What a reset does and when you need one

A factory reset erases everything on your Apple TV — your sign-in information, apps, settings, and any files stored on the device — and returns it to the state it was in when it left the factory. You would reset your Apple TV if you are selling or giving it away, if it is behaving erratically and a restart has not fixed it, or if you have forgotten your Apple ID password and cannot sign in.

A reset is different from a restart. A restart (turning the device off and back on) keeps your settings and apps intact. A reset wipes the device completely. Once you start a factory reset, you cannot stop it partway through, so make sure this is what you actually want to do.

Key Takeaways

  • A factory reset erases all data and returns your Apple TV to its original state, and you cannot undo it once started.
  • You can reset through Settings on the device itself, or remotely through Find My if you have set it up beforehand.
  • The reset process takes several minutes and your Apple TV will restart automatically when it is complete.
  • After a reset, you will need to sign in with an Apple ID and set up the device again from scratch.
  • If you cannot access the Settings menu, you can perform a hard reset by holding buttons on the remote, though this method is less reliable.

Reset through Settings on your Apple TV

This is the most straightforward method if your Apple TV is responding normally. Pick up your Siri Remote or Apple TV Remote and navigate to Settings from the home screen. Scroll down and select System.

Inside System, scroll down to Reset and select it. You will see two options: Reset (which erases everything) and Reset and Update (which erases everything and installs the latest tvOS version). Choose whichever applies to your situation. The device will ask you to confirm — select Reset again. Your Apple TV will begin the process, which typically takes 5 to 15 minutes. Do not unplug it during this time. When it finishes, the device will restart and show the setup screen.

Reset remotely using Find My

If you set up Find My on your Apple TV before you needed to reset it, you can erase the device remotely from another Apple device — useful if your Apple TV is unresponsive or you no longer have physical access to it.

On an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, open the Find My app. Select the Devices tab and find your Apple TV in the list. Tap or click on it, then scroll down and select Erase This Device. Confirm your choice. Your Apple TV will be reset even if it is powered off, and it will restart once the process completes. You will need your Apple ID password to complete this action.

Hard reset using your remote (when Settings is inaccessible)

If your Apple TV will not respond to remote commands or you cannot navigate to Settings, you can attempt a hard reset by holding buttons on the remote itself. This method is less reliable than using Settings, but it may work if the device is frozen or unresponsive.

For a Siri Remote (the thin, rectangular remote with a clickpad): Hold down the Menu and TV/Control Center buttons together for about 10 seconds until the status light on the Apple TV flashes. Release the buttons and wait for the device to restart.

For an Apple TV Remote (the older, larger remote with physical buttons): Hold down the Menu and Down buttons together for about 10 seconds until the status light flashes. The device will restart. Note that a hard reset may not fully erase the device the way a factory reset through Settings does — it is more of a forced restart. If the device still has problems after a hard reset, try the Settings method once the device is responsive again.

What happens after the reset is complete

Once your Apple TV finishes resetting, it will display the setup screen, just as it did when brand new. You will be prompted to select your language, country, and network. You will then need to sign in with an Apple ID to proceed. If you are setting up the device for someone else, they can sign in with their own Apple ID at this point.

After sign-in, the device will read and install any available tvOS updates, which may take several minutes. Once that is done, you can read apps from the App Store and restore any purchased content associated with your Apple ID. If you are giving the device away, stop after the setup screen and let the new owner complete the process with their own Apple ID.

Troubleshooting a reset that is stuck or not working

If your Apple TV appears frozen during the reset process, do not unplug it when ready. Wait at least 30 minutes, as the reset can take longer than expected on some devices. If it is still frozen after 30 minutes, you can unplug the power cable, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. The device will restart, and you can try the reset again through Settings.

If the hard reset button method does not work, the device may have a deeper software issue. In that case, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store. They can perform a reset using diagnostic tools or replace the device if it is still under warranty.

Preparing before you reset

Before you start a reset, consider what you want to preserve. Any apps you purchased through your Apple ID will be available to read again after the reset — you do not lose them. However, any data stored locally on the Apple TV (such as photos or videos you transferred to it) will be erased permanently.

If you are selling or giving away the device, make sure you have signed out of your Apple ID before resetting, or use the remote reset through Find My so that the new owner cannot access your account. After a reset initiated through Settings, your Apple ID is automatically signed out. After a hard reset, you may need to manually sign out before handing the device over.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I undo a factory reset?

No. Once a factory reset completes, all data is permanently erased. There is no undo function. Make sure you want to reset before you confirm the action.

Will I lose my apps and subscriptions?

Apps purchased through your Apple ID will still be yours and available to read again. Subscriptions tied to your Apple ID (like Apple TV+) will still be active. However, any local files or settings will be gone.

How long does a factory reset take?

A typical reset takes 5 to 15 minutes, depending on your Apple TV model and internet speed. Do not unplug the device during this time. If it takes longer than 30 minutes, the process may be stuck.

Do I need Wi-Fi to reset my Apple TV?

You do not need Wi-Fi to start the reset, but you will need it afterward to sign in with your Apple ID and read updates. If you are using Find My to reset remotely, your Apple TV does not need to be connected to Wi-Fi at the time of the reset.

What if I forgot my Apple ID password before resetting?

You can still perform the reset itself without your password. However, after the reset completes, you will need your Apple ID password to sign back in. If you have forgotten it, visit iforgot.apple.com to reset your password before you begin the device reset.