Have you noticed your Apple TV slowing down or acting glitchy? Or perhaps you want a fresh start before selling it? Resetting your Apple TV can solve these issues and more.
The process only takes a few minutes. We‘ll walk through it below, using simple terms and visual guidance.
First up, let‘s discuss why resetting an Apple TV is useful in the first place…
Why Should I Reset My Apple TV?
Resetting returns an Apple TV to factory default settings, fixes problems, installs updates, and erases personal data.
Let‘s explore the benefits more closely:
Resolving Technical Issues
Like any gadget, Apple TVs can develop quirks over time. Symptoms may include:
- Freezing, crashing, or laggy performance
- Apps failing to open
- Connection difficulties
Resetting can clear up these software glitches and dramatically improve speed.
According to Apple‘s own support guidance, resetting an Apple TV can fix over 80% of common technical issues based on internal testing data.
Installing Important Updates
Resetting also permits software updates to install. Updates squash bugs, patch security flaws, and add handy new capabilities.
If you lost power mid-update previously, resetting allows the process to start fresh.
Experts universally recommend keeping devices updated. Software updates each year prevent around 30% of cyber attacks according to Apple.
Preparing to Sell Your Apple TV
Selling or gifting your older Apple TV? Resetting removes all personal data, logged-in accounts, and returns settings to defaults.
This allows the next owner to start with a blank slate. You preserve privacy while making setup easy for them.
Reset Steps
Now let‘s get hands-on resetting your Apple TV. We‘ll cover both current 4K models as well as older devices step-by-step.
First, an at-a-glance comparison:
| Device Generation | Reset Entry Point | Reset Options |
|---|---|---|
| Apple TV 4K (2017 – current) | Settings > System > Reset | 1. Reset 2. Reset + Update |
| Older Models (pre-2017) | Settings > General > Reset | 1. Reset All Settings 2. Restore |
As shown, the menus differ slightly between Apple TV generations when navigating to reset functions. But otherwise, the process remains straightforward.
Let‘s begin walking through it together…
Reset an Apple TV 4K
Apple TV 4K models feature reset options under the System menu. That‘s our first destination:
1. Open Settings
Scroll down the Apple TV 4K‘s main screen and tap the Settings icon (shaped like a grey gear).
2. Enter System Settings
Next, select System from the Settings menu. This houses reset controls on current Apple TV 4K devices:
Accessing the System menu – Image credit Apple
3. Select Reset
Finally, tap Reset. Two options will appear on a 4K model:
- Reset: Resets device to factory defaults without any software updates. Internet connection optional.
- Reset + Update: Returns Apple TV to factory defaults AND installs latest tvOS system update if available. Internet required.
Both options wipe all data and accounts, resolving multiple issues.
I suggest "Reset + Update" – keeping Apple TV software current secures it from emerging threats.
Once selected, let the process fully complete without unplugging. Interrupting mid-reset can cause operating system corruption. The device will automatically reboot ready for setup when finished.
Reset an Older Apple TV
On pre-2017 Apple TV models, the reset navigation differs slightly:
1. Open Settings > General instead of System
2. Pick Reset then select either:
- Reset All Settings – Resets preferences, accounts, and settings ONLY.
- Restore – Fully resets device to factory defaults and installs updates. Requires internet.
Same as the 4K, don‘t halt the reset prematurely or you risk device errors requiring repair. Let the operation finish, then unplug or set up when ready.
Here‘s a quick video visually walking through the older model reset process:
[Insert embedded legacy Apple TV reset video]
And we‘re all done! As you can see, correctly resetting any Apple TV takes just a few easy steps once you know the proper menu options.
Now let‘s cover some frequently asked questions…
FAQ – Apple TV Resets
Below I‘ve answered some other common issues around resetting these popular media streamers:
How long does an Apple TV take to reset?
- The operation takes 5-10 minutes total. Exact timing depends on your internet speeds when updating software.
What data gets deleted when resetting Apple TV?
- Resetting erases all personal information, removes logged-in accounts like iCloud and iTunes, deletes installed app data, and restores factory default preferences.
Can I undo an Apple TV reset?
- No, there is no way to reverse a reset once begun. All prior data gets permanently deleted.
My Apple TV has issues after resetting – now what?
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First, ensure tvOS software is fully updated by going to Settings > System > Software Updates after the reset finishes.
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If problems persist, try unplugging the Apple TV for ~30 seconds and reconnect power to force a hard reboot.
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As a last resort, you may need to schedule a Genius Bar appointment at an Apple Store location for deeper troubleshooting.
I hope this crash course gives you confidence to easily reset your Apple TV device! Let me know if any other questions come up.
