Update Apple TV Automatically or Manually

Apple TV updates happen in two ways: automatically overnight when your device is plugged in and idle, or manually through the Settings app whenever you want. Most people never touch the update button because the automatic process handles it, but if you need the latest version right away—or if an update failed to install—you can start one yourself in under a minute.

The steps differ slightly depending on whether you have an Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, or an older model, but the Settings menu is the same place on all of them. You'll need your Apple TV remote and a working internet connection.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple TV updates automatically when plugged in and left idle overnight, so manual updates are only necessary if you need the latest version when ready.
  • Manual updates start from Settings > System > About, then select the update option if one is available.
  • Updates typically take 10 to 30 minutes depending on file size and your internet speed, and your Apple TV will restart during the process.
  • If an update fails or gets stuck, unplugging your Apple TV for 30 seconds and trying again usually solves the problem.
  • You can check what version you currently have in the same About menu, which helps you know whether an update is actually waiting.

How to Manually Update Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD

Open the Settings app on your Apple TV home screen. Use your remote to navigate down to System, then press the select button (the center of the clickpad). From there, choose About.

At the top of the About screen, you'll see your current tvOS version. Below that, look for an option labeled Software Update or Update Software. If an update is waiting, select it and confirm. If no update option appears, your Apple TV is already on the latest version. The update will begin downloading when ready and show a progress bar.

Do not unplug your Apple TV during an update. The device will restart automatically when the installation is complete, which can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes depending on the update size and your internet speed. Your Apple TV will be unavailable during this time.

What to Do If an Update Gets Stuck or Fails

If the update progress bar stops moving for more than 30 minutes, or if you see an error message, unplug your Apple TV from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for it to fully restart, then go back to Settings > System > About and try the update again.

If the same error appears twice, check your internet connection by opening any streaming app—if it loads, your connection is fine. If the update still fails after a second attempt, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. A weak or unstable connection is the most common reason updates stall partway through.

If you continue to see the same error after restarting both devices, note the exact error code and visit Apple's support site to search for that code. Different codes point to different problems, and Apple's documentation will tell you the specific next step.

Checking Your Current tvOS Version

You can see what version of tvOS your Apple TV is running without starting an update. Go to Settings > System > About and look at the top of the screen. The version number appears next to "Software Version" or "tvOS Version," depending on your model.

Knowing your current version is useful if you want to check Apple's release notes before updating, or if you need to tell Apple support what you're running when troubleshooting a problem. Apple releases new tvOS versions roughly every month, though not every update is critical—some add features, while others fix security issues or bugs.

Why Automatic Updates Are Usually Better

Automatic updates run when your Apple TV is plugged in and you're not using it, typically between midnight and 6 a.m. This means you wake up to the latest version without having to do anything. The update happens in the background, and your Apple TV restarts on its own.

The only reason to manually update is if you want a new feature or security fix before the automatic window arrives. Otherwise, letting the device update itself saves you time and ensures the update happens when it won't interrupt your viewing.

Restarting Your Apple TV After an Update

Most updates restart your Apple TV automatically when they finish. However, if you manually restarted during the update or if something interrupted the process, you may need to restart it yourself. Go to Settings > System > Restart and confirm.

A restart takes about 30 seconds. Your Apple TV will go dark, then the Apple logo will appear, and the home screen will load. This is normal and does not erase any of your apps or settings.

Troubleshooting Update Problems by Model

Apple TV 4K (3rd generation and newer) and Apple TV HD both use the same update process described above. If you have an older Apple TV (2nd or 3rd generation), the Settings menu layout is slightly different—System is still where you'll find the update option, but the path may be Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > About instead.

If you're unsure which model you own, go to Settings > System > About and look for the model name at the top of the screen. This will tell you exactly which device you have and confirm that you're following the right steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an Apple TV update usually take?

Most updates take between 10 and 30 minutes from start to finish, including the restart. Larger updates or slower internet connections can take longer. Do not unplug your Apple TV during this time, even if the progress bar seems stuck—updates often pause briefly without failing.

Will updating my Apple TV delete my apps or settings?

No. Updates preserve all your apps, login information, and settings. Your Apple TV will look and work exactly the same after the update, except with any new features or bug fixes included in that version.

Can I use my Apple TV while it's updating?

No. Your Apple TV will not respond to the remote or play content during an update. The device is completely unavailable until the update finishes and it restarts. Plan updates for a time when you're not planning to watch.

What if my internet cuts out during an update?

If your internet drops partway through, the update will pause. When your connection returns, the update usually resumes automatically. If it doesn't, unplug your Apple TV for 30 seconds and try the update again from Settings > System > About.

Do I need to update if my Apple TV is working fine?

Updates often include security fixes that protect your device from new threats, even if you don't notice any problems. It's a good idea to let updates install automatically. If you prefer to wait, you can skip manual updates, but automatic updates will still run when your Apple TV is idle.