How to manually update your Apple TV, or set it to update automatically in the background

Apple regularly updates its products, and the Apple TV is no exception. These updates are geared towards everything from improving functionality to fixing security issues. 

As such, it's important that you regularly update your Apple TV. You can manually check for and download updates for your Apple TV, as well as adjust your settings to ensure your Apple TV is updating automatically.

Here's how to do both.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Apple TV 4K (From $179.99 at Best Buy)

How to update an Apple TV

To manually check for updates:

1. Open the Settings app, which has an icon that looks like a gray gear.

2. Scroll down to and click on "System."

3. Scroll to and select "Software Updates."

4. Click on "Update Software."

If there's an update available, it will start downloading the update. Once your Apple TV has finished updating, you'll see a message saying, "Your Apple TV is up to date."

Of course, if you don't feel like manually checking for updates all the time, you can set your Apple TV to look for and download updates automatically. Here's how:

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Scroll to and select "System."

3. Open the "Software Updates" tab.

4. Make sure that "Automatically Update" is set to the "On" setting. If it's set to "Off," click on it to turn it on.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to download apps on your Apple TV device through the App Store

• How to use your iPhone as an Apple TV remote with a free app

• How to get Disney Plus on your Apple TV, by subscribing to the streaming service and downloading the app

• 'Does Roku have Apple TV?': Yes, most Roku players have Apple TV — here's how to download and watch Apple TV on a compatible Roku

• How to sign up for Apple TV+ and check if you apply for a free one-year subscription