What a reset does and when you need one
A reset erases everything on your Apple TV and returns it to the state it was in when it left the factory. This means all your apps, passwords, and settings disappear. You should reset your Apple TV if it is freezing or crashing repeatedly, if you are selling or giving it away, or if you have forgotten your Apple ID password and cannot sign in.
There are two types of resets: a soft reset (which restarts the device without erasing anything) and a factory reset (which erases everything). Most problems are solved by a soft reset first. Only do a factory reset if a soft reset does not work or if you are preparing the device for someone else to use.
Key Takeaways
- A soft reset takes about 30 seconds and fixes most freezing or crashing problems without erasing your apps or settings.
- A factory reset erases everything on your Apple TV, so back up any important settings or app data before you start.
- You can reset from the Settings menu on your Apple TV, or by holding the Menu and TV/Control buttons on the remote for about 10 seconds.
- After a factory reset, your Apple TV will ask you to sign in with your Apple ID and set up the device again from the beginning.
How to do a soft reset without losing anything
A soft reset is the safest first step. Hold the Menu button and the TV/Control button on your Apple TV remote at the same time for about 10 seconds. The light on the front of the Apple TV will flash amber, then turn off. Wait about 30 seconds for the device to restart. You will see the Apple logo appear on your screen, and then your home screen will load.
If you do not have your remote, you can also unplug the power cable from the back of the Apple TV, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in. This has the same effect as a soft reset. Your apps, passwords, and settings will all remain exactly as they were.
How to do a factory reset from the Settings menu
If a soft reset did not fix the problem, or if you are preparing the device for someone else, use the Settings menu. On your Apple TV home screen, go to Settings, then System, then Reset. You will see two options: Reset and Reset and Update.
Choose Reset if you want to erase everything but keep the current software version. Choose Reset and Update if you want to erase everything and install the latest software at the same time. Either way, the device will ask you to confirm. Select Reset again when prompted. The process takes 5 to 15 minutes. Your Apple TV will restart several times during this process, which is normal. Do not unplug it.
How to factory reset using your remote buttons
If your Apple TV will not start up or respond to the Settings menu, you can force a factory reset using only the remote. Hold down the Menu button and the TV/Control button together for about 10 seconds. Instead of restarting, the Apple TV will show a menu asking whether you want to restart or reset. Use the arrow buttons to highlight Reset, then press Select.
The device will ask you to confirm. Press Select again. The reset will begin when ready and take 5 to 15 minutes. The Apple TV will restart several times. Once it finishes, you will see the setup screen, which means the reset was successful.
What to do after a factory reset
When your Apple TV finishes resetting, it will show the setup screen. You will need to select your language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with your Apple ID. If you do not remember your Apple ID password, you can reset it on another device by going to iforgot.apple.com, or you can create a new Apple ID during setup.
After you sign in, your Apple TV will read your apps from the App Store automatically if you have previously purchased them. Your home screen will not look exactly the same as before the reset, because app positions are not saved, but all your purchased apps will return. You will need to sign in again to apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ because passwords are not saved during a factory reset.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not unplug your Apple TV while a reset is in progress. The process takes 5 to 15 minutes, and interrupting it can leave the device in a broken state. If the reset seems to be taking longer than 20 minutes, then unplug it, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in to try again.
Do not assume a factory reset will fix a hardware problem. If your Apple TV still does not work after a factory reset, the problem may be with the device itself, not the software. In that case, contact Apple Support or check whether your device is still under warranty.
Do not do a factory reset if you are not sure you remember your Apple ID password. You will need it to set up the device again. If you are not certain, reset your password on another device first, or have it written down before you start the reset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a soft reset delete my apps or settings?
No. A soft reset only restarts the device. All your apps, passwords, home screen layout, and settings stay exactly as they were. It is completely safe to try a soft reset first.
How long does a factory reset take?
A factory reset usually takes 5 to 15 minutes from start to finish. Your Apple TV will restart several times during this process. Do not unplug it during the reset, even if it seems to be taking a long time.
Do I need to sign in to all my apps again after a factory reset?
Yes. A factory reset erases all passwords and login information. You will need to sign in again to Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and any other apps that require a password. Your purchased apps will read automatically once you sign in with your Apple ID.
Can I reset my Apple TV if I forgot my Apple ID password?
Yes, you can reset it. However, after the reset finishes, you will need to sign in with your Apple ID to set up the device again. Before you reset, go to iforgot.apple.com on another device and reset your Apple ID password, or have it written down so you can use it during setup.
What should I do if my Apple TV does not turn back on after a reset?
Unplug the power cable, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. If it still does not turn on, try plugging it into a different outlet to rule out a power problem. If it still does not work, the device may have a hardware issue and you should contact Apple Support.