The fastest way to reset your Apple TV depends on which model you own

Apple TV resets fall into two categories: a soft reset, which restarts the device without erasing anything, and a factory reset, which wipes all settings and content. A soft reset takes about two minutes and fixes most freezing, streaming, or connection problems. A factory reset erases everything — your apps, sign-ins, and preferences — and should only be your choice if you plan to sell the device, give it away, or troubleshoot a serious problem that a restart won't fix.

The steps differ between Apple TV 4K (all generations), Apple TV HD, and the older Apple TV (3rd generation). If you don't know which model you own, go to Settings > About on your device; the model name appears at the top of the screen.

Key Takeaways

  • A soft reset (restart) takes two minutes, fixes most problems, and keeps all your apps and settings intact.
  • A factory reset erases everything on the device and should only be done if you're selling it, giving it away, or troubleshooting a serious issue.
  • Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD use the Settings menu; older Apple TV (3rd generation) uses the remote menu button.
  • After a factory reset, you'll need to sign in with your Apple ID again and reinstall your apps.

How to soft reset (restart) Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD

A soft reset restarts the device without erasing anything. This fixes most problems with streaming, apps freezing, or the device not responding. Go to Settings on your home screen, then select System. Scroll down and choose Restart. The device will shut down and turn back on, which usually takes about 30 seconds.

If you can't navigate the menu because the device is frozen, hold down the Menu and TV/Control Center buttons on your Apple Remote at the same time for about six seconds. The device will restart without you needing to open Settings.

How to factory reset Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD

A factory reset erases all apps, settings, and sign-ins. Go to Settings, then System, then Reset. You'll see two options: Reset and Reset All Settings. Choose Reset if you only want to erase apps and settings but keep your network connection. Choose Reset All Settings if you want to erase everything, including your Wi-Fi password and HomeKit data.

After you select Reset, the device will ask you to confirm. Select Reset again. The process takes a few minutes. When it's done, you'll see the setup screen, just as if the device were brand new. You'll need to sign in with your Apple ID, connect to Wi-Fi, and reinstall your apps.

How to reset Apple TV (3rd generation)

Older Apple TV models use a different process. Press and hold the Menu button on your remote for about six seconds. A menu will appear with options including Restart and Reset. Select Restart to do a soft reset, or Reset to erase everything.

If you choose Reset, the device will ask you to confirm by pressing Menu again. The reset will take several minutes. When it's finished, you'll see the setup screen and will need to sign in again.

What to do after a factory reset

Once the reset is complete and you see the setup screen, you'll be guided through a few steps. You'll connect to Wi-Fi, sign in with your Apple ID, and choose whether to restore from a backup or set up as new. If you choose to restore from a backup, your apps and settings will return automatically. If you set up as new, you'll start with a blank device and reinstall apps one by one from the App Store.

If you're giving the device to someone else or selling it, choose set up as new so the next person doesn't have access to your Apple ID or personal data. If you're keeping it for yourself and want your apps back quickly, restore from a backup.

When to soft reset versus factory reset

Use a soft reset first. It fixes the vast majority of problems — apps crashing, the device not responding, streaming stuttering, or connection issues. A soft reset takes two minutes and you lose nothing.

Use a factory reset only if a soft restart doesn't work, or if you're preparing the device to sell, give away, or hand off to someone else. A factory reset is also worth trying if an app won't install or keeps crashing even after a soft restart, because it clears out corrupted files that a restart alone won't touch.

Troubleshooting if reset doesn't fix the problem

If a soft reset doesn't solve the problem, try unplugging the device from power for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. This is different from a restart and sometimes clears issues that a menu restart won't. Wait for the device to fully boot up before testing again.

If the device still isn't working after a soft reset and a power cycle, check that your Wi-Fi is working by testing it on another device. If Wi-Fi is fine but Apple TV still won't stream, try forgetting the network on Apple TV and reconnecting: go to Settings > Network, select your Wi-Fi network, and choose Forget This Network. Then reconnect by selecting the network again and entering your password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a soft reset delete my apps or sign-ins?

No. A soft reset (restart) only turns the device off and back on. All your apps, settings, and sign-ins stay exactly as they were. You lose nothing.

How long does a factory reset take?

A factory reset usually takes three to five minutes from start to finish. The device will restart partway through, so don't unplug it during the process. Once it's done, you'll see the setup screen.

Can I undo a factory reset?

If you chose to restore from a backup during setup, your apps and settings will come back. If you chose set up as new, you'll need to reinstall apps manually. You can't undo the reset itself once it's complete.

What if my Apple TV won't turn on after a reset?

Unplug the device for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. If it still won't turn on, check that the power cable is firmly connected to both the device and the outlet. If the outlet works (test it with another device), the Apple TV may need service.

Do I need to reset Apple TV if I'm just updating the software?

No. Software updates happen automatically or through Settings > System > Software Updates. You don't need to reset for an update. A reset is only for troubleshooting or preparing the device to sell or give away.