You can reset your Apple TV to factory settings using only the remote — no computer or cables needed

A factory reset wipes your Apple TV back to its original state, removing all apps, accounts, and settings. You do this from the Settings menu using your Apple TV remote. The process takes a few minutes and requires no additional equipment. After the reset completes, your Apple TV will restart and show the setup screen, as if it were brand new.

You might reset your Apple TV if an app keeps crashing, if you're selling or giving away the device, or if you want to start fresh with a clean installation. A reset also removes your Apple ID and any payment methods stored on the device.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, go to System, then Reset, and choose Reset All Settings to erase everything on your Apple TV.
  • The reset process takes several minutes and your Apple TV will restart automatically when it finishes.
  • After a reset, you'll need to sign in with your Apple ID again and reinstall any apps you want to use.
  • A reset does not require a computer, internet connection during the reset itself, or any special remote features.

Step-by-step reset using your Apple TV remote

Start by pressing the Menu button on your remote to open the home screen if you're not already there. Then navigate to Settings — it appears as a gear icon in the top row of apps. Use the touch surface or directional buttons on your remote to highlight Settings and press Select.

Once in Settings, scroll down and select System. Inside System, you'll see a Reset option. Select it. You'll then see two choices: Reset All Settings and Reset and Update. Choose Reset All Settings if you want to keep your current software version, or Reset and Update if you want the latest tvOS installed during the reset. Either option erases all data and settings.

The remote will ask you to confirm. Select the confirmation button, and the reset will begin. Your Apple TV will show a progress bar and may restart several times. Do not unplug the device during this process. The entire reset typically takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on your model and how much data is stored.

What happens after the reset completes

When the reset finishes, your Apple TV restarts and displays the setup screen — the same screen you saw when you first turned on the device. You'll be prompted to select your language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with your Apple ID. You do not have to use the same Apple ID you used before; you can sign in with a different account if you prefer.

After you sign in, your Apple TV will read your previous purchases and subscriptions from the App Store if you use the same Apple ID. Apps you previously installed will appear in your library, but you'll need to reinstall them individually to use them. Saved passwords, home automation settings, and any custom configurations are gone and must be set up again.

Troubleshooting if the reset won't start

If the Reset option is grayed out or won't respond, your Apple TV may be too low on storage space. Try deleting a large app or two using the remote — highlight an app on the home screen, press and hold Select, then choose Delete. Once you've freed up space, return to Settings and try the reset again.

If your remote isn't responding at all, the batteries may be dead. Replace them with fresh ones and try again. If the remote still doesn't work, you can use the physical buttons on the back of your Apple TV: press and hold the Menu and Select buttons together for about 6 seconds to force a restart, then try accessing Settings again once it boots up.

Difference between Reset All Settings and Reset and Update

Reset All Settings erases your data and configurations but keeps your current tvOS version installed. This is faster and useful if you want to troubleshoot a problem without waiting for a software update. Reset and Update does the same data wipe but also installs the latest tvOS version available. Choose this option if your Apple TV is running an older version and you want the newest features and security patches.

Both options take roughly the same amount of time and produce the same end result: a blank Apple TV ready for setup. The only difference is whether your software gets updated in the process. If you're unsure which to choose, Reset and Update is usually the safer option because it ensures you have the latest security fixes.

When to reset versus when to restart

A restart (also called a reboot) turns your Apple TV off and back on without erasing anything. A reset erases all data and settings. If an app is frozen or your Apple TV is running slowly, restart first — it often solves the problem without losing anything. To restart, go to Settings, System, Restart, and confirm.

Only reset if restarting doesn't fix the issue, if you're preparing to sell the device, or if you want a completely clean slate. A reset is permanent and cannot be undone, so make sure you want to erase everything before you start.

What you'll need to do after resetting

After your Apple TV finishes resetting and you've completed the setup screens, you'll need to sign in with your Apple ID. This restores access to the App Store and any apps you previously purchased. You'll then need to reinstall any apps you want to use — they won't automatically appear even if you bought them before.

If you use HomeKit to control smart home devices, you'll need to set that up again. The same applies to AirPlay, Bluetooth devices, and any custom settings you had configured. Your Wi-Fi password will be saved during setup, so you won't need to re-enter that. Plan for 15 to 30 minutes of setup time after the reset completes, depending on how many apps and services you use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting my Apple TV delete my Apple ID account?

No, resetting only removes your Apple ID from that device. Your actual Apple ID account remains active and unchanged. When you sign back in after the reset, all your purchases and subscriptions are still there. You can sign in on any other device using the same Apple ID.

Can I stop a reset once it starts?

You should not unplug or interrupt a reset while it's in progress. If you do, your Apple TV may not boot up properly afterward. If a reset appears stuck for more than 20 minutes, unplug the device for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and try again. In most cases, waiting through the full process is the safest approach.

Do I need internet to reset my Apple TV?

You don't need internet during the reset itself, but you'll need it when ready after to sign in with your Apple ID and read apps. If you're resetting to troubleshoot a connectivity problem, you can complete the reset offline, then connect to Wi-Fi afterward.

What if I forget my Apple ID password after resetting?

You can reset your Apple ID password on any computer or phone by visiting iforgot.apple.com. Once you've reset your password, use the new one to sign in on your Apple TV. You don't need to reset the Apple TV again.

Does a reset remove tvOS updates?

No. If you choose Reset All Settings, your current tvOS version stays installed. If you choose Reset and Update, the latest tvOS version is installed during the reset. Either way, you cannot go back to an older tvOS version using the reset function.