How to Reset Your Apple TV to Factory Settings

What a factory reset does and when you need one

A factory reset erases everything on your Apple TV — your sign-in details, apps, settings, and any files stored on the device — and returns it to the state it was in when it left the factory. You would do this if the device is running slowly, an app keeps crashing, you are selling or giving away the Apple TV, or you have forgotten your Apple ID password and cannot sign in.

The reset process takes about 10 to 15 minutes and requires you to have the Apple TV remote in hand. After the reset completes, you will need to sign in with your Apple ID again and read your apps fresh. Nothing is lost permanently — your purchases and subscriptions stay tied to your Apple ID account, so you can reinstall them.

There are two ways to reset: through the Settings menu on the device itself, or by holding buttons on the remote. The Settings menu method is simpler and is the one most people use.

Key Takeaways

A factory reset erases all data on your Apple TV and returns it to its original state, which you should do before selling the device or if it is malfunctioning.
The easiest method is to go to Settings > System > Reset and choose either Reset or Reset and Update, depending on whether you want the latest software installed.
If you cannot access the Settings menu, you can force a reset by holding Menu and Down on the remote for about six seconds until the light on the device blinks rapidly.
After a reset, you will need to sign in with your Apple ID again, but your purchases and subscriptions remain tied to your account.
The entire process takes 10 to 15 minutes, and your Apple TV will restart automatically when it is finished.

Resetting through the Settings menu

Open the Apple TV remote and navigate to the home screen. Scroll down and select Settings. From there, go to System, then scroll down to find Reset.

You will see two options: Reset or Reset and Update. Choose Reset if you want to keep your current software version. Choose Reset and Update if you want the device to install the latest tvOS version as part of the reset. Most people choose Reset and Update to may support they have the newest software.

The device will ask you to confirm. Select Reset again. Your Apple TV will then erase all data and restart. The screen will show a progress bar. Do not unplug the device during this time. When the reset is complete, you will see the setup screen, just as if the device were brand new.

Forcing a reset with the remote buttons

If your Apple TV will not respond to the remote, or if the Settings menu is not working, you can force a reset using button combinations on the remote itself. This method works on all Apple TV models with a Siri remote or older aluminum remote.

Hold down the Menu button and the Down button at the same time for about six seconds. The light on the front of your Apple TV will blink rapidly, which signals that the reset has started. Release the buttons and wait. The device will erase and restart on its own. This process takes the same 10 to 15 minutes as the Settings method.

If you have an older Apple TV with a white remote, the button combination is Menu and Left instead. The result is the same.

What happens after the reset is complete

When your Apple TV finishes restarting, it will display the setup screen. You will be asked to choose your language, country, and whether you want to use HomeKit. Then you will be prompted to sign in with your Apple ID.

Use the same Apple ID you used before the reset. Once you sign in, your Apple TV will automatically read your previous apps and restore your preferences. This can take several minutes depending on how many apps you had. You do not need to manually reinstall anything — the device remembers what you owned.

If you are giving the Apple TV to someone else, do not sign in with your Apple ID. Instead, let the new owner complete the setup with their own account. The reset ensures no trace of your account or data remains on the device.

Resetting before you sell or give away your Apple TV

If you are selling or donating your Apple TV, a factory reset is essential. It removes your Apple ID, payment methods, home network details, and any personal data. Without it, the new owner could potentially access your account or see your viewing history.

Complete the reset using either method described above. When the setup screen appears, do not sign in. Instead, power off the device or let the new owner take it from there. You can also sign out of iCloud before resetting if you want an extra layer of security — go to Settings > Users and Accounts > iCloud and select Sign Out.

After you have reset the device, remove it from your Apple ID account on another device. On an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, go to Settings (or System Preferences on older Macs), find your Apple ID, select Devices, and remove the Apple TV from the list. This ensures the device is no longer linked to your account.

Troubleshooting a reset that is not working

If the reset starts but the device gets stuck on the progress screen, wait at least 30 minutes before unplugging it. Resets can take longer than expected if the device is old or has a lot of data. If it is still stuck after 30 minutes, unplug the Apple TV for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and try the reset again.

If the Settings menu is completely unresponsive and the button-combination reset is not working, your Apple TV may have a hardware problem. Try connecting it to a different power outlet or using a different HDMI cable to rule out connection issues. If neither works, the device may need service.

If you are resetting because an app keeps crashing, the reset should fix it. However, if the same app crashes after you reinstall it, the problem may be with that specific app rather than your Apple TV. Try deleting the app, restarting the device, and reinstalling it fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my apps and subscriptions when I reset?

Your apps and subscriptions are tied to your Apple ID, not to the device itself. After you reset and sign back in with the same Apple ID, your apps will read automatically and your subscriptions will be active again. You will not lose anything.

How long does a factory reset take?

The entire process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes from the moment you confirm the reset until the device is ready to use again. Older Apple TV models or devices with a lot of stored data may take slightly longer. Do not unplug the device during this time.

Can I reset my Apple TV without a remote?

You cannot reset through the Settings menu without a remote, but you can use the button-combination method if you have the remote. If you have lost your remote entirely, you can pair a new one by holding it near the Apple TV, or you can use the Apple TV Remote app on an iPhone or iPad to navigate to Settings and perform the reset that way.

What if I forget my Apple ID password after resetting?

You can reset your Apple ID password on any other device by visiting iforgot.apple.com or using the Find My app. Once you have reset your password, sign back into your Apple TV with the new one. You do not need to reset the device again.

Does resetting delete my HomeKit setup?

Yes. If your Apple TV is set up as a HomeKit hub, resetting the device will remove it from HomeKit. After the reset, you will need to set it up as a hub again if you want to use HomeKit remote access or automations. Your HomeKit home and other devices will remain intact — only the Apple TV's role as a hub is removed.

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.