What resetting your Apple TV does

A factory reset erases everything on your Apple TV — all apps, settings, sign-ins, and stored data — and returns it to the state it arrived in from Apple. You will need to sign in again with your Apple ID and reinstall any apps you want to keep.

Most people reset an Apple TV when it is running slowly, when an app keeps crashing, when they are selling or giving it away, or when they have forgotten their screen time passcode. A reset is different from a restart: a restart turns the device off and back on without erasing anything, while a reset wipes the device clean.

The steps differ slightly depending on which Apple TV model you own — the tvOS interface changed in 2022 — so check which generation you have before you start. You can find this in Settings > About on your device.

Key Takeaways

  • A factory reset erases all apps, settings, and sign-ins and cannot be undone, so back up anything you need first.
  • On Apple TV 4K (3rd generation, 2022 or later), go to Settings > System > Reset and choose Reset.
  • On older Apple TV models, go to Settings > System > Reset and choose Reset All Settings or Reset and Update.
  • After the reset completes, you will need to sign in with your Apple ID and reconnect to Wi-Fi before you can use the device again.
  • A reset takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on your model and internet speed.

Reset steps for Apple TV 4K (3rd generation and newer)

If your Apple TV is from 2022 or later, follow these steps. First, pick up your Siri Remote or standard Apple Remote and navigate to the home screen by pressing the TV/Home button.

Open Settings, then scroll down and select System. Choose Reset, then select Reset to confirm. The device will power off, erase all content, and restart. Do not unplug it or press any buttons during this process — it can take 15 to 30 minutes.

When the setup screen appears, you are done. The reset is complete. You can now sign in with your Apple ID and set up the device as if it were new.

Reset steps for older Apple TV models (4K 1st and 2nd generation, HD)

If your Apple TV is older than 2022, the menu layout is slightly different. Navigate to Settings on the home screen, then select System.

Look for an option called Reset All Settings or Reset and Update. Select it, then confirm when prompted. The device will restart and erase all data. This process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. Again, do not interrupt it by unplugging or restarting the device.

Once you see the setup screen, the reset is finished and you can sign back in.

What to do before you reset

A factory reset cannot be reversed. Before you proceed, sign out of any services you want to keep linked to your account — Apple Music, Netflix, Hulu, or others — if you plan to use them on a different device. You do not need to do this if you are only resetting the same Apple TV and plan to sign back in.

If you are giving away or selling your Apple TV, sign out of your Apple ID before you reset. Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > [Your Name] > Sign Out. Then perform the factory reset. This ensures the new owner cannot access your accounts or data.

Write down any custom settings you want to remember — display resolution, audio format, screen saver preferences — because these will be erased and you will need to set them again after the reset.

After the reset is complete

When your Apple TV finishes resetting and shows the setup screen, you will be asked to connect to Wi-Fi. Select your network and enter the password. The device will then ask you to sign in with your Apple ID.

Use the same Apple ID you used before the reset. This will restore your purchased apps and content from the App Store. You will still need to sign in individually to streaming apps like Netflix or Disney+, but your Apple TV subscriptions and purchases will be there.

Once you are signed in, the App Store will begin downloading your previously purchased apps automatically. This can take several minutes depending on how many apps you had and your internet speed. You can start using the device while this happens.

Troubleshooting a stuck reset

If your Apple TV appears frozen during the reset — the screen has not changed in more than 30 minutes — try a force restart. Unplug the power cable from the back of the device, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. The reset should resume.

If the device still does not respond after a force restart, unplug it again, wait a full minute, and plug it back in. If it remains stuck on the same screen for another 30 minutes, the reset may have failed. In this case, contact Apple Support with your device model and serial number (found in Settings > About).

A failed reset is rare, but if it happens, Apple Support can walk you through additional troubleshooting or arrange a replacement if the device is still under warranty.

Restarting instead of resetting

If you only want to fix a slow or glitchy Apple TV without erasing everything, try a restart first. Press and hold the Menu and TV/Home buttons on your Siri Remote for about 6 seconds until the light on the front of the device flashes. Release the buttons and wait for the device to restart — this takes about 30 seconds.

A restart solves most temporary problems: apps that crash, Wi-Fi that drops, or a sluggish interface. You only need a factory reset if a restart does not fix the issue or if you are preparing the device to sell or give away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my purchased apps and movies after a reset?

No. Your purchases are tied to your Apple ID, not the device. When you sign back in after the reset, your purchased apps will be available to read again from the App Store, and any movies or TV shows you bought will appear in the TV app. You will not be charged again.

Can I reset my Apple TV without a remote?

You can use the Apple TV Remote app on an iPhone or iPad if you have it installed and paired. Open the app, navigate to Settings > System > Reset, and follow the same steps. If you do not have the remote app, you will need a physical remote or to contact Apple Support for other options.

How long does a factory reset take?

Most resets take 10 to 30 minutes depending on your Apple TV model and internet connection. Newer models are usually faster. Do not unplug the device during this time, as it can corrupt the reset process.

Do I need to reset my Apple TV if I am just changing my Apple ID?

No. Go to Settings > Users and Accounts, select your current account, and choose Sign Out. Then sign in with your new Apple ID. A full factory reset is not necessary for this change.

What if I forgot my screen time passcode?

A factory reset will erase the passcode, but it will also erase everything else on the device. If you remember your Apple ID password, you can sign back in after the reset and set a new passcode. If you do not remember your Apple ID password, visit iforgot.apple.com to reset it before you perform the factory reset.