How to reset Apple TV: step-by-step

If your Apple TV is acting up—whether apps are freezing, your screen becomes unresponsive, performance slows down, or the device refuses to connect to Wi-Fi—a reset can often solve the issue quickly and effectively.

Resetting your Apple TV helps clear temporary glitches, remove problematic settings, and restore the device to optimal performance. Apple offers different reset options depending on the severity of the issue, so understanding which one to use will save you time and keep your device running smoothly.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to prepare your Apple TV for a reset, how to perform both soft and factory resets, how to restore your Apple TV using a computer, and how to set everything up again afterward. You’ll also find troubleshooting tips for problems that may arise during the reset process.

Preparing Your Apple TV for Reset

Before you begin the reset process, it’s important to follow a few essential steps to ensure the procedure goes smoothly and to avoid losing access to important information.

1. Back up your essential information
While Apple TV doesn’t store personal files like photos or documents, it does keep app logins, preferences, and settings synced to your Apple ID. Make sure you know your Apple ID email and password because you’ll need them again after the reset. If you use iCloud Keychain, ensure it’s updated so your login information syncs properly.

2. Disconnect unnecessary accessories
Remove any external devices such as game controllers, Bluetooth speakers, USB drives, or external storage accessories. This helps the device reset without interruptions and avoids connection conflicts.

3. Ensure a stable power connection
A reset that is interrupted due to power loss can cause software corruption. Keep your Apple TV connected to a reliable power source during the entire process.

4. Check your network
Although not required for the reset itself, you will need a stable Wi-Fi connection afterward to sign in, reinstall apps, and complete system updates. Ensuring your internet is working now helps avoid setup frustrations later.

Following these simple preparation steps ensures you protect your data, avoid errors, and complete the reset smoothly.

How to Perform a Soft Reset on Apple TV

A soft reset is the quickest and safest way to fix temporary issues such as lag, app crashes, frozen screens, or minor bugs. This type of reset restarts the device without deleting your apps or settings.

How to do a soft reset:

1. Pick up your Siri Remote.
2. Press and hold the Menu button and the Home (TV) button simultaneously.
3. Hold both buttons until the status light on the Apple TV begins to flash rapidly.
4. Release the buttons and wait for the device to restart.

During the restart, Apple TV clears temporary caches and refreshes processes that may be causing glitches. A soft reset is your first line of defense and often fixes issues instantly without requiring a full reset.

If your Apple TV is still slow or freezing after a soft reset, you may need to consider a factory reset.

Steps to Factory Reset Apple TV via Settings

A factory reset restores your Apple TV to its original state—just like when you first unboxed it. This process deletes all apps, settings, accounts, and personal preferences.

You should use this option if:

• your Apple TV has persistent issues
• it cannot connect to Wi-Fi
• apps crash frequently
• you plan to sell or give away the device
• updates don’t install correctly

To factory reset Apple TV through the Settings menu:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll to System.
3. Select Reset.
4. You’ll see two options:
   • Reset – quickly restores the device using existing software.
   • Reset and Update – erases everything and installs the latest version of tvOS.

If you want the cleanest reset with the newest software, choose Reset and Update.
Once confirmed, Apple TV will reboot and begin the reset process. This may take several minutes depending on your internet speed and the size of updates.

When the process is complete, Apple TV will restart as if it were brand new.

Using a Computer to Restore Apple TV

If your Apple TV freezes during reset or doesn’t load the Settings menu, you can restore it using a computer—this method reinstalls the operating system entirely.

You’ll need:

• A Mac with Finder or a Windows PC with iTunes
• A USB-C or USB cable (depending on your Apple TV model)

How to restore using a computer:

1. Unplug your Apple TV from power.
2. Connect it to the computer using the appropriate cable.
3. On Mac, open Finder. On Windows, open iTunes.
4. Look for your Apple TV in the device sidebar.
5. Select Restore Apple TV.

The computer will download and reinstall the latest version of tvOS.
This method is very effective for stubborn software issues or corrupted system files.

What to Do After Resetting Your Apple TV

Once the reset is complete, it’s time to set up your Apple TV again:

1. Connect to Wi-Fi
Go to Settings → Network → Wi-Fi and choose your network.

2. Sign in with your Apple ID
This restores your purchases, subscriptions, and synced preferences.

3. Reinstall your apps
Visit the App Store and download apps like Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and Apple TV+.

4. Adjust essential settings

• Display & brightness
• Audio output
• Privacy options
• Siri preferences
• Home screen layout

5. Test your device
Open a few apps, test Wi-Fi speed, try video playback, and make sure everything runs smoothly.

Troubleshooting Common Reset Issues

Sometimes the reset process doesn’t go as planned. Here are common issues and solutions:

1. Reset won’t finish

• Make sure your Wi-Fi is stable.
• Try again with the Reset and Update option.
• Use a computer restore if the problem persists.

2. Apple TV can’t reconnect to Wi-Fi

• Restart your router.
• Move Apple TV closer to the signal.
• Forget the network and reconnect manually.

3. Screen frozen after reset

• Do a forced restart using the remote.
• Check HDMI cable connections.
• Try another TV or HDMI port.

4. Apps missing after reset

• They must be reinstalled manually unless synced with iCloud.
• Sign into your Apple ID to restore purchases.

Conclusion

Resetting your Apple TV is an effective way to fix performance issues, clear software bugs, and restore your device to peak efficiency. Whether you use a simple soft reset to resolve minor glitches, perform a complete factory reset for deeper problems, or use a computer to reinstall the system entirely, each method plays a key role in keeping your Apple TV running smoothly.

By preparing properly, following the right reset steps, and setting up your device again carefully, you can enjoy a fresh and seamless Apple TV experience with your favorite apps, shows, and services.

If problems continue even after a reset, consulting Apple Support or visiting an Apple Store may help identify potential hardware issues.