Fix Apple TV Error 3905 Playback Could Not Be Started (2025)

Updated: 11/29/2025

You sit down to watch a movie, press play on your Apple TV, and instead of the opening scene you get a message like Error 3905 or Playback could not be started. The home screen works and other apps might load, which makes the failure extra confusing. This kind of error usually points to a problem with your network, temporary cache, or HDMI handshake, not a permanent fault in the box itself.

Table of Contents

Method 1: Restart Apple TV And Clear Temporary Streaming Glitches

Turn your television and any AV receiver completely off, either with their power buttons or by unplugging them for 20 seconds, then turn them back on. Fresh HDMI and audio handshakes can eliminate handshake errors that sometimes surface as playback could not be started messages.

Method 2: Fix Network Connectivity And DNS For Apple TV

In Settings under Network, select your connection, choose Configure DNS, and set it to Manual. Enter a well known DNS such as 8.8.8.8 for primary and 8.8.4.4 or another trusted resolver for secondary, then try starting playback again.

Warning: If your internet provider or workplace requires specific DNS for access controls, write down the original DNS values before making changes so you can revert if needed.

Method 3: Fix HDMI, Resolution, And Content Protection Issues

Still in Video and Audio, experiment with disabling or enabling Match Dynamic Range and Match Frame Rate. Some older TVs and AV receivers struggle with rapid mode changes, so a simpler fixed output mode can improve reliability.