How to reset an Apple TV

This wikiHow guide teaches you how to reset an Apple TV (4th generation or earlier) to its original factory settings. You can reset an Apple TV in the Settings menu on the same device, or you can use iTunes or the Finder to reset it to factory settings on a computer.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Use the remote control

Step 1. Connect Apple TV to a TV and turn it on

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

If the remote doesn't work, you can reset the Apple TV using iTunes on Windows and earlier versions of macOS, or you can use the Finder on macOS Catalina

Step 2. Select the Settings menu

The Settings menu has an icon that looks like 2 silver gears. Use the remote control to navigate to the Settings menu and select it.

Step 3. Select System or General.

It's near the bottom of the Settings menu. If you have a 3rd generation Apple TV or later, select System. If you have an Apple TV 2nd generation or earlier, select general.

Step 4. Select Reset

It's near the bottom of the System menu under "Maintenance."

Step 5. Choose one of the following options

Restore options are a bit different on older Apple TV models. Select one of the following options:

Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD
- Restore:
  
  This option resets the Apple TV to its factory settings.
- Reset and update:
  
  This option resets the Apple TV to its factory settings and installs the latest updates (internet connection required).
Apple TV (3rd generation and earlier)
- Reset all settings:
  
  This option resets the Apple TV to its factory settings and clears all configuration settings and account information.
- Restore:
  
  This option resets the Apple TV to its factory settings and installs the latest updates (internet connection required).

Step 6. Wait until the reset is done

Make sure to keep the Apple TV connected and turned on until the reset process is complete. Then you can go through the setup process from scratch.

Method 2 of 3: Use iTunes (Windows and earlier versions of macOS)

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

This will turn off the Apple TV and disconnect it from the TV or monitor.

Use this method if your Apple TV gets stuck in a yellow triangle with a black exclamation point inside.
If your Apple TV isn't stuck on that symbol, you can restore it from the same device. Go to Setting, Choose System (or general on the 2nd generation model), and then select Restore.

Step 2. Open iTunes on your computer or Mac

If you're using a Mac, you should find the iTunes icon (a musical note) in the Dock or Launchpad. If you have Windows, it will be in the Start menu under All applications.

iTunes is not available on MacOS Catalina. You can only access iTunes on a Windows computer or an earlier version of MacOS. You can use the Finder to reset Apple TV on macOS Catalina

Step 3. Plug a USB cable into the back of the Apple TV

If you have a 4th generation Apple TV, you will need a USB-C cable. For 2nd and 3rd generation Apple TVs, use a micro USB cable.

Never plug a Lightning to USB cable into the back of the Apple TV

Step 4. Plug the other end of the USB cable into the computer

USB ports are usually on the side or back of the computer.

Step 5. Reconnect the Apple TV power cord (3rd and 4th generation only)

If you have a 2nd generation Apple TV, leave it disconnected from the power source.

Step 6. Click on the Apple TV logo in iTunes

It's in the upper-left corner, although if iTunes has already opened a page that says "Apple TV" at the top, then it won't be necessary.

If you can't access Apple TV in iTunes, you may not be using a USB-C or micro USB cable that supports data transmission

Step 7. Click Restore Apple TV

It's in the gray box below the software version. The Apple TV restoration will start.

Do not disconnect any cables or close any open windows during the restore process.
Once the restoration is complete, you will see a confirmation on the screen.

Method 3 of 3: Use the Finder (MacOS Catalina)

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

This will turn off the Apple TV and disconnect it from the TV or monitor.

Use this method if your Apple TV gets stuck in a yellow triangle with a black exclamation point inside.
If your Apple TV isn't stuck on that symbol, you can restore it from the same device. Go to Setting, Choose System (or general on the 2nd generation model), and then select Restore.