The fastest way to restart an app on Apple TV

To restart an app on Apple TV, press and hold the Select button (the center touchpad button) on your Siri Remote for about three seconds. The app will close when ready. Then open it again from the home screen. This works for almost every app that freezes, loads slowly, or stops responding.

If you have an older Apple TV remote without a touchpad, hold down the Menu button instead. The app closes the same way. This method clears the app's temporary memory without affecting your settings or saved data.

Most app problems — buffering that won't stop, a stuck loading screen, audio that cuts out — clear up after a single restart. You do not need to restart your entire Apple TV device unless the problem happens across multiple apps.

Key Takeaways

  • Hold the Select button (center of the touchpad) on your Siri Remote for three seconds to close any app when ready.
  • Restarting an app clears its temporary files and memory without erasing your login information or watch history.
  • If an app still does not work after a restart, check that your Apple TV has the latest software and that the app itself has been updated.
  • Force-closing an app is different from uninstalling it — the app remains on your device and can be opened again when ready.

When to restart an app versus restarting your Apple TV

Restart the app first. It solves the problem in about 80 percent of cases and takes five seconds. Restart your entire Apple TV only if the same problem happens in multiple apps, or if the device itself is slow or unresponsive.

To restart your Apple TV device, go to Settings > System > Restart. The device will shut down and turn back on, which takes about two minutes. This clears the device's memory and can fix network problems, audio sync issues, or apps that crash repeatedly.

If you restart the device and the problem returns in the same app, the issue is usually with that app, not your Apple TV. Check the App Store to see if an update is available.

Updating an app after it keeps crashing

Apps that crash repeatedly often have a bug fix waiting in the App Store. Open the App Store on your Apple TV, go to Search, find the app by name, and look for an Update button. If you see it, select it to read the latest version.

You can also turn on automatic updates so apps update overnight without you having to check. Go to Settings > Apps > Automatic Updates and toggle it on. Apps will update when your Apple TV is plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi.

After updating an app, restart it once to make sure the new version loads correctly. If the same problem happens again, the app may have a deeper issue that the developer needs to fix.

Clearing an app's cache and data

Restarting an app clears its temporary cache automatically. If you want to go further and remove all stored data — including login information and watch history — you can uninstall and reinstall the app.

To uninstall an app, press and hold the app icon on the home screen until a menu appears. Select Remove, then confirm. The app disappears from your home screen. To reinstall it, open the App Store, search for the app by name, and select Get. The app will read and install in a few seconds.

Reinstalling an app is useful if you are having login problems or if the app is storing old data that is causing errors. You will need to sign back in to the app after reinstalling it.

Checking your internet connection if an app won't load

Apps that load slowly or fail to start often have a network problem, not an app problem. Go to Settings > Network and check that your Apple TV is connected to Wi-Fi. If it shows a connection but the app still will not load, restart your Wi-Fi router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in.

Wait for the router to fully restart (usually about two minutes), then try opening the app again. If the app loads this time, the problem was a temporary network glitch. If it still does not load, restart the app using the Select button method, then try once more.

Streaming apps like Netflix and Disney+ need a stable internet connection. If your Wi-Fi signal is weak, move your Apple TV closer to the router or switch to a 5 GHz network band if your router supports it.

What to do if an app won't close

Rarely, an app will not respond to the Select button hold. If this happens, restart your entire Apple TV using Settings > System > Restart. This will force-close all apps and clear the device's memory.

If the same app refuses to close every time you try, uninstall it and reinstall a fresh copy from the App Store. A corrupted app file can sometimes prevent normal closing, and reinstalling fixes it.

If your Apple TV itself becomes unresponsive and you cannot reach the Settings menu, unplug the device from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This is a hard restart and will close everything.

Preventing app problems before they start

Keep your Apple TV software up to date. Go to Settings > System > Software Updates and check for updates. If one is available, install it. Software updates often include fixes for app compatibility and performance.

Turn on automatic app updates so you do not have to check manually. Apps that are out of date can crash or load slowly. Automatic updates run overnight when your Apple TV is idle and plugged in.

Restart apps occasionally even when they are working fine. If you use the same app for hours without closing it, restart it once to clear its cache and keep it running smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will restarting an app erase my login information?

No. Restarting an app closes it and clears its temporary memory, but your login information and saved settings stay on your device. When you open the app again, you will still be signed in. Only uninstalling and reinstalling the app will erase your login.

How long should I hold the Select button to close an app?

Hold it for about three seconds. You will see the app dim or a menu appear. Release the button and the app closes. If nothing happens after three seconds, try holding it for five seconds instead.

Can I restart multiple apps at once?

No. You can only close one app at a time using the Select button. If multiple apps are having problems, restart each one individually. If the problem is widespread, restart your entire Apple TV device instead.

What is the difference between restarting an app and force-quitting it?

They are the same thing. Holding the Select button force-quits the app, which is the same as restarting it. Both close the app and clear its memory without uninstalling it.

Do I need to restart my Apple TV after every app restart?

No. Restarting an app is enough for most problems. Only restart your Apple TV device if the problem happens in multiple apps or if your device is running slowly overall.