The two ways to reset Apple TV
You can reset an Apple TV in two ways: a soft reset, which restarts the device without erasing anything, and a factory reset, which wipes all settings and content back to the original state. A soft reset fixes most freezing, streaming, or connection problems and takes about two minutes. A factory reset is necessary only if you are selling the device, giving it away, or troubleshooting a problem that a soft reset did not solve.
Which one you need depends on what is wrong. If your Apple TV is slow, apps are crashing, or it will not connect to Wi-Fi, start with a soft reset. If you want to erase everything and start fresh, or if you are removing your account before handing the device to someone else, do a factory reset.
Key Takeaways
- A soft reset restarts your Apple TV without erasing anything and fixes most temporary problems like freezing or buffering.
- A factory reset erases all settings, apps, and account information and returns the device to its original state.
- To soft reset, hold the Menu and TV/Control buttons on the remote for about six seconds until the light flashes.
- To factory reset, go to Settings > System > Reset and choose either Reset or Reset and Update depending on your model.
- After a factory reset, you will need to sign in with your Apple ID and set up the device again from the beginning.
How to soft reset your Apple TV
A soft reset is the fastest fix for most problems. You do not need to go into any menus — it takes only your remote.
Hold down the Menu button and the TV/Control button at the same time on your Apple TV remote. Keep holding both buttons until the status light on the front of the device flashes amber or white. This usually takes about six seconds. Release the buttons and wait 10 to 15 seconds while the device restarts.
Your Apple TV will turn off and back on. When it finishes restarting, the home screen will appear. This is a soft reset — nothing is erased, and you stay signed in to your account. Try using the device again to see if the problem is gone.
How to factory reset your Apple TV
A factory reset erases everything on the device and returns it to the state it was in when you first unboxed it. Use this when you are selling or giving away your Apple TV, or when a soft reset did not fix the problem.
Go to Settings on your home screen. Select System. Look for either Reset or Reset and Update depending on your model. Select it, then confirm that you want to reset. The device will erase all content, settings, and account information and restart. This takes several minutes.
When the reset is complete, your Apple TV will show the setup screen as if it were brand new. If you plan to use it yourself, sign in with your Apple ID. If you are giving it to someone else, leave it at the setup screen so they can set it up with their own account.
What gets erased in a factory reset
A factory reset removes your Apple ID account, all downloaded apps, all saved passwords and preferences, HomeKit settings, and any content you have stored on the device. It does not affect anything on your other Apple devices or your iCloud account — those stay intact.
Before you factory reset, make sure you have signed out of any services you do not want the next user to access. If you are keeping the device, write down any Wi-Fi passwords or app login information you will need to re-enter after the reset.
When to soft reset versus factory reset
Use a soft reset first. It fixes the majority of problems — streaming apps freezing, Wi-Fi dropping, remote not responding, or the home screen moving slowly. A soft reset takes two minutes and you lose nothing.
Use a factory reset only if a soft reset did not work, or if you are preparing the device to be used by someone else. If you are troubleshooting a persistent problem, try a soft reset, wait a day, and see if the issue comes back before you erase everything.
Troubleshooting after a reset
If a soft reset did not fix the problem, try these steps before doing a factory reset. Unplug the Apple TV from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Check that your Wi-Fi network is working by testing it on another device. Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds as well.
If the problem persists after those steps, a factory reset may help. However, if the device still does not work after a factory reset, the problem is likely hardware-related and a reset will not fix it. At that point, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store.
Setting up your Apple TV after a factory reset
After a factory reset, your Apple TV will walk you through setup. You will need your Apple ID and password to sign in. You will also need your Wi-Fi network name and password. Have these ready before you start.
The setup process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You will be asked to sign in to your Apple ID, connect to Wi-Fi, and choose whether to restore from a backup or set up as new. If you have a backup from before the reset, you can restore it to get your apps and settings back. If you are setting up for a new user, choose set up as new.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a soft reset delete my apps or sign me out?
No. A soft reset only restarts the device. All your apps, settings, and account information stay exactly as they were. You will still be signed in to your Apple ID and all your streaming services.
How long does a factory reset take?
A factory reset usually takes 5 to 10 minutes from start to finish. The device will restart during the process, so do not unplug it. After it finishes, you will see the setup screen.
Can I undo a factory reset?
No, a factory reset cannot be undone. Everything is permanently erased. If you have a backup from before the reset, you can restore it during setup to get your apps and settings back, but the reset itself cannot be reversed.
Do I need to unplug my Apple TV to reset it?
No. A soft reset uses only your remote and does not require unplugging. A factory reset is done through the Settings menu and also does not require unplugging, though you should not unplug the device while the reset is in progress.
What if my remote is not working?
If your remote is broken or lost, you can use the Apple TV Remote app on an iPhone or iPad to navigate to Settings and perform a factory reset. For a soft reset without a remote, you will need to repair or replace the remote first.