What resetting your Apple TV does

A factory reset erases everything on your Apple TV — all apps, settings, sign-ins, and stored data — and returns it to the state it was in when it left the factory. This is the most thorough way to remove your personal information before selling the device, giving it away, or troubleshooting a serious problem.

The reset process takes 10 to 15 minutes and requires your Apple TV to stay plugged in and connected to power the entire time. Once the reset completes, you will need to set up the device again from the beginning, including signing back into your Apple ID and reinstalling apps.

A reset is different from signing out of your Apple ID alone. Signing out removes your account but leaves apps and settings in place. A reset removes everything.

Key Takeaways

  • A factory reset erases all apps, settings, and personal data from your Apple TV and cannot be undone.
  • You can reset through Settings on the device itself, or through Find My if you no longer have physical access to it.
  • The reset process takes 10 to 15 minutes and your Apple TV must remain powered on throughout.
  • After a reset, you will need to set up the device again and sign back into your Apple ID to use it.
  • If you plan to sell or give away the device, sign out of your Apple ID before the reset to prevent set up lock issues.

How to reset through the Settings menu

This is the standard method when you have the Apple TV in front of you and can use the remote. Open the Settings app on your Apple TV home screen, then navigate to System, then Reset. You will see two options: Reset and Sign Out, or Erase All Content and Settings. Choose Erase All Content and Settings.

The Apple TV will ask you to confirm. Select Erase to proceed. The device will restart and begin the reset process. You will see a progress screen. Do not unplug the device or turn it off during this time — let it run until the setup screen appears, which signals the reset is complete.

Once the reset finishes, your Apple TV will display the initial setup screen, the same one you saw when you first turned on the device. From here, you can set it up again with a new Apple ID or the same one you used before.

How to reset using Find My if you cannot access the device

If your Apple TV is lost, stolen, or you no longer have physical access to it, you can erase it remotely through Find My on another Apple device. Open Find My on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, then select Devices at the top of the screen.

Find your Apple TV in the list and tap or click it. If the device is online, you will see an option to Erase This Device. Tap or click that option and confirm. The Apple TV will erase itself the next time it connects to the internet, even if you are not home.

This method requires that Find My was turned on before the device was lost or became inaccessible. If Find My was never enabled, you cannot erase the device remotely.

What to do before you reset if you are selling or giving away the device

Before you reset, sign out of your Apple ID on the Apple TV. Go to Settings, then Users and Accounts, then select your Apple ID account. Choose Sign Out. This step prevents set up lock, a security feature that ties the device to your Apple ID even after a reset.

If you reset without signing out first, the next person who sets up the Apple TV will be asked to enter your Apple ID credentials to proceed. They will not be able to use the device without your password, and you will need to contact Apple Support to remove the lock.

After you sign out, you can then perform the factory reset through Settings as described above. Once the reset is complete and the setup screen appears, the device is ready to hand over or sell.

Troubleshooting a reset that will not start or complete

If the reset option is grayed out or does not respond, restart your Apple TV first. Unplug it from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for it to fully boot up, then try the reset again through Settings.

If the reset starts but gets stuck on the progress screen, do not force it off when ready. Wait at least 20 minutes — some resets take longer than expected. If it is still stuck after 20 minutes, unplug the device, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. The reset may resume or restart.

If the device will not reset and you need to erase it, try the Find My method instead. If Find My is not available and the device is unresponsive, contact Apple Support with your device serial number. You can find the serial number in Settings under About.

What happens after the reset is complete

Your Apple TV will display the setup screen you saw on day one. You will be asked to select a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with an Apple ID. Use the same Apple ID you used before, or a different one if you prefer.

After you sign in, the Apple TV will read your previously purchased apps and content from the App Store. This can take several minutes depending on how many apps you had. You do not need to reinstall them manually — they will appear automatically.

Any subscriptions you had (Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV+) will still be active on your account, but you will need to sign back into each app individually. Your viewing history and preferences will not return — those are stored in each app's servers, not on the Apple TV itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a reset remove the tvOS operating system?

No. A reset only erases your personal data and apps. The tvOS system software stays on the device. After the reset, your Apple TV will have the same version of tvOS it had before.

Can I undo a reset after it is done?

No. A factory reset cannot be undone. If you reset by mistake, you will need to set up the device again and sign back into your accounts. Your data will not return.

Do I need Wi-Fi to reset my Apple TV?

You do not need Wi-Fi to start the reset, but the device must be plugged into power. If you want to set up the device after the reset, you will need Wi-Fi to sign in and read apps.

What if I forgot my Apple ID password before resetting?

You can still reset the device. Go to Settings and choose Erase All Content and Settings without signing out first. After the reset completes, you will be asked for your Apple ID password during setup. If you do not remember it, visit iforgot.apple.com to reset your password before setting up the device again.

Does resetting my Apple TV affect other devices on my Apple ID?

No. Resetting the Apple TV only affects that device. Your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other devices will not be changed. Your Apple ID account itself remains active on all your devices.