Need to reset your Apple TV? Here's how

We've all been there. It's a Friday night and you're sitting on the couch with a pint of ice cream, ready to watch Ted Lasso, but your Apple TV® won't turn on. Annoying, right?

Don't worry. Here at Asurion, we help you get the most out of your tech—whether you need help troubleshooting Face ID® or casting your iPhone® or Android™ phone to your TV. Here's how to reset your Apple TV to its factory settings.

How to reset Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD

If your Apple TV doesn't work and you've already tried restarting it, your next step is to reset your device to its factory settings. Keep in mind that this process will erase all your data, including your accounts and configurations. It can also take some time, so be patient.

Here's how to reset your Apple TV with the remote:

1. Open Settings on your Apple TV.
2. Go to General > Reset.
3. Choose a reset option:
   • Reset. This is the fastest way to reset your Apple TV to factory settings. You don't need an internet connection.
   • Reset and Update. This option resets your Apple TV to its factory settings while, at the same time, installing software updates. It requires an internet connection.
4. Keep your Apple TV plugged into power until the reset process is finished.

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How to reset your Apple TV (3rd generation or an earlier version)

Using your remote, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings on your Apple TV.
2. Go to System > Reset.
3. Choose one of these options:
   • Reset All Settings. This option resets your settings, including your accounts and configurations.
   • Restore. This option returns your Apple TV to its factory settings and installs software updates. It requires an internet connection.
4. Keep your Apple TV plugged into power until the Reset process finishes. When it's done, set up your Apple TV again.

How to reset Apple TV without the remote

Whether you lost your Apple TV remote or it isn't working, you can still reset your device. All you need is a computer with the iTunes® app, a high-speed internet connection, and a Micro-USB cable (for Apple TV 3rd generation) or USB-C cable (for Apple TV 4th generation).

Reset your Apple TV using your iPad or iPhone

1. Using your iOS device, open the Apple TV Remote app—if you have the latest iOS installed, you'll find it in the Control Center when you swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen. If you're running an earlier version of iOS, you'll need to manually add the remote app. Go to Settings > Control Center, and tap Add next to Apple TV Remote.
2. Be sure your device is connected to the same Wi-Fi as your Apple TV.
3. Choose Add Apple TV, then select your Apple TV.
4. If asked, enter the 4-digit code on your device that appears on Apple TV.
5. Go to Settings > System (or General for 3rd generation and earlier) > Reset.

Reset your Apple TV using a newer Mac computer

Follow these steps if your Mac® is running the Catalina operating system or a later version.

1. Disconnect the power and HDMI cables from Apple TV.
2. Connect your computer to your Apple TV using the Micro USB cable (for Apple TV 3rd generation) or the USB-C cable (for Apple TV 4th generation). You shouldn't use a Lightning® cable to connect your Apple TV.
3. Open the Finder® on your computer. Select Apple TV in the sidebar, then Restore.
4. Don't do anything until the reset process is complete.

Reset your Apple TV using an older Mac or a PC

Follow these steps if you're using a Mac running the Mojave operating system or an earlier version—or if you're using a PC with iTunes.

1. Disconnect the power and HDMI cables from Apple TV.
2. Connect your computer to your Apple TV using the Micro USB cable (for Apple TV 3rd generation) or the USB-C cable (for Apple TV 4th generation). You should not use a Lightning cable to connect your Apple TV.
3. Open iTunes on your computer.
4. Select Apple TV in the Source list, then choose Restore.
5. Don't do anything until the reset process finishes.