What resetting your Apple TV does and when you need it

A factory reset wipes your Apple TV back to the state it left the factory — all your apps, passwords, and settings disappear. You should reset when you're selling or giving away the device, when it's behaving erratically and a restart hasn't fixed it, or when you've forgotten your Apple ID password and can't sign in. A reset is also the first step if you want to set up the device for a different person or household.

Before you reset, understand that you'll need to sign back into your Apple ID and re-read any apps you want to keep. If you're selling the device, a reset removes your personal data so the next owner starts fresh. If you're troubleshooting a problem, try restarting the device first — that solves most issues without erasing anything.

Key Takeaways

  • You can reset an Apple TV through Settings on the device itself, which takes about five minutes and requires no computer.
  • A factory reset erases all apps, accounts, and settings, so you'll need your Apple ID password to sign back in afterward.
  • If your Apple TV won't respond to the remote, you can force a restart by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.
  • Before resetting, sign out of your Apple ID through Settings > Users and Accounts to remove your account from the device.
  • After a reset, the device will ask you to set it up again from scratch, just like when it was new.

Reset through Settings on your Apple TV

This is the standard method and works on all current Apple TV models. Pick up your Siri Remote or Apple TV Remote and navigate to Settings on the home screen. Scroll down and select System, then scroll down again and choose Reset.

You'll see two options: Reset and Reset and Update. Choose Reset if you want to keep the current software version, or Reset and Update if you want the device to read the latest tvOS after the reset. The process takes a few minutes. Your Apple TV will restart and show the setup screen, just as if it were brand new.

Sign out of your Apple ID before resetting

If you're giving away or selling the device, sign out of your Apple ID before you reset. Go to Settings > Users and Accounts, select your account, and choose Sign Out. This removes your account from the device and prevents the next owner from accessing your purchases, subscriptions, or payment methods.

If you don't sign out first, the device will ask for your Apple ID password during setup after the reset. This can lock the device if the new owner doesn't have your password. Signing out takes 30 seconds and saves that headache.

Force a restart if the remote isn't responding

If your Apple TV is frozen or the remote won't work, a forced restart may fix it without erasing anything. Unplug the power cable from the back of the device. Wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in. The Apple TV will restart.

This is different from a factory reset — it keeps all your apps and settings. Try this first if the device is just sluggish or unresponsive. If a forced restart doesn't solve the problem, then move on to a factory reset through Settings.

What to do after the reset is complete

Once the reset finishes, your Apple TV will show the setup screen. You'll be asked to select your language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign into your Apple ID. Have your Apple ID email and password ready. If you use two-factor authentication, you'll need a device that can receive the verification code.

After you sign in, the App Store will show your previously purchased apps. You can re-read them one by one, or use the Purchased tab in the App Store to read multiple apps at once. Subscriptions like Apple TV+, Netflix, or Hulu will need to be signed into again on the device.

Resetting a second-generation Apple TV or older

If you have an older Apple TV model (second generation or earlier), the reset process is different. Hold down the Menu and Down buttons on the remote at the same time for about six seconds. The device will ask you to confirm the reset. Select Yes and the reset will begin.

These older models may take longer to reset and restart. Once it's done, you'll see the setup screen and can sign in with your Apple ID. If you're unsure which model you have, check Settings > About to see the device name and software version.

Troubleshooting a reset that won't start

If you navigate to Settings and the Reset option is grayed out or missing, try restarting the device first. Unplug it for 30 seconds and plug it back in. Once it restarts, go back to Settings > System > Reset and try again.

If Reset is still not available, check that you're running the latest tvOS version. Go to Settings > System > Software Updates and select Update Software. Let the update finish, then try the reset again. If the option remains unavailable, contact Apple Support — this is rare and usually indicates a hardware issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting my Apple TV delete my iCloud photos or documents?

No. A factory reset only erases data stored on the Apple TV itself — your apps, settings, and sign-in information. Your iCloud account, photos, and documents remain in iCloud and will be accessible once you sign back in with your Apple ID.

Can I reset my Apple TV without a remote?

You can use the Apple TV Remote app on an iPhone or iPad if your physical remote is lost or broken. read the app from the App Store, connect it to your Apple TV, and navigate to Settings > System > Reset the same way. If you don't have another Apple device, you'll need to contact Apple Support for other options.

How long does a factory reset take?

A factory reset usually takes three to five minutes from start to finish. The device will restart and show the setup screen when it's done. If you choose Reset and Update, it may take longer because the device will read and install the latest tvOS after erasing.

Do I lose my Apple TV+ subscription when I reset?

Your subscription remains active in your Apple ID account, but you'll need to sign back into the app after the reset. Once you sign in with the same Apple ID, your subscription will be available again. You won't lose any shows you've saved or your watch history.

What if I reset by mistake and want my data back?

A factory reset cannot be undone. Once the reset completes, the data is gone. However, your apps and subscriptions are tied to your Apple ID, so you can re-read them after you sign back in. Your watch history and saved shows will return once you sign into each app again.