The quickest way to restart your Apple TV

A restart clears your Apple TV's memory and stops apps that may be running in the background. Most of the time, this fixes freezing, slow performance, or apps that won't open. You have two options: a soft restart (which takes about 30 seconds) or a hard restart (which takes longer but works when the soft restart doesn't).

For a soft restart, go to Settings on your Apple TV home screen, select System, then Restart. Your Apple TV will shut down and turn back on automatically. This is the gentler option and works for most problems.

If your Apple TV is completely frozen and won't respond to the remote, use a hard restart: unplug the power cable from the back of the device, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in. The Apple TV will restart on its own. This forces a full shutdown and is safe to do.

Key Takeaways

  • A soft restart through Settings > System > Restart fixes most freezing and performance issues without losing your apps or settings.
  • A hard restart (unplugging the power cable for 30 seconds) works when your Apple TV is completely frozen and won't respond to commands.
  • After either restart, wait for the Apple TV to fully boot up before opening apps, which usually takes one to two minutes.
  • Restarting does not erase your sign-in information, app data, or any content you have downloaded.

When to use a soft restart

Use the soft restart when your Apple TV is responding to the remote but running slowly, apps are crashing, or you notice stuttering during video playback. This is the safest restart method because it goes through the normal shutdown process.

To perform a soft restart: press the Menu button on your remote to go to the home screen, navigate to Settings, select System, then select Restart. A confirmation message will appear. Select Restart again to confirm. Your screen will go black, and the Apple TV will restart within about 30 seconds.

When to use a hard restart

Use a hard restart if your Apple TV is completely frozen, the remote is not responding, or the screen is stuck on a single image. This method forces the device to shut down when ready without going through the normal shutdown process.

To perform a hard restart: locate the power cable at the back of your Apple TV, unplug it completely, and wait 30 seconds. While you wait, the device's memory clears. Plug the power cable back in. The Apple TV will power on automatically and begin the startup sequence. Do not unplug it again during startup.

What happens during a restart

When your Apple TV restarts, it closes all running apps, clears temporary files from memory, and reloads the operating system. This process typically takes one to two minutes from the moment you initiate the restart until the home screen appears and is fully responsive.

Your Apple TV settings, app sign-ins, and downloaded content remain unchanged after a restart. You will not lose your Apple ID, your app library, or any saved preferences. The restart only clears what is currently running in the device's active memory.

Troubleshooting if the restart does not fix the problem

If your Apple TV still freezes or runs slowly after a restart, try closing individual apps that may be causing the issue. From the home screen, swipe up on the app you want to close and press the Select button, or swipe up and press the Menu button depending on your remote model.

If the problem persists across multiple apps, check for a software update. Go to Settings > System > Software Updates and select Update if one is available. Outdated software can cause performance issues. If your Apple TV still does not improve after an update and a hard restart, contact Apple Support, as the device may have a hardware problem.

Restarting without losing your place in an app

If you are in the middle of watching a show or movie when you restart, the app will resume from where you left off when you reopen it. Most streaming apps save your position automatically. However, if you are in a game or using an app that does not auto-save, you may lose unsaved progress.

To avoid losing progress, close the app normally before restarting whenever possible. Swipe up on the app from the home screen and press Select to close it properly, then perform your restart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will restarting my Apple TV delete my apps?

No. A restart clears only the temporary memory the apps are using right now. All your downloaded apps, their settings, and your sign-in information stay on the device. When you open an app after the restart, it will load normally.

How long does a restart take?

A soft restart takes about 30 seconds from the moment you select Restart until the home screen appears. A hard restart takes slightly longer, usually one to two minutes. Wait for the Apple TV logo to disappear and the home screen to fully load before opening apps.

Can I restart my Apple TV with the remote if it is frozen?

If the remote is not responding, you cannot use the soft restart method. Perform a hard restart by unplugging the power cable instead. This will force the device to shut down and restart without needing the remote.

Is it safe to unplug my Apple TV?

Yes, unplugging your Apple TV for a hard restart is safe. The device has no moving parts or active processes that can be damaged by a sudden power loss. However, only unplug it when the soft restart is not working or the device is completely frozen.

What should I do if my Apple TV keeps freezing even after a restart?

Try restarting again, then check for a software update in Settings > System > Software Updates. If freezing continues, restart your internet router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If the problem persists, one app may be causing the issue — try uninstalling and reinstalling it, or contact Apple Support.