How to Factory Reset Your Apple TV

What a factory reset does and when you need one

A factory reset erases everything on your Apple TV — all your apps, settings, accounts, and personal data — and returns it to the state it was in when it left the factory. You are left with a blank device that asks you to sign in again, the same way a new Apple TV would.

You might reset your Apple TV if an app keeps crashing and won't work after you've tried restarting, if you're selling or giving away the device, if you've forgotten your Apple ID password and can't sign out cleanly, or if the device has slowed down so much that basic navigation feels stuck. A reset is also the last step to try before contacting Apple support, because it rules out software problems caused by corrupted settings or conflicting apps.

Be aware that a reset takes 15 to 30 minutes and requires your device to stay powered on the whole time. If you reset because you forgot your Apple ID password, you'll need to know that password or have access to the email address tied to your account before you can set up the device again — Apple won't let you past the setup screen without it.

Key Takeaways

A factory reset erases all apps, settings, and accounts and returns your Apple TV to its original state, which usually fixes software problems that restart alone won't solve.
You can reset through Settings on the device itself, or use your iPhone or iPad if your Apple TV is unresponsive.
The reset process takes 15 to 30 minutes and your device must stay powered on throughout.
After a reset, you'll need your Apple ID and password to set up the device again, so have that information ready before you start.
If you're selling or giving away the device, resetting it removes your personal data, but you should also remove it from your Apple ID account through iCloud.com to fully disconnect it.

Reset through the Settings menu on your Apple TV

This is the standard method and works when your Apple TV is responding normally. On your Apple TV remote, press the Home button to go to the main screen. Navigate to Settings (the gear icon) and open it.

Scroll down and select System. Then select Reset. You'll see two options: Reset (which erases everything) and Reset and Update (which erases everything and installs the latest tvOS version). Choose Reset unless you know your device is running an outdated version. The device will warn you that this action cannot be undone and ask you to confirm. Select Reset again. Your Apple TV will restart, erase all data, and walk you through setup from the beginning. This takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Reset using your iPhone or iPad if the TV is frozen

If your Apple TV won't respond to the remote or is stuck on a screen, you can reset it from another device. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Control Center (swipe down from the top right on newer models, or swipe up from the bottom on older ones). Look for the Apple TV Remote tile and tap it. Select your Apple TV from the list.

Once connected, tap the menu button (three horizontal lines) at the bottom of the remote screen. Scroll down and tap Settings. Navigate to System, then Reset, and confirm. The process is the same as resetting from the device itself — it will take 15 to 30 minutes and your Apple TV will restart when finished.

If your iPhone or iPad can't find your Apple TV, make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. If they still won't connect, you may need to restart your Apple TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting for it to boot up before trying again.

What happens after the reset is complete

When your Apple TV finishes resetting, it will show the setup screen, just like a brand-new device. You'll be asked to select your language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with your Apple ID. Have your Apple ID email address and password ready — you cannot skip this step.

After you sign in, your Apple TV will read your previously purchased apps from the App Store automatically, though this can take several minutes depending on how many apps you had. Your settings and personal data will not return — those are gone. Any apps you sideloaded (installed outside the App Store) will need to be reinstalled manually.

If you reset because an app was crashing, test that app now to see if the problem is fixed. If the same app crashes again when ready after a fresh reset, the problem is likely with the app itself, not your device, and you should contact the app's developer or try uninstalling and reinstalling it.

Removing your Apple TV from your account before selling or giving it away

A factory reset erases your data from the device, but it doesn't automatically disconnect the device from your Apple ID account. If you're selling or giving away your Apple TV, you should remove it from your account so the new owner can set it up with their own Apple ID.

Go to iCloud.com on a computer or phone and sign in with your Apple ID. Click Account Settings (or your name at the top). Select Devices and find your Apple TV in the list. Click it and select Remove from Account. This step is separate from the factory reset — do it before you hand over the device.

After you remove it from your account and the new owner sets it up, they'll sign in with their own Apple ID and the device will be linked to their account instead. This also prevents them from seeing your iCloud photos, contacts, or other data that might sync to a connected Apple TV.

When to try a restart instead of a full reset

Before you reset, try restarting your Apple TV first — it's faster and solves most temporary problems. To restart, go to Settings > System > Restart. Your device will shut down and turn back on, which usually takes 2 to 3 minutes. This clears temporary memory and stops stuck apps without erasing anything.

A restart is worth trying if a single app is crashing, if the device is slow, or if you're seeing playback problems. If restarting doesn't fix the problem after you've tried it twice, then a factory reset is the next logical step.

Troubleshooting if the reset gets stuck

Occasionally a reset will appear to hang — the screen stays on the reset progress message for more than 45 minutes, or the device seems to have powered off but won't turn back on. If this happens, unplug your Apple TV from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. The device will restart and may complete the reset process, or it may return to the setup screen if the reset already finished.

If your Apple TV still won't respond after you've unplugged it and waited, try holding down the Menu and Down buttons on the remote simultaneously for about 6 seconds. This forces a restart on most Apple TV models. If the device still won't respond after that, contact Apple Support — a hardware failure is possible, though rare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset fix apps that keep crashing?

Often yes — a reset clears corrupted settings and removes conflicting apps that might be causing the crash. If the same app crashes again when ready after a fresh reset, the problem is with the app itself, not your device. Try uninstalling and reinstalling it, or contact the app's developer.

Do I need Wi-Fi to reset my Apple TV?

You need Wi-Fi to complete the setup after the reset, but not during the reset itself. However, your Apple TV should be connected to Wi-Fi before you start, so it can read updates and your apps automatically after the reset finishes.

Can I reset my Apple TV if I don't remember my Apple ID password?

You can start the reset, but you won't be able to finish setup without your Apple ID password or access to the email address tied to your account. Before you reset, go to iforgot.apple.com and reset your password, or have access to that email address so you can verify your identity during setup.

What's the difference between Reset and Reset and Update?

Reset erases everything and keeps your current tvOS version. Reset and Update erases everything and installs the latest tvOS version available. Use Reset and Update only if you know your device is running an old version — it takes longer but ensures you have the newest software.

Does factory reset remove my Apple TV from Family Sharing?

The reset removes the device from your account, but you should also remove it from Family Sharing through iCloud.com before you give it away. Go to Account Settings > Family, find the device, and remove it so the new owner isn't linked to your family group.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.