Restart, force restart and reset an Apple TV

There are three ways to restart an Apple TV, and they do very different things. Pick by what's happening on the screen: a sluggish screen wants a software restart, a frozen one wants a power cycle, and a device heading to a new site wants a full reset.

Restart from Settings

Use this first if a screen is slow but still responds to the remote.

1. On the Apple TV, go to Settings → System.
2. Select Restart.

Nothing is erased — the Apple TV simply reboots.

Force restart (power cycle)

This is the go-to fix for a frozen screen or an unresponsive remote, and the "hard reset" most people mean.

1. Unplug the Apple TV from power.
2. Wait about 5 seconds.
3. Plug it back in.

It doesn't erase anything, and it works on every model.

Tip: on an Apple TV 4K you can also force a restart from the remote — hold the Back/Menu and TV/Control Centre buttons together until the small light on the front flashes, then let go. The power cycle is easier and works on any model.

For a frozen Billboard screen, reach for the power cycle: Billboard relaunches and resumes on its own once the Apple TV is back up.

Factory reset (erase everything)

A factory reset wipes all accounts, settings and installed apps. Only do this before handing a device on or redeploying it to a new site.

1. Go to Settings → System → Reset.
2. Choose Reset to erase, or Reset and Update to erase and update to the latest tvOS.
3. Keep the Apple TV plugged into power until it finishes.

After a reset you'll need to re-add the Billboard app and enter your gallery code again — or re-enrol the Apple TV in your MDM. See Getting started to set it up from scratch.

Which one do I need?

• Unresponsive but powered on → force restart (power cycle).
• Slow but still responding → restart from Settings.
• Being redeployed to a new site → factory reset.

Apple's own guides

• Restart Apple TV
• Reset Apple TV to factory settings

Still stuck? Email us at support@getbillboard.app and we'll help.