Tech Reference

How to restart any Apple TV model in 3 ways, to fix glitches and other issues

apple tv
It should only take a minute to restart any Apple TV model. Apple/Business Insider
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Since the Apple TV doesn't have a power button, you can't physically restart it from the device unless you unplug and plug it back in. 

Restarting can be useful for several reasons, especially if your Apple TV is frozen or needs to be troubleshooted. 

Luckily, there are ways to restart an Apple TV that are easier than unplugging it from the wall. Here's how to restart your Apple TV in two ways, using the remote and Settings app.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

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

How to restart an Apple TV

First, you can use the remote.

  • If you have a Siri Remote or Apple TV Remote — this remote has a touchpad and a microphone button — hold down the Home and Menu buttons until the light on your Apple TV flashes. Let go when the light on your Apple TV starts flashing and it will restart. 
how to restart apple tv 1
The Home button has an icon that looks like a TV screen.  Apple
  • If you have an older Apple TV Remote, hold the Menu and down buttons until the light on your Apple TV flashes. Let go, and your device will reset.
how to restart apple tv 2
You'll want to hold down the "Menu" and down buttons.  Apple

You can also restart your Apple TV by going through the Settings app.

On an Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD:

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

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

3. Select "Restart."

How to restart Apple TV 3
Select the "Restart" option.  Ryan Ariano/Business Insider

Your Apple TV will take a moment to restart.

On an Apple TV 3 or older:

1. Open your Settings app.

2. Open the "General" menu.

3. Scroll to and click on "Restart."

If for some reason your remote isn't working and you can't use it to restart your device, instead unplug your Apple TV, wait for six seconds, and then plug it back in.

 

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Ryan Ariano grew up in Baltimore when the Macintosh was cutting edge, lived in Los Angeles as Blackberries gave way to iPhones, and now lives in Jackson Hole where his life is held together by Bluetooth. He writes on a wide range of topics but especially loves nerding out across the tech spectrum. Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here.