Press the power button on your remote or device
The fastest way to turn on your Apple TV is to press the power button on your Apple TV remote. The button is located at the top of the remote and looks like a circle with a line through the top. Press it once and hold for about one second — you do not need to hold it longer.
If you are using an older Apple TV model, the power button may be on the device itself rather than the remote. Look for a small circular button on the back or side of the Apple TV box. Press it the same way: once, briefly.
Your Apple TV will take 10 to 30 seconds to boot up. During this time, you may see a black screen or the Apple logo. This is normal. Wait until the home screen appears before trying to use the device.
Key Takeaways
- Press the power button on your Apple TV remote (the circle with a line at the top) for about one second to turn the device on.
- Older Apple TV models have the power button on the device itself, usually on the back or side of the box.
- The device takes 10 to 30 seconds to start up after you press the power button.
- If nothing happens after pressing the power button, check that the Apple TV is plugged into power and that your remote has batteries.
- Some Apple TV remotes can also control your television, so pressing the power button may turn on both devices at once.
Check that your Apple TV is plugged in
Before pressing the power button, make sure your Apple TV is connected to a power outlet. Look at the back of the device and confirm that the power cable is firmly plugged in. The cable should be connected to both the Apple TV and the wall outlet or a power strip.
If the device is plugged in but still will not turn on, try unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. This resets the device and often fixes power issues. Wait 30 seconds after plugging it back in before pressing the power button.
Make sure your remote has working batteries
If you press the power button and nothing happens, the remote batteries may be dead. Most Apple TV remotes use two AA or AAA batteries depending on the model. Open the battery compartment on the back of the remote and check whether the batteries are installed and making contact with the metal springs inside.
Replace the batteries with fresh ones if they look old or corroded. Make sure the positive and negative ends are facing the right direction — the diagram inside the battery compartment shows which way they should go. Close the compartment and try the power button again.
Restart your Apple TV if it is stuck
Sometimes your Apple TV may be on but frozen or unresponsive. In this case, you can force it to restart. Hold down the power button on your remote for about 10 seconds until the screen goes black. Release the button and wait 30 seconds, then press the power button once to turn it back on.
If your remote is not working at all, you can also restart the device by unplugging the power cable from the back, waiting 10 seconds, and plugging it back in. This forces a complete shutdown and restart. The device will take 30 to 60 seconds to boot up fully.
Use your television remote as a backup
If your Apple TV remote is lost or broken, you may be able to use your television remote to turn on the Apple TV. Many newer televisions and Apple TV devices support a standard called HDMI-CEC, which lets one remote control multiple devices on the same HDMI cable.
To use this feature, your Apple TV must be plugged into an HDMI port on your television, and HDMI-CEC must be turned on in your television settings. Check your TV manual for where to find this setting — it may be called "HDMI-CEC", "Anynet+", "Bravia Sync", or another brand-specific name. Once enabled, pressing the power button on your TV remote should turn on your Apple TV as well.
Troubleshoot if your Apple TV will not respond
If your Apple TV is plugged in and your remote has fresh batteries but the device still will not turn on, try these steps in order. First, unplug the power cable and wait 30 seconds. Plug it back in and wait another 30 seconds before pressing the power button. If that does not work, try replacing the remote batteries again with a fresh set from a new package.
If the device still does not respond, check whether there is a light on the front of the Apple TV. A light means the device is receiving power. If there is no light at all, the power outlet may be dead — try plugging a lamp or phone charger into the same outlet to test it. If the outlet works but your Apple TV does not, the device itself may need service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for Apple TV to turn on?
Most Apple TV devices take 10 to 30 seconds to fully boot up after you press the power button. During this time you may see a black screen or the Apple logo. Older models may take up to 60 seconds. If nothing appears after two minutes, try unplugging the device and plugging it back in.
Can I turn on Apple TV without the remote?
Yes. You can press the power button on the device itself if your remote is lost or broken. On most models this button is on the back or side of the box. You can also use your television remote if HDMI-CEC is turned on in your TV settings, though this feature is not available on all models.
Why is my Apple TV not turning on even though it is plugged in?
Check that your remote has fresh batteries and that you are pressing the power button at the top of the remote. If the remote is not working, try pressing the power button on the device itself. If nothing happens, unplug the Apple TV for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait another 30 seconds before trying again.
Does pressing the power button turn off my TV too?
It depends on your setup. If your Apple TV remote is set up to control your television and HDMI-CEC is enabled, pressing the power button may turn both devices on or off at the same time. You can usually disable this in your Apple TV settings if you want the remote to control only the Apple TV.
What should I do if there is no light on the front of my Apple TV?
A missing light usually means the device is not receiving power. Check that the power cable is firmly plugged into both the Apple TV and the wall outlet. Test the outlet by plugging in a lamp or phone charger. If the outlet works but your Apple TV does not, the device may need service.