If your Apple TV is freezing, lagging, or misbehaving, a quick reset can fix it. This will restore the device to factory settings and will remove all your apps, passwords, and data. Here’s everything you need to know about how to reset your Apple TV and remote so you can get back to watching your favorite shows.
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How to Reset Apple TV in Settings
To reset an Apple TV device, press the “<” or “Menu” button on your remote (depending on which model you have). Then scroll down to “Settings” and go to “Settings > System > Reset” (or on older models, go to “Settings > General > Reset”).
- Press the “<” or “Menu” button on your Apple TV remote. Press this button until you see the Apple TV home screen.
Note: This will depend on which type of Apple TV remote you have. To find out the differences, check out this guide from Apple.
- Scroll down and select “Settings.”
- Go to “System.”
Note: You will only see this option on Apple TV 4K and HD models. On Apple TV 3rd generation or earlier models, you’ll go to “General > Reset” instead. To identify your Apple TV device, check out this guide from Apple.
- Select “Reset.”
- Finally, select “Reset” or “Reset and Update.”
Note: The “Reset” option is faster and doesn’t require a WiFi connection.
How to Reset Apple TV Remote
If your Apple TV remote isn’t working properly, you can reset it by pressing the “TV/Control Center” + “Volume Down” buttons for at least 5 seconds. Then wait 15 seconds for your remote to reset. Finally, press any button to reconnect the remote.
- Press the “TV/Control Center” + “Volume Down” buttons on your remote for 5 seconds. You should see the status light on your Apple TV device turn off and back on. When it turns back on, you can release the buttons.
- Wait 15 seconds for your remote to disconnect. You’ll see a notification in the top-right corner of your TV when it resets.
- Finally, press any button to reconnect. You will see a notification in the top-right corner of your TV when the Apple remote reconnects.
How to Reset Apple TV Without a Remote
To reset an Apple TV without a remote, swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone and select the remote icon. Then press the “<” button on your iPhone remote and go to “Settings > System > Reset” (or on older models, go to “Settings > General > Reset”).
Note: These steps require you to have an iPhone connected to the same WiFi network as your Apple TV device.
- Swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone. This will open the Control Center.
- Tap the “Remote” icon.
Note: If you don’t see this option, tap and hold an empty area of the Control Center and select “Add a control.” Then scroll down and tap “Remote” to add the option to your Control Center.
- Tap the “<” button on the iPhone remote.
Note: If your iPhone remote doesn’t automatically connect to your Apple TV device, make sure both devices are connected to the same WiFi network. Then tap “Choose a TV” at the top of the screen to select your Apple TV device.
- Finally, go to “Settings > System > Reset.” On older Apple TV models, select “Settings > General > Reset” instead.
