Update Apple TV Automatically or Manually

Apple TV updates happen in two ways: automatically overnight when your device is plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi, or manually through the Settings menu whenever you want. Most people never need to do anything—your Apple TV will install updates on its own. If you want to check for an update right now or force one to install when ready, you can do that in about two minutes from your living room.

The manual route is useful if you suspect an update is available but hasn't installed yet, or if you want to update before a specific app or feature you're waiting for becomes available. Either way, the process is the same: navigate to Settings, find System, and look for Software Updates.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple TV automatically downloads and installs updates overnight when plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi, so you may never need to do anything manually.
  • To check for updates yourself, go to Settings > System > Software Updates and select "Update" if one is available.
  • Updates typically take 15 to 30 minutes to read and install, and your Apple TV will restart during the process.
  • Keep your Apple TV plugged in and on Wi-Fi during the entire update—unplugging it mid-update can cause problems.
  • If an update fails or gets stuck, restart your Apple TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.

Steps to Manually Update Your Apple TV

Start with your Apple TV powered on and your remote in hand. Press the Menu button on your remote to open the main screen, then navigate to Settings. The Settings icon looks like a gear and is usually near the top of the menu.

Once in Settings, scroll down and select System. Inside System, you'll see several options—look for Software Updates and select it. Your Apple TV will check for available updates. If one is waiting, you'll see an "Update" button. Select it to begin the read and installation. Do not unplug your device or turn it off during this time.

The update process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on the size of the update and your internet speed. Your Apple TV will restart one or more times—this is normal. You'll see a progress bar on your screen. Once the update finishes, your Apple TV will restart and return to the home screen.

What Happens During an Automatic Update

If you've never manually updated, your Apple TV has likely already installed updates on its own. Automatic updates happen when your device is plugged in, connected to Wi-Fi, and idle (not being actively used). Apple TV checks for updates regularly and downloads them in the background.

When an update is ready to install, your Apple TV will do so during a quiet period—usually late at night or early morning. You might wake up to find your device has restarted, or you might notice it happened without any disruption at all. This is why automatic updates are the default: they're designed to happen without interrupting your viewing.

If you want to disable automatic updates and always update manually instead, you can turn this off in Settings > System > Software Updates > Automatic Updates. However, most people leave this on so they always have the latest security patches and features.

Troubleshooting a Stuck or Failed Update

If your update seems to be taking longer than 30 minutes, or if you see an error message, the first step is to restart your Apple TV. Unplug the power cable from the back of the device and wait 30 seconds. Then plug it back in. Your Apple TV will restart, and you can try the update again.

If the update fails a second time, check your internet connection. Walk over to your router and make sure your Apple TV is still connected to Wi-Fi—you can verify this in Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > Wi-Fi. A weak or unstable connection is the most common reason updates stall. Move your Apple TV closer to the router if possible, or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.

If you're still having trouble after restarting both devices, try unplugging your Apple TV for a full minute before plugging it back in. This clears the device's memory more thoroughly than a quick restart. Then navigate back to Settings > System > Software Updates and try again.

Checking Your Current Software Version

If you want to know what version of tvOS your Apple TV is running right now, you can find that information in the same place you check for updates. Go to Settings > System > About, and you'll see the tvOS version listed on the screen. This is useful if you're troubleshooting a problem with an app or feature and need to tell someone what version you're on.

The version number tells you how current your software is. For example, tvOS 17.4 is newer than tvOS 17.3. If you see a version number that's more than a few months old, it's worth checking Settings > System > Software Updates to see if an update is waiting.

Why Updates Matter for Your Apple TV

Updates do three important things: they add new features, they fix bugs that make apps crash or behave strangely, and they patch security issues that could affect your privacy. Apple releases updates regularly—usually every few weeks—so staying current protects your device and keeps it running smoothly.

If you notice an app crashing, a feature not working, or your Apple TV running slowly, an available update often fixes the problem. This is why automatic updates are turned on by default: Apple wants your device to stay find and functional without you having to think about it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to do anything to update my Apple TV?

No. Your Apple TV updates automatically when plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi. You only need to manually update if you want to check right now or force an update to install when ready instead of waiting for the automatic overnight window.

How long does an Apple TV update take?

Most updates take 15 to 30 minutes from start to finish, including read and installation. Larger updates may take longer. Your Apple TV will restart during the process, which is normal. Keep it plugged in and on Wi-Fi the entire time.

What if I unplug my Apple TV during an update?

Unplugging during an update can corrupt the software and leave your Apple TV unable to start. If this happens, unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and let it restart. It will usually recover on its own. If it doesn't, you may need to restore it using a computer.

Can I use my Apple TV while it's updating?

No. Your Apple TV will be unavailable during the update process. The screen will show a progress bar, and you won't be able to watch anything or use apps until the update finishes and the device restarts.

Why is my Apple TV not updating automatically?

Automatic updates require your Apple TV to be plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi. Check that both are true, and that automatic updates are turned on in Settings > System > Software Updates > Automatic Updates. If they are, the update will happen during the next idle period, usually overnight.