How to restore your Apple TV

Is your Apple TV acting up and not working properly or do you want to give it a fresh start? In this tutorial, we will show you how to reset and erase your Apple TV to its default factory settings.

Resetting Apple TV

Apple TV setup box works reliably for the most part. But in the rare case that it is malfunctioning and not working, even if you turn it off and back on from the main power outlet, you can reset all its settings to fix the issue.

Additionally, resetting helps if you want to erase all information from it so you can set it up fresh or give it away to another person.

Important: Unlike the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch, which you can back up before erasing, there is no such option for Apple TV. So, after you reset it, all downloaded apps and other data is deleted, including your and added family member’s accounts and configurations.

Related: How to fix Apple TV Remote not working, glitching, or losing connection

1. Reset all settings on Apple TV

1) Open the Settings app on your Apple TV 4K or earlier.

2) Go to System and select Reset under the Maintenance heading.

Reset under Maintenance in Apple TV Settings

3) From here, choose:

  • Reset: This will restore your Apple TV box to factory settings, erasing all data and settings. It does not need an internet connection.
  • Reset and Update: In addition to what’s done by reset, this will also update your Apple TV to the latest supported version of tvOS. Your Apple TV must be connected to Wi-Fi or Ethernet for the update to download.
Reset dialog box on Apple TV

Note: On Apple TV (3rd generation) or earlier, Reset is called Reset All Settings and Reset and Update is Restore.

After your Apple TV resets successfully, you will have to set it up again by following the on-screen instructions.

In case your Apple TV’s feed does not appear on the TV screen, make sure the right HDMI input (HDMI 1, HDMI 2, etc.) is selected on your TV.

2. Use your iPhone to restore your Apple TV

If your Apple TV HD (introduced in 2015) or Apple TV 4K (all models), running tvOS 17 or later, develops major problems, you may see an image of an Apple TV box next to a hand holding an iPhone.

tvOS Recovery Mode screen

Now, you can use your iPhone running iOS 17 or later to restore your Apple TV.

1) Unlock your iPhone and hold it very close to your Apple TV box.

2) An AirPods-style alert will appear on your iPhone saying, “Recover Apple TV. There is a problem with this Apple TV that requires it to be updated or restored.” Tap Continue and follow along.

3) Apple TV will now start recovering. Make sure to leave it connected to the power source. Once the process is complete, your Apple TV will reboot, and then you can use it or set it up if required.

Restoring Apple TV using iPhone

3. Use a Mac or PC to put your Apple TV in DFU mode and restore it

Apple TV HD (introduced in 2015) has a USB-C port at the back; Apple TV 3rd and 2nd generations have a Micro-USB port; and Apple TV 1st generation has a USB 2.0 port. The ports on these models are there for servicing the box by the user. But, all newer models like Apple TV 4K (1st generation and later) do not have this user-accessible port at the back.

So, these steps only apply to the older models.

1) Visit our downloads page to grab the Apple TV IPSW file for the firmware you want.

2) Disconnect all the wires from your Apple TV. Then connect your Apple TV to your computer via an appropriate cable.

3) Launch Finder on Mac running macOS Catalina or later or iTunes on Windows PC and older Macs and wait for the device to appear on the connected devices page.

If Finder or iTunes doesn’t recognize your Apple TV, you might have to put it in recovery mode.

Apple TV connected to computer showing Restore option

4) Locate the Restore Apple TV button. After that:

  • If you are on Windows hold down the shift key, and then click the Restore Apple TV… button.
  • If you are on Mac hold down the option/alt key, and then click the Restore Apple TV… button.

5) A file browser should now appear. Navigate to the IPSW firmware file which you downloaded earlier, and select it.

Select IPSW file to restore on Apple TV

6) At the confirmation dialogue which appears, check that it reports the correct firmware version to restore to, and then hit Restore.

Computer will erase Apple TV message

7) Your Apple TV will now begin the restore process. Do not disconnect it from the computer, until it is complete.

Apple TV in Recovery Mode while its software is restoring

8) Once the restore is complete the following message will appear: Your Apple TV has been restored to factory settings. Please disconnect your Apple TV from your computer and reconnect it to your TV.

Your Apple TV has been restored to factory settings message on computer screen

9) Check your tvOS version in iTunes to ensure that it has restored to the correct firmware.

Apple TV restored successfully using computer

And there you have it! This method can clear the dust and cobwebs from an Apple TV which has been running for a while. It can also upgrade or downgrade it to a higher/lower signed firmware if you want to move between them.

4. Contact Apple Support to restore your Apple TV

Since modern Apple TV models do not have a user-accessible port, you cannot use your computer to restore it.

So, if for any reason you cannot reset your Apple TV from its settings or use your iPhone to recover it, you will have to contact Apple Support or take your faulty streaming box to the Apple Store and ask them to fix it.

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