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To restart Apple TV without losing your setup, open Settings > System > Restart. If it is unresponsive, disconnect its power for five seconds, then reconnect it. A factory reset is different: it erases data, including accounts and configuration, so do not choose Reset or Reset and Update when you want to keep your settings.
Restart Apple TV from Settings
If you can navigate the menus, this is the simplest option for Apple TV 4K:
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- Open Settings.
- Select System.
- Select Restart.
This restarts the device rather than returning it to factory settings. Apple recommends restarting an Apple TV 4K that is not responding; see Apple’s Restart Apple TV 4K guide.
Restart if Apple TV is frozen or you cannot use Settings
Disconnect and reconnect power
Unplug Apple TV from the power outlet, wait five seconds, then reconnect it. This is a restart, not a factory reset.
#1 Best Overall
- The Siri Remote (3rd generation) brings precise control to your Apple TV 4K.
- Its touch-enabled clickpad lets you select titles, swipe through playlists, and use a circular gesture on the outer ring to find just the scene you’re looking for.
- With Siri, you can find what you want to watch using your voice.
- Includes a USB-C port to quickly recharge.
- Compatible with Apple TV 4K (3rd generation), Apple TV 4K (2nd generation), Apple TV 4K (1st generation), and Apple TV HD
Use the remote restart shortcut
Apple’s Apple TV 4K guide describes holding the TV button and the other button shown in its instructions until the status light blinks rapidly. Because the button icon is not clear in the available guide rendering, do not guess at the combination. Use the Settings or power-disconnect method if you cannot verify the correct buttons. The instructions are in Apple’s restart guide.
Restart versus reset: what happens to your settings?
| Action | What it does | Keeps current setup? |
|---|---|---|
| Restart | Reboots Apple TV using Settings, the documented remote method, or a brief power disconnect. | Yes; it is the option to use when you want to retain settings. |
| Reset (Apple TV 4K or HD) | Returns the device to factory settings. | No. Apple says accounts and configuration are erased. |
| Reset and Update (Apple TV 4K or HD) | Erases settings and information, returns the device to factory settings, and installs the latest tvOS. It requires an internet connection. | No. |
| Reset All Settings (Apple TV 3rd generation or earlier) | Resets settings, including accounts and configurations. | No. |
| Restore (Apple TV 3rd generation or earlier) | Returns the device to factory settings and installs software updates. | No. |
Apple’s Reset Apple TV support article says that for Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD, Reset is the fastest factory-reset option and does not require an internet connection. Reset and Update requires internet. Keep the device connected to power until either process finishes.
Rank #2
- 【Note】NOT Siri Remote, NO Voice Function! The power/volume/mute buttons could only works for samsung/LG/Vizio/Hisense/Sony/Amz Firre/Toshiba/Insignia Firre TVs. Please "UNLOCK" your old device with remote before using our remote, or our remote will not connect to your device!!!
- 【Compatible Models】 Replacement for Apple TV Remote: For Apple TV A1218(1st Gen), for Apple TV A1378(2nd Gen), for Apple TV A1427/A1469(3rd Gen). For Apple TV HD A1625(4th gen), for Apple TV HD MHY93LL/A(5th gen). For Apple TV 4K A1842(1st Gen), for Apple TV 4K A2169(2nd Gen), for Apple TV 4K A2737/A2843(3rd Gen)
- 【Remote Compatibility】Replacement IR remote compatible with Apple TV Remote (white) A1156 MA128LL/A, for Apple TV Remote (aluminum) MM4T2AM/A. For Siri Remote (1st Gen)/Apple TV Remote (1st Gen) MQGD2LL/A, for Siri Remote (2nd Gen)/Apple TV Remote (2nd Gen) MJFM3LL/A, for Siri Remote(3rd Gen) /Apple TV Remote (3rd Gen) MNC73AM/A
- 【Packing Included】Comes with user manual. NO more worry on pairing. Just need to insert 2*AAA remote and it's ready for use. (Package includes 1*Replacement and 1*User Manual. Batteries are NOT included)
- 【Note】If you TV brand is not what we listed in our detail page, please do not take this remote home, or it will not be compatible! Please "UNLOCK" your old device with remote before using our remote, or our remote will not connect to your device!!!
Reset menus vary by Apple TV generation
Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD
The factory-reset choices are under Settings > System > Reset. Both erase data; choose neither if your goal is simply to restart and preserve the current setup.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesApple TV (3rd generation) or earlier
Open Settings > General > Reset. Reset All Settings resets settings, including accounts and configurations; Restore returns the device to factory settings and installs software updates. Neither is a settings-preserving restart.
Rank #3
- Replacement Remote Control for All Apple TV Remote - 2 Year Warranty
If the remote is the problem
Remote troubleshooting is separate from restarting Apple TV itself. Apple’s Siri Remote or Apple TV Remote support article covers pairing and restarting the remote. If available, Apple TV Remote in Control Center on an iPhone or iPad can let you navigate Apple TV settings without the physical remote.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Computer recovery is not needed for a routine restart
For Apple TV HD restoration from a computer, Apple describes using Finder on a Mac or iTunes on a PC or older Mac and specifies a USB-C cable sold separately. This is a model-specific recovery route, not a requirement for restarting or for an on-device factory reset. Confirm that your particular Apple TV HD and computer support the connection before buying a cable.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Newest Universal Remote Control for All Apple TV Remote, Replacement Compatible with Apple TV/Apple TV HD/4K A1218 A1378 A1427 A1469 A1625 A1842 A2169 A2737 A2843 with TV Control Function, App Swich Function(not an original Apple remote control)
- This is an IR remote (NOT BT/RF), line-of-sight required. NOT Siri remote, NO Voice control, NO Touchpad function. Not for A-Pod/H-Pod. [For those you will need to use the original remote with BT, not IR remote!
- [Easy to Pair]- Just Press the Back and Left buttons at the same time for 6s,until the LED light flashes,If you still have problem, please read the user manual!(Battery not included)
- Power key works for TV Brand:for Samsung,for LG,for Sony,for Westinghouse,for Insignia,for Vizio,for Toshiba,not for any ROKU TV
- Compatible with Apple TV 4K (3rd generation), Apple TV 4K (2nd generation), Apple TV 4K (1st generation), and Apple TV HD
Rank #4
- 【Compatible Apple TV models】 Compatible with All Apple TV Remote, Replacement for Apple TV 4K/ Gen 1 2 3 4/ HD A2169 A1842 A1625 A1427 A1469 A1378 A1218 with TV Control Function, App Swich Function
- 【Easy Pairing】Press and hold the Back and Left button for 6 seconds,until the LED light flashes,Then it works!(Note: Battery not included)
- [IR remote (NOT BT/RF)]-line-of-sight required. NO Siri,NO Voice control,NO Touchpad function. Not for A-Pod/H-Pod. [For those you will need to use the original remote with BT]
- [with TV Control Function Buttons]- Power/Volume+/Volume-/Mute keys design for TV Brand:for Samsung,for LG,for Sony,for Westinghouse,for Insignia,for Vizio,for Toshiba,not for any ROKU TV
- [Slim Design]- Slim body design,for an elegant feel
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