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How to restart or reset Apple TV

Based on: Apple's tvOS 26 documentation (not yet device-tested by us)tvOS: Apple docs for tvOS 26Checked

Short answer

To restart, hold TV and Back (Menu on older remotes) until the status light blinks rapidly, or unplug the Apple TV for five seconds. To factory reset, go to Settings, System, Reset, Reset. That erases everything; "Reset and Update" does the same and installs the latest tvOS.

Restart (keeps everything)

Pick whichever is easiest:

  • Remote: hold TV and Back (or Menu on the first-generation Siri Remote) until the status light blinks rapidly.
  • Power: unplug the Apple TV, wait five seconds, plug it back in.
  • Settings:

SettingsSystemRestart

Factory reset (erases everything)

SettingsSystemReset

  • Reset restores factory settings and erases all data, including accounts and configuration.
  • Reset and Update does the same and installs the latest tvOS.

If an Apple TV 4K still does not respond after a reset, Apple’s advice is to contact Apple TV Support. The cable-restore steps in Apple’s tvOS 26 guide apply to Apple TV HD only.

What we measured

  • Restart: hold TV and Back (or Menu) until the status light blinks rapidly; or unplug for five seconds; or Settings, System, Restart.Apple doc
  • Settings, System, Reset, Reset erases all data including accounts and configuration. Reset and Update also installs the latest tvOS.Apple doc
  • For an Apple TV 4K that still does not respond, Apple says to contact Apple TV Support. The USB-C restore steps in the tvOS 26 guide are for Apple TV HD.Apple doc
  • Force quit an app: press TV twice quickly, then swipe the app up.Apple doc

What the status light means

Status light, per Apple

  • On: glows. Standby: off. Starting up: flashes slowly. Each remote command: one flash. Updating: flashes quickly.Apple doc

Update instead of reset

Many problems that look like they need a reset are fixed by a tvOS update:

SettingsSystemSoftware UpdatesUpdate Software

Do not unplug the Apple TV while it updates. Screen black or no picture at all? See Apple TV not working.

Questions people ask

Does restarting Apple TV delete anything?

No. A restart from the remote, the power cord or Settings keeps all your apps, accounts and settings. Only Reset erases data.

What is the difference between Reset and Reset and Update?

Both restore factory settings. Reset and Update also installs the latest tvOS during the process.

How do I close a frozen app without restarting?

Press the TV button twice quickly, then swipe the app up to force quit it.