3 Ways to Reset an Apple TV

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

This wikiHow teaches you how to factory reset an Apple TV (4th generation or earlier). You can perform this procedure directly from the device's "Settings" menu, using iTunes or the Finder window.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Using the Remote Control

Step 1. Connect the Apple TV to the TV and turn on both devices

Use an HDMI cable to connect your Apple TV to your TV, then turn it on using the remote.

If the remote doesn't work, you can reset your Apple TV using iTunes on Windows or older versions of macOS. If you are using the Catalina version of macOS, you will be able to use the Finder window directly

Step 2. Enter the "Settings" menu

It features an icon depicting a silver gear. Use the remote control buttons to select and open the "Settings" menu.

Step 3. Select the System item or General.

It is visible at the bottom of the "Settings" menu. If you have a 3rd generation Apple TV or later, choose the option System. If you have a second generation Apple TV or an earlier model, choose the item General.

Step 4. Select the Restore option

It is listed at the bottom of the "System" menu under the "Maintenance" section.

Step 5. Choose one of the following options

The reset procedure varies slightly depending on the Apple TV model. Follow these instructions:

• Apple TV 4K / Apple TV HD

  • Reset:

    this mode allows you to restore the Apple TV to factory default settings.

  • Initialize and update:

    this function allows you to restore the factory default settings and also to update the Apple TV operating system (in this case an internet connection is required).

• Apple TV (3rd generation and earlier models).

  • Reset settings:

    this option allows you to restore the device's factory settings and delete all the contents and the user's customized settings.

  • Reset:

    this function allows you to restore the factory default settings and also to update the Apple TV operating system (in this case an internet connection is required).

  

  Step 6. Wait for the recovery process to complete

  Make sure your Apple TV is connected to the mains and running for as long as it takes to complete the reset procedure. At the end of this phase you will have to perform the initial configuration of the device again.

  Method 2 of 3: Using iTunes (Windows and Previous Versions of macOS)

  

  Step 1. Unplug the HDMI cable and the power cable from the Apple TV

  This will shut down the device completely and you can disconnect it from the TV.

  • Use this method if a yellow triangle with an exclamation point inside appears on your TV screen when you try to use your Apple TV.
  • If your Apple TV does not get stuck with the screen described above, you can perform a factory reset using the remote control and the "Settings" menu. Access the menu Settings, select the item System (or General if you are using a 2nd generation Apple TV), then choose the item Reset.

  

  Step 2. Launch the iTunes app on your computer

  If you are using a Mac, you will find the iTunes icon, characterized by a musical note, directly on the System Dock or inside the Launchpad. If you are using a PC, you will need to access the section All apps in the "Start" menu.

  iTunes is not available for the Catalina version of macOS. You can use iTunes only on Windows computers and Macs that use a different version of macOS. If you're using macOS Catalina, you can reset your Apple TV directly from the Finder window

  

  Step 3. Connect a USB cable to the corresponding port on the back of the Apple TV

  If you have a 4th generation Apple TV, you will need to use a USB-C cable. If you are using a second or third generation Apple TV, you will need to use a Micro-USB cable.

  Never connect a Lightning to USB cable to Apple TV

  

  Step 4. Now connect the other end of the USB cable to your computer

  USB ports are usually located on the back of the computer or along the sides.

  

  Step 5. Connect the power cable to the Apple TV (3rd and 4th generation devices only)

  If you are using a second generation device, you will not need to connect it to the mains using the dedicated power cord.

  

  Step 6. Click on the Apple TV logo that appeared in the iTunes window

  It is visible in the upper left corner of the window. If the tile currently displayed in the iTunes window shows "Apple TV" at the top, you don't need to perform this step.

  If you are unable to access Apple TV from iTunes, it is likely that you are using a USB-C or Micro-USB cable that does not support data transmission

  

  Step 7. Click the Reset Apple TV button

  It is displayed under the "Software" section. This will start the device reset procedure.

  • During the recovery phase, do not disconnect the Apple TV from the computer or from the power supply and do not close any of the windows that are currently open.
  • At the end of the procedure a confirmation window will be displayed.

  Method 3 of 3: Using Finder (macOS Catalina)

  

  Step 1. Disconnect the HDMI cable and the power cable from the Apple TV

  This will shut down the device completely and you can disconnect it from the TV.

  • Use this method if a yellow triangle with an exclamation point inside appears on your TV screen when you try to use your Apple TV.
  • If your Apple TV does not get stuck with the screen described above, you can perform a factory reset using the remote control and the "Settings" menu. Access the menu Settings, select the item System (or General if you are using a 2nd generation Apple TV), then choose the item Reset.

  

  Step 2. Connect a USB cable to the corresponding port on the back of the Apple TV

  If you have a 4th generation Apple TV, you will need to use a USB-C cable. If you are using a second and third generation Apple TV, you will need to use a Micro-USB cable.

  Never connect a Lightning to USB cable to Apple TV

  

  Step 3. Now connect the other end of the USB cable to your computer

  USB ports are usually located on the back of the computer or along the sides.

  

  Step 4. Connect the power cable to the Apple TV (3rd and 4th generation devices only)

  If you are using a second generation device, you will not need to connect it to the mains using the dedicated power cord.

  

  Step 5. Open the Finder window by clicking on the icon

  

  It features a blue and white smiley face. You can find it directly on the docked system dock at the bottom of the screen.

  

  Step 6. Click on the Apple TV entry

  It is one of the options listed in the left pane of the Finder window under the "Locations" section.

  

  Step 7. Click the Restore button

  It is displayed in the main pane of the Finder window. This will start the Apple TV factory reset procedure.