The basic power-off button

Press and hold the power button on your Apple TV remote for about three seconds. The power button is at the top of the remote, usually marked with a circle or a power symbol. Your Apple TV will shut down completely — the screen will go black and the device will stop responding to commands.

This is the fastest way to turn off your Apple TV. You do not need to navigate menus or confirm anything. The remote will work from anywhere in the room as long as there is a clear line of sight to the Apple TV box.

Key Takeaways

  • Hold the power button at the top of your remote for three seconds to shut down your Apple TV completely.
  • If your remote does not have a dedicated power button, swipe up from the bottom of the touchpad and select the power icon.
  • Putting your Apple TV to sleep (single press of the power button) keeps it ready to wake when ready, while a full shutdown uses less electricity.
  • If your remote stops working, you can also turn off Apple TV through the Settings menu using a different remote or the Apple TV app on your phone.

Sleep mode versus full shutdown

A single press of the power button puts your Apple TV into sleep mode, not a full shutdown. In sleep mode, the device uses minimal power but stays ready to wake up when ready when you press any button on the remote. The screen turns off, but the Apple TV is still connected to power and the internet.

A full shutdown (holding the button for three seconds) completely stops the device. It uses almost no power, but it takes longer to start up again — usually 10 to 20 seconds. Use sleep mode for everyday use. Use full shutdown if you are leaving the house for several days or if you want to save electricity.

If your remote has no power button

Older Apple TV remotes and some third-party remotes do not have a dedicated power button. Instead, swipe up from the bottom of the touchpad to bring up the Control Center. A row of icons will appear at the top of your screen.

Look for the power icon (usually a circle with a line at the top) and select it. This will show you options to sleep or shut down. Choose the one you want. If you cannot find a power icon, your remote may not support this feature — in that case, use the Settings menu instead.

Using the Settings menu as a backup

If your remote is not working or you cannot find the power button, you can turn off Apple TV through the on-screen menu. Press the menu button on your remote to go back to the home screen, then navigate to Settings using the arrow buttons.

Go to System, then Restart or Shutdown depending on your Apple TV model. Use the select button (usually the center of the touchpad) to confirm. This method is slower than using the power button, but it works with any remote that can navigate menus.

Turning off Apple TV from your phone

You can also control your Apple TV using the Apple TV app on your iPhone or iPad, or the Control Center on your phone. Open Control Center, look for the Apple TV icon, and tap it. Select your Apple TV from the list of devices.

Tap the power icon to sleep or shut down the device. This works even if your physical remote is lost or broken, as long as your phone is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Apple TV. It is also useful if you are in another room and do not want to search for the remote.

What to do if the power button is stuck

If your remote's power button feels stuck or does not respond, try pressing it firmly several times. Sometimes dust or debris can prevent the button from making contact. If that does not work, try cleaning around the button with a dry cloth or a soft brush.

If the button still does not work, use the Settings menu or your phone to turn off the Apple TV instead. You can order a replacement remote from Apple or use a universal remote that supports Apple TV. In the meantime, unplugging the device from power will also shut it down, though this is not ideal for regular use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will holding the power button damage my remote?

No. Holding the power button for three seconds is the intended way to shut down your Apple TV. It will not damage the remote or the device. You can do this as often as you need to.

Does sleep mode use much electricity?

Sleep mode uses very little power — usually less than 1 watt. If you want to save the most electricity, a full shutdown uses even less, but the difference is small unless your Apple TV is asleep for many hours every day.

Can I turn off Apple TV with a different remote?

Yes, as long as the remote is compatible with Apple TV. Most Apple remotes work with all Apple TV models. Universal remotes that support Apple TV will also have a power button. Check your remote's manual to confirm it works with your Apple TV model.

What happens if I unplug my Apple TV instead of using the power button?

Unplugging the device will shut it down, but it can cause problems. The Apple TV may not shut down properly, and you could lose unsaved data or interrupt a read. Use the power button or Settings menu instead. Unplugging should only be a last resort if the remote is completely broken.