Start With Restart
A restart can typically fix most problems you may experience with an Apple device. There are three ways to restart your Apple TV device: by using the Siri Remote, using the tvOS System screen, and unplugging the Apple TV device.
Restart by Using the Siri Remote
Press and hold the Menu and Home buttons on the Siri Remote at the same time until the status light on the Apple TV device starts blinking.
Restart From the tvOS System Screen
To restart from the tvOS System screen, using the Siri Remote, select Settings > System > Restart.
Restart by Unplugging the Apple TV Device
Physically disconnect the Apple TV device from power for 15 seconds. When the Apple TV device has restarted, confirm that it’s running the latest software. To do so, using the Siri Remote, select Settings > System > Software Updates > Update Software.
Problem: Poor Wi-Fi Connection
The range of potential Wi-Fi problems includes slow performance; inability to join a local network; and sudden, random disconnection. To troubleshoot a slow Wi-Fi connection, select Settings > Network. On the Network screen, under Status, look for an IP address. If no IP address appears, restart your modem or wireless access point (WAP) and Apple TV device. If an IP address appears but the signal strength is weak, you can take the following actions:
Confirm that your network and not someone else’s appears as the Network Name.Move your modem or WAP closer to the Apple TV device.Use an Ethernet cable to connect the modem or WAP to the Apple TV device instead of using a wireless connection.Invest in a Wi-Fi extender to increase the signal strength near the Apple TV device.
Problem: AirPlay Doesn’t Work
AirPlay enables you to share movies and photos from your mobile devices with friends and family by using an Apple TV. Workplaces feature conference rooms that offer AirPlay compatibility so that co-workers can share presentations and training programs. If AirPlay isn’t working on your Apple TV device, you can take two actions:
Ensure that the mobile device (iOS or iPadOS) or Mac is on the same network as the Apple TV device.Turn AirPlay on by selecting Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit on the Apple TV device. On the AirPlay screen, select AirPlay to toggle between On and Off.
Some electronic household items, such as cordless phones and microwave ovens, can interfere with AirPlay. Move your Apple TV device, modem, or WAP, and the Mac or iOS/iPadOS device that’s broadcasting away from any items that generate interference. (Also, make sure that the computer in the basement isn’t using all available bandwidth to download movies over your wireless connection at the same time.)
Problem: No Sound or Audio
To fix an audio or video problem, complete the following steps:
Problem: Siri Remote Isn’t Working
The most common reason the Siri Remote stops working is that its battery needs to be recharged. Confirm that the chosen resolution setting is appropriate for your television. On the Audio Output screen, make sure HDMI is selected. If your Siri Remote is still working, check battery power by selecting Settings > Remotes and Devices > Remote. Beside Remote, you see a graphic of the remaining battery life. To see a percentage of remaining battery life, select Remote. A percentage appears beside Battery Level. If your Siri Remote is no longer working, use the Lightning to USB cable that came with your Apple TV to plug the remote into a power source so that the remote can recharge.
Problem: Touch Surface Scrolling Speed Isn’t Right
Many Apple TV users complain that the Siri Remote has a “hair trigger.” In other words, the cursor on the screen moves too quickly. To adjust the sensitivity of the Siri Remote trackpad surface, select Settings > Remotes and Devices > Touch Surface Tracking. Then, select the option—Fast, Medium, or Slow—that you prefer.
Problem: The Apple TV Status Light Is Flashing
If the status light on the Apple TV device is flashing quickly, you may have a hardware problem. If it flashes for more than 3 minutes, you should restore your Apple TV to the factory default settings. To reset the Apple TV device to factory settings, complete the following steps:
Problem: Brightness, Color, or Tint Is Off
If the brightness, color, or tint is off in the content you’re watching on Apple TV, select Settings > Video and Audio > HDMI Output. On the HDMI Output screen, you see three settings:
Reset: This option returns the Apple TV to factory settings. This command doesn’t require an internet connection.Reset and Update: This option returns the Apple TV to factory settings and then installs software updates. This option requires an internet connection.
YCbCrRGB HighRGB Low
Select the option that works best for you.
Problem: Apple TV Says It’s out of Space
Your Apple TV streams most videos and music from the internet, but it stores apps—and their data—on its internal drive. As you download new apps, the amount of storage available shrinks until you run out of space. If you see an error message that Apple TV is out of space, complete the following steps:
Problem: Black Bars Appear on Screen or the Picture Doesn’t Fit the TV
To fix this problem, adjust your television’s aspect ratio to 16:9.
Still Having Trouble?
If you’ve tried these fixes but are still having trouble with your Apple TV device, contact Apple Support for help.
