Apple TV Plus Error Code 13: How to Fix It

Easy 5-15 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
13
Brand
Apple TV Plus
Product Type
streaming
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
5-15 minutes
Apple TV+ Error Code 13 appears when you try to download content for offline viewing while connected to a cellular network, but your device settings have cellular downloads turned off. This is a software-level restriction — either set by you, a Screen Time parental control, or a carrier data-saving setting — and not a sign that anything is broken. The good news is that this error is almost always fixed in just a few taps inside your iPhone or iPad settings.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 13

  1. Confirm You Are on a Cellular Connection

  2. Enable Cellular Downloads for the Apple TV App

    Enabling cellular downloads will use your mobile data plan. If you have a limited data plan, large video files can consume several gigabytes per download. Check your carrier plan before proceeding.

  3. Check Mobile Data Access for the Apple TV App

  4. Disable Low Data Mode

  5. Check Screen Time Restrictions

    If Screen Time is managed by a parent or organization, you will need the Screen Time passcode to make changes. Do not attempt to bypass parental controls without authorization.

  6. Update the Apple TV App and iOS

  7. Sign Out and Back Into Apple TV+

  8. Restart Your Device

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When to Call a Professional

Contact Apple Support (support.apple.com) if Error Code 13 continues after completing all steps above, especially if cellular data settings appear correct but the error still shows, if your device is managed by a Mobile Device Management (MDM) profile through an employer or school that may be blocking cellular downloads at the profile level, or if you suspect a billing or account-level restriction on your Apple ID. Apple Support can review your account status and device configuration remotely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Apple TV+ Error Code 13 mean?
Error Code 13 on Apple TV+ means that downloads over a cellular (mobile data) connection are currently disabled on your device. It is a settings restriction, not an app crash or server error. You can fix it by enabling cellular downloads in your iPhone or iPad settings.
Why can I stream on Apple TV+ over cellular but not download?
Streaming and downloading are controlled by separate settings in iOS. Your device may allow cellular streaming but have cellular downloads turned off to save data. Go to Settings > Apple TV (or TV) > Cellular and make sure the Downloads toggle is enabled to allow both.
Will enabling cellular downloads use a lot of data?
Yes. Apple TV+ video files are large — a single episode can range from 1 GB to over 4 GB depending on quality settings. If you have a limited data plan, it is best to download content over Wi-Fi whenever possible and only enable cellular downloads when necessary.
Can Screen Time block Apple TV+ cellular downloads?
Yes. If Screen Time's Content & Privacy Restrictions are set to prevent changes to Cellular Data settings, apps like Apple TV+ cannot use cellular for downloads even if you try to enable it manually. You or your family organizer will need to allow Cellular Data Changes in the Screen Time settings.
Does Error Code 13 affect Apple TV+ on all devices or just iPhone and iPad?
Error Code 13 related to cellular downloads is specific to iOS and iPadOS devices (iPhone and iPad) because those are the devices that connect via cellular networks. Apple TV hardware boxes, Macs, and smart TVs do not connect to cellular, so this error code would not appear on those platforms.

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