What resetting an app means and when to do it

Resetting an app on Apple TV clears its stored data—login information, preferences, cache, and watch history—and returns it to the state it was in when you first installed it. You are not removing the app itself; it stays on your device. Resetting is useful when an app freezes, stops loading content, logs you out unexpectedly, or behaves strangely after an update.

The most common reason to reset is when an app stops responding to commands or gets stuck on a loading screen. Restarting the app (closing and reopening it) fixes many temporary problems. Resetting goes further and clears everything the app has stored, which solves issues that survive a straightforward restart.

Key Takeaways

  • You reset an app by going to Settings, Apps, then selecting the app and choosing the delete or reset option—the exact wording depends on your tvOS version.
  • Resetting clears login information, so you will need to sign back in to the app after the reset is complete.
  • Reinstalling an app (deleting it and downloading it again from the App Store) is different from resetting and is sometimes necessary if resetting does not fix the problem.
  • You can force-quit an app without resetting it by pressing the Menu button on your remote, which often solves freezing without losing your login.

How to reset an app through Settings

Open Settings on your Apple TV home screen. Use the remote to navigate down and select it. Once inside Settings, scroll down to find Apps and select it.

In the Apps menu, you will see a list of installed apps. Find the app you want to reset and select it. The next screen shows options for that app. Look for a button labeled Delete, Reset, or Clear—the exact label varies depending on which tvOS version your Apple TV runs. Select this option. A confirmation message will appear asking if you are sure. Select Yes or Confirm to complete the reset.

The app will now clear its data. This takes a few seconds. Once it finishes, the app remains on your Apple TV and is ready to use, but all stored information is gone. When you open the app next, it will behave as if you are using it for the first time.

Signing back in after a reset

After resetting, the app will not remember your login information. Open the app and you will see the sign-in screen. Enter your username and password for that service (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, or whichever app you reset). Some apps may ask you to verify your identity through a code sent to your email or phone—this is normal and a security measure.

Your watch history, saved shows, and preferences will not return after you sign back in, because the reset deleted them permanently. If you had downloaded content for offline viewing (available on some apps), you will need to read it again. Your account itself is not affected—only the data stored on your Apple TV.

Force-quitting an app without resetting

If an app is frozen or unresponsive, you can force-quit it without resetting. Press the Menu button on your Apple TV remote once. This closes the app when ready and returns you to the home screen. This action does not delete any data—your login and preferences stay intact.

Force-quitting is the fastest first step when an app stops working. Try it before resetting, because it solves most temporary freezes and crashes. If the app works normally after you reopen it, you are done. If the same problem happens again, then resetting is the next step.

When to delete and reinstall instead of resetting

If resetting does not fix the problem, the app itself may be corrupted or outdated. In this case, delete the app completely and reinstall it from the App Store. Go to Settings, Apps, select the app, and choose Delete. Confirm the deletion. The app is now completely removed from your Apple TV.

Open the App Store on your home screen. Search for the app by name. Select it and choose Get or the read button. The app will read and install fresh. This takes a minute or two depending on the app size and your internet speed. Once installation finishes, open the app and sign in again. A fresh installation often solves problems that resetting alone cannot fix.

Checking your tvOS version if you cannot find the reset option

The exact location and name of the reset option can vary between tvOS versions. If you cannot find a Delete or Reset button in the app settings, check which version of tvOS your Apple TV is running. Go to Settings, About, and look for the tvOS version number.

On older tvOS versions, the option might be labeled differently or located in a different menu. If you are running an older version, consider updating to the latest tvOS, which often includes bug fixes that may solve the app problem without needing a reset. Go to Settings, System, Software Updates, and select Update if one is available. Your Apple TV will restart during the update process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting an app delete my account?

No. Resetting only clears data stored on your Apple TV, not your account with the service. Your account remains active. You will need to sign in again after the reset, but your account history and settings on the company's servers are unchanged.

Do I need to reset all my apps or just the one that is broken?

Reset only the app that is having problems. Resetting other apps unnecessarily will log you out of them and clear their data for no reason. If multiple apps are freezing, the issue is usually with your Apple TV itself, not the apps—try restarting your Apple TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds instead.

How long does a reset take?

A reset usually takes 5 to 15 seconds. The app will briefly show a loading or clearing message, then return to normal. If the reset takes longer than a minute, unplug your Apple TV and plug it back in to restart the device.

Can I undo a reset?

No. Once you reset an app, the data is gone permanently. If you had saved shows or preferences you wanted to keep, they cannot be recovered. This is why resetting should be a last step after trying a force-quit first.

What if the app still does not work after I reset it?

Try deleting and reinstalling the app from the App Store instead. If that does not work, restart your entire Apple TV by going to Settings, System, Restart. If the problem persists across multiple apps, contact Apple Support or your internet provider to check if the issue is with your device or your network connection.