Article Summary
If your Apple TV isn't working properly, try the following steps:
- Check your power cord and HDMI cable connections.
- Ensure your TV's HDMI input settings match the connected port for your Apple TV.
- Check that your Apple TV is connected to the right WiFi network.
- Move your router and Apple TV closer together, and make sure there aren't any obstructions.
- Check for tvOS software updates.
- Restart your device and/or unplug it from power for a few seconds.
- Perform a factory reset to restore your Apple TV to default settings.
If none of the above fixes your issue, contact Apple Support.
Before you dive into all the latest streaming services (we're looking at you, HBO Max and Disney+), you'll first need a device that supports your cinematic proclivities. Enter Apple TV: one of the top streaming devices on the market, offering the quality that Apple products are known for. So what do you do if your Apple TV is not working?
In this guide, we'll walk you through some of the most common Apple TV problems and solutions, including how to fix Apple TV WiFi issues and what to do if your Apple TV freezes mid-stream.
Issue #1: Apple TV Not Turning On
You're ready to settle in with a bowl of popcorn and your favorite movie, but as you click your Siri Remote… nothing happens. Your Apple TV is taking a hiatus instead of ushering in your well-earned Netflix night. Not to worry—here's how to wake it back up.
Fix #1: Check the status light
First, look to see if your Apple TV device status light is on. You'll find it in the lower right-hand corner on the front of the unit—it should be a bright white dot. If it's missing, try the following to get it to turn on:
- Unplug the end of the power cord that attaches to your Apple TV. Wait 30 seconds before plugging it back in, then check the status light.
- If it's still off, check your power source. Ensure that the plug is securely into the wall, and that any power strips are turned on. Then, switch the power cord to a different outlet.
If your Apple TV status light is flashing and continues for at least three minutes, you'll need to perform a factory reset on your device.
Fix #2: Check the HDMI cable
If the status light is on, but you still see a blank screen, check your HDMI connection. Unplug the HDMI cable from both your TV and your Apple TV, wait a few seconds, then plug them back in and see if video appears on the screen.
If that doesn't help, reset your HDMI input settings. First, turn your TV off completely and disconnect your Apple TV from its power source. Then, after plugging it back in, turn on your TV and find its main menu. Check that your HDMI input selection is the same as the port to which you've connected your Apple TV device.
Issue #2: Apple TV Not Connecting to WiFi
They're the six most frustrating words in the streaming world: "You're not connected to the internet." If this error message is putting your film fest on hold, here are a few steps you can take to work through the problem.
Fix #1: Make sure your internet is up and running
Check your other internet-connected devices to see whether they're experiencing connectivity issues, too. If, for example, you're having trouble connecting your iPhone to WiFi, then you know your issue is with your router or internet service provider, and not with your Apple TV.
If your other devices connect just fine, move on to the next Apple TV troubleshooting options.
Fix #2: Confirm you're connected to the right WiFi network
Whether you just switched internet providers or you've changed our password recently, there are a few reasons why your Apple TV may try to connect to the wrong WiFi. Check that its associated network is the correct one by accessing your Settings menu. Under Network, you'll be able to see the WiFi network supporting your Apple TV. If it's the wrong one, forget the network and sign in to the right one!
Fix #3: Sign out of your WiFi network
If your Apple TV's Network settings show that you're connected to the right WiFi, try signing out and back in (just make sure you remember what your password is first!). Sometimes this helps rejigger your system into recognizing the WiFi network again.
Fix #4: Move your wireless router
If your Apple TV is too far away from your router, it won't receive the necessary signal to work properly. Try moving your router closer to your Apple TV (or vice versa) to see if a stronger signal gets your device up and running. Just make sure it's at least a foot away to avoid interference.
Fix #5: Restart your Apple TV and internet connection
Reboot your modem, router, and Apple TV device to give everything a fresh start. For your modem and router, simply unplug them from their power unit(s) and, after waiting a few seconds, plug them back in again. To restart your Apple TV, go to your System menu (or General menu, for older models) and select "Restart."
Fix #6: Use an Ethernet cable to check for updates
Your problem may be tied to an outdated operating system—but without internet, you won't be able to download the required software update. To do so, you'll need to connect your Apple TV directly to your modem or router via an Ethernet cable.
Once connected, you can access your Settings menu. Under "System," select "Software Updates." This will let you know whether there's a tvOS update waiting for you.
