How to Reset an Apple TV in 3 Steps (With Photos)

Of all the digital streaming devices out there on the market, the Apple TV remains one of the best-selling and most innovative products in the industry. An integral part of Apple‘s product line since its first release in 2007, the Apple TV has evolved from a simple smart streaming device to become the 4K streaming hub of our dreams. With that being said, the device sometimes requires a hard reset. So how does one reset an Apple TV? Luckily, the process is quite simple. Just follow along with the guide and photos below.

Why Reset an Apple TV?

You might be wondering: Wait, why would a person want to reset an Apple TV to begin with? What does that even entail? What’s the reasoning behind it? As it turns out, there are a few perfectly good reasons to reset an Apple TV. From trying to fix technical difficulties to installing a much-needed software update to simply trying to wipe your data before giving the device to someone else, resetting an Apple TV can serve a variety of different needs and purposes. Here are three popular examples.

Fixing a Problem

From time to time, our devices run into some technical issues. Apple TVs are no exception to this. As such, there may come a time where you need to reset an Apple TV to resolve a technical issue. From freezing to crashing to unresponsiveness or what have you, resetting your Apple TV device can help clear up any software bugs or glitches causing you trouble. Not to mention, a hard reset can help boost the overall performance of your Apple TV. If your Apple TV is running slowly or taking a long time to load, resetting can fix the problem.

Updating Your Software

When you reset your Apple TV, you have the option to install any lingering software updates, as well. No matter if you own an Apple TV 4K model or an older version of the Apple TV, resetting can be a quick and easy way to install a much-needed software update. Alternatively, if you happened to lose power during an update, resetting allows the device to retry the update and resolve any issues that may have been caused by the initial botched update. Updates can also make for a great way to clear out old or glitchy software that could be the source of technical troubles.

Preparing to Sell

If it’s time to upgrade your Apple TV (and sell the old one in the process), you should probably consider resetting your Apple TV. This simple action removes all your personal information and logs you out of all your accounts, allowing the new owner to start fresh. Conversely, if you simply wish to log in with a different Apple ID or iCloud account, you can just reset your Apple TV to start fresh with your new account. This action will get rid of all data tied to the previous account and present you with a blank slate for your new one.

How to Reset an Apple TV 4K

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11/25/2023 09:20 pm GMT

Before we walk you through the process of resetting your Apple TV, it’s important to know which generation of Apple TV you have in the first place. To check check the generation of your Apple TV, you can either look at the model number printed on the bottom of the device, or you can go to the Settings app on your Apple TV, click General, then click About. If you have an Apple TV 4K, then you can follow along with the steps below. If you have an Apple TV model older than an Apple TV 4K, then you’ll need to skip this section and follow the instructions in the section below.

Step One: Go to Settings

Firstly, power on your television and your Apple TV device. You can do this by pressing and holding the “Menu” or “Home” button on your Apple TV remote. Once it’s powered on, navigate to the Settings app on your Apple TV home screen. Click this to open up your device’s settings.

Step Two: Select System Settings

Secondly, once inside the Settings app, look for the heading that reads “System.” (This is where you’ll find the necessary reset options in the next step.) Click on “System” once you’ve found the heading.

Step Three: Reset Your Apple TV

Finally, navigate down to the button that reads “Reset” using your remote. Click “Reset” to begin the process. At this point, you’ll have two options: “Reset” or “Reset and Update.” The former will set your Apple TV back to its factory settings and does not require a connection to the internet.

The latter also sets your Apple TV back to its factory settings and also install any necessary software updates before prompting you to set up again. Conversely, this option does need a connection to the internet in order to work.

Choose the option you prefer and then wait for the process to complete. Make sure not to disconnect your device from its power source, or you may risk corrupting your Apple TV 4K. It’s best to let it sit until it finishes its factory reset. At that point, you can set it up or unplug it again.

Here is a step-by-step video for further reference:

How to Reset an Older Apple TV

The process of resetting an older Apple TV isn’t all that different than the process required to reset an Apple TV 4K. Nevertheless, it’s still distinct enough to warrant a separate section of its own. For Apple TV models purchased before the release of the Apple TV 4K in 2017, you’ll need to follow these simple instructions instead.

First, power on your television and your Apple TV device. Once it’s powered on, navigate to the Settings app using your remote. Click Settings, then navigate to the “General” tab. Click this tab, then navigate to the option that reads “Reset.” Select this option, then wait for the following prompts to appear: “Reset All Settings” or “Restore.”

“Reset All Settings” will wipe all of your unique settings — including any information pertaining to your Apple account(s) and special configurations. Alternatively, “Restore” will set your Apple TV back to its factory settings. Additionally, this option will install any relevant software updates before prompting you to set up. (So long as you’re connected to the internet, that is.)

Again, be sure to keep your Apple TV connected to power throughout this reset or restore process. If you happen to lose power or disconnect partway through, you may end up with a corrupted device. In such an instance, you’ll likely need to transport your Apple TV to an Apple Store or certified Apple technician in your area. Once the reset or restore process finishes, you can disconnect or set up.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Masarik/Shutterstock.com.