe.

If you’ve been using Apple products, you know how crucial it is to keep your Apple account secure. Losing access to it can be a big headache!

Instead of disabling this safety feature on your main Apple ID, consider creating a separate Apple ID account. 

This new account can be used just for fun stuff, like games or entertainment apps, where you might not feel the need to have 2FA turned on.

This way, you keep your main account secure while still enjoying everything Apple has to offer.

3. Stream the First Episode for Free

When you’re having trouble with your Apple TV app signing you out, there’s a quick trick that might help, though it’s not a guaranteed fix for everyone.

Some folks on Reddit have shared their experiences: one user mentioned this solution worked for them but only for a few months.

Meanwhile, another user hasn’t had the sign-out issue since trying this method.

Here’s the step-by-step process to give it a shot:

Step 1: Open the Apple TV app, and find TV shows or series that offer the first episode for free.

Step 2: Choose a show and click on Play Free Episode.

Step 3: A sign-in screen will pop up. Here, sign in with your Apple account.

Now, you should be able to enjoy your shows or movies without the hassle of being signed out unexpectedly for at least several months.

4. Restart the Apple TV App & Your Device

A user had to sign in to the Apple TV app every time they turned on their TV.

However, upon being logged out, they decided to restart the app, which led to the reemergence of the ‘Stay Connected’ question and solved their problem in a flash. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Click the Back button on your remote and confirm to exit the app.

Step 2: Then, turn it on and log in to your Apple account to check if the ‘Stay Connected’ question appears.

Step 3: Additionally, you might want to try restarting your device by unplugging it from power for at least 30 seconds and then replugging it in to see if the issue persists.

5. Reset or Reinstall the Apple TV App

Much like other streaming apps, the Apple TV app is designed to retain your account information and automatically log you in each time you launch it.

However, there might be instances where the app encounters glitches and fails to perform as expected.

In such cases, a reset or reinstallation might be the simple but necessary solution.

Follow these easy steps to reset it.

Step 1: Launch the Apple TV app on your device, click on the drop-down menu, and navigate to Settings.

Step 2: Choose Reset Apple TV App from the menu.

Step 3: Confirm your choice by selecting Reset Apple TV App once more.

Step 4: Log in to your account on the Apple TV app again.

Now, if a reset doesn’t do the trick, reinstalling the Apple TV app might be your next best move. Here’s a quick guide for different devices.

6. Sign Out & Sign In Again

Occasionally, glitches in the Apple TV app may originate from the Apple account itself.

An Apple user resolved such issues simply by signing out and then signing back in. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Navigate to the top-left menu, and select Settings.

Step 2: Head to Accounts, and select Sign Out.

Step 3: Confirm your action by choosing Sign Out again.

Step 4: Then return to the drop-down menu, and select Sign In.

Step 5: Log in to your Apple account, and check if the issue has been resolved.

7. Factory Reset & Update Your Device

If none of the previously mentioned methods have worked for you, consider factory resetting the device as your last resort.

This user was able to resolve their Apple TV app’s sign-out issue by factory resetting and updating their TV.

To factory reset your device, follow the specific instructions for your model. Generally, this involves navigating through settings to find the factory reset option and confirming your choice.

It’s worth noting that often, after a factory reset, your device may automatically update to the latest software version.

If it doesn’t, you should manually check for updates in the device’s settings and install any available new software.

This process also varies slightly depending on the device model.

8. Contact the Apple Support Center

If you live in the U.S., you can call Apple customer support at 1-800-275-2273.  If you live outside the U.S., head to the official Apple support website to find the appropriate phone number for your region. 

Keep your Apple TV device’s serial number handy when you get in touch to help with device identification.

Check your Apple TV device for the serial number. Another method is to find the device’s software settings.

You can also chat with the customer support team at getsupport.apple.com. In addition to your serial number, you’ll also need your Apple ID to sign in to the chat.

Alternatively, you can bring your device to a local Apple store. Head to apple.com/retail to locate an Apple store or an Apple-authorized outlet near you. You can search for a store by entering your city/town name or zip code.

Choose the store and schedule an appointment online, selecting the available date and time options.

You can also ping Apple on X (formerly Twitter) at AppleSupport. Apple is available for support on X from 5 am to 8 pm Pacific Time. Apple customer support is also available through the Apple Support app.

The app offers DIY guides and articles, in addition to directing you to the nearest repair and return locations and other ways to get in touch with Apple support.

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