If your Apple TV is up to date, your router's firmware may not be. Those using an Apple AirPort router can update the firmware themselves. If you have a non-Apple router, you'll need to contact your manufacturer to inquire about any outstanding updates.
Issue #3: Apple TV Content Not Streaming
It's a true nightmare scenario: You're just about to find out what's REALLY going on in The Upside Down when your stream simply quits. If that's not one of the "stranger things" in tech, we don't know what is.
If your Apple TV is having consistent streaming problems, a number of things could be to blame. Here's how to narrow it down.
- Restart your Apple TV by accessing your Settings menu, finding "System" or "General," and selecting "Restart."
- If that doesn't work, check your internet connection and speed. Your Apple TV needs speeds of at least 8 Mbps to stream HD content.
- Assess how many people are currently using your internet connection. The more people eating up your bandwidth, the harder your Apple TV has to fight to deliver your content.
- Check your streaming connection on a different device—for example, use the Netflix app on your iPhone to see if you can get a quality stream. If both devices are having trouble, it's likely not your Apple TV—it's your internet connection.
If none of these quick fixes work, check with your streaming service for any outages. If everything is up and running, you may need to perform a factory reset on your Apple TV.
Lagging Internet = Endless Buffering
Your stuttering video stream may have nothing to do with your Apple TV, and everything to do with your internet speeds. So how do you give your downloads a bit more "oomph?" Check our guide on how to boost your home WiFi connection and get your streaming back on track.
Issue #4: Apple TV Not Responding to Apple Remote
Your Apple TV is just a hunk of plastic if the remote control isn't working. Here's what to do if your Apple TV won't respond to your compatible remote.
- Check the battery. If you have a Siri Remote or Apple TV Remote, use a Lightning charger to give it a boost. If you have an older Apple Remote, replace the internal coin battery.
- Make sure nothing is blocking your Apple TV's remote sensor.
- Unplug your Apple TV from the power outlet, wait a few seconds, then plug it back in.
If these quick fixes didn't help, your next steps differ based on what kind of Apple remote you have.
For a Siri Remote or Apple TV Remote:
- Check your Accessibility features in the Settings menu. If they're turned on (and you don't need them to be), they may affect how well your remote scrolls and responds to your Apple TV.
- Pair your remote again by holding down the Menu and Volume Up buttons at least five seconds. Your system may ask you to place your remote on top of your Apple TV to finish the process.
For an aluminum Apple Remote:
- Unlink your remote from your Apple TV by holding down the Menu and Left buttons for at least six seconds. You should see a broken link symbol above the remote icon on your Apple TV screen.
- Re-link the remote to your Apple TV by holding down the Menu and Right buttons for at least six seconds. The link symbol should now appear joined above the remote icon on your Apple TV screen.
- Unplug your Apple TV from power for at least six seconds, then plug it back in.
If you're still unable to get your Apple TV remote to work, use the Apple Remote app on your iPhone or other iOS device to control your Apple TV in the meantime. You may need a new physical remote control.
Issue #5: Apple TV Is Frozen
Often, this is the easiest Apple TV problem to fix. Typically, all you need to do to unfreeze a stuck Apple TV device is execute a forced restart by holding down the Menu and Home buttons on your Siri Remote or Apple TV remote. This should break through whatever spell your Apple TV was momentarily under.
If a forced restart doesn't work, unplug the Apple TV unit from its power source, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then plug it back in and restart your device.
Apple TV Troubleshooting FAQs
What is Apple TV, anyway?
An Apple TV is a device that connects your television to the internet for streaming, gaming, and other web-powered activities. Much like you would on an iPhone or Mac, you can download various apps to your Apple TV, including streaming services like Netflix and YouTube TV, fitness apps like Daily Burn and Peloton, and more. Other similar streaming devices include Roku, Chromecast, and Amazon Fire Stick.
What internet speed do I need for Apple TV?
To stream high-definition content on your AppleTV, your internet connection must be at least 8 Mbps or faster. Any slower and you'll likely suffer the dreaded buffering wheel. Check out our guide to the fastest internet providers for streaming, and take a look below at the top internet plans that support streaming speeds.
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#1
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AT&T 
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#2
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Xfinity 
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#3
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Frontier 
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Spectrum 
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#5
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Kinetic 
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#6
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WOW! 
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I keep getting the Apple logo on my screen, then it goes black. What's going on?
You need to reset your Apple TV's resolution. To do so, hold down both the Menu and Volