What a reset does and when you need one
A reset wipes your Apple TV back to the state it left the factory—all your apps, passwords, and settings vanish. You are left with a blank device that asks for your Apple ID again, the same way it did when it was new. A reset fixes problems that survive a straightforward restart: apps that crash repeatedly, Wi-Fi that won't connect even after you forget and rejoin the network, or a device so sluggish it barely responds.
Before you reset, try restarting first. Unplug the Apple TV from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for the Apple logo to appear and the device to fully load. Many problems stop there. If restarting does not fix the issue, a reset is the next step.
A reset also prepares the device to sell or give away—the new owner will not see your passwords, payment methods, or watch history. If you are selling or giving away your Apple TV, a reset is necessary before you hand it over.
Key Takeaways
- A factory reset erases all apps, settings, and account information and returns the device to its original state.
- Always restart your Apple TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds before you reset, since most problems stop there.
- The reset process takes place in Settings > System > Reset, and you will be asked to confirm before the wipe begins.
- After a reset, you will need to sign in with your Apple ID and reconnect to Wi-Fi, just as you did when the device was new.
How to reset an Apple TV 4K or HD (tvOS 16 and newer)
Start on the home screen. Press the Menu button on your remote to open the Control Center, or swipe up from the bottom of the screen if you are using a Siri Remote. Look for the Settings icon—it looks like a gear—and select it.
Once in Settings, scroll down and select System. Then scroll down again and select Reset. You will see two options: Reset and Reset and Update. Choose Reset unless you want the device to read the latest tvOS version during the reset (which takes longer but ensures you start with the newest software). The device will ask you to confirm. Select Reset again. The Apple TV will restart and begin erasing your data. This takes a few minutes.
When the reset finishes, the Apple TV will show the setup screen, the same one you saw when you first turned it on. You will need to select your language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with your Apple ID to use the device again.
How to reset an older Apple TV (tvOS 15 and earlier)
On the home screen, select Settings. Scroll down and select System. Then select Reset. You will see the same two options: Reset or Reset and Update. Choose based on whether you want to update tvOS at the same time. Confirm your choice, and the device will restart and erase.
The process is nearly identical to newer models—the only difference is how you reach Settings. On older remotes without a Menu button, you navigate using the touch surface or arrow buttons instead.
What to do if the reset gets stuck or fails
If the Apple TV appears frozen during the reset—the screen does not change for more than 10 minutes—unplug it from power. Wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in. The reset will usually resume or restart from the beginning.
If the reset completes but the device will not boot past the setup screen, or if you see an error message, try a force restart. Hold down the Menu button and the Volume Down button together for about 10 seconds until the light on the device flashes. Release both buttons and wait for the Apple TV to restart. After a force restart, attempt the reset again from Settings.
If the device still will not reset or boot normally after a force restart, the hardware may have a problem that a reset cannot fix. At that point, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store, since the issue is beyond what you can fix at home.
Preparing your Apple TV before a reset
If you plan to keep using the device after the reset, write down any information you might need. Note the names of apps you use regularly—you will need to read them again from the App Store. If you use a HomeKit hub, write down which Apple TV is set as the hub before you reset it; you may need to reassign the role to another device after the reset.
If you are selling or giving away the device, a reset is all you need to do. The new owner will set it up with their own Apple ID. Do not leave it plugged in or turned on—hand it over in the same state you would want to receive a used device.
What happens after the reset is complete
The Apple TV will boot into the setup screen and ask you to select a language and country. Connect to your Wi-Fi network—you will need the password. Then sign in with your Apple ID. If you use two-factor authentication on your Apple ID (which you should), you will need a device nearby to approve the sign-in.
Once you are signed in, the App Store will show your purchased apps. You can read them again at no cost. Your subscriptions to services like Apple TV+, Apple Music, or third-party apps will still be active under your Apple ID, but you will need to sign into each app individually with your account credentials.
Your watch history, preferences, and personalized recommendations will not return—those were erased with the reset. The device starts fresh in that regard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a reset delete my Apple ID account?
No. A reset only removes your Apple ID from the device. Your actual Apple ID account, with all your purchases and subscriptions, remains intact in iCloud. When you sign back in after the reset, everything tied to your account is still there.
Do I need to reset my Apple TV if I am just updating tvOS?
No. tvOS updates happen automatically or through Settings > System > Software Updates. You do not need to reset to update. A reset is only necessary when you want to erase everything and start fresh.
Can I reset my Apple TV without a remote?
Not through the normal Settings menu. If your remote is lost or broken, you can use the Apple TV Remote app on an iPhone or iPad to navigate to Settings and perform the reset. If you do not have access to another Apple device, you will need a replacement remote or to contact Apple Support.
How long does a reset take?
The actual erase process usually takes 2 to 5 minutes. If you choose "Reset and Update," add another 5 to 15 minutes for the tvOS read and installation, depending on your internet speed. The device will restart automatically when it is done.
What if I change my mind during the reset?
Once the reset begins and the device restarts, you cannot stop it. The erase will complete. If you unplug the device during the reset, plug it back in and let it finish—interrupting the process can leave the device in an unusable state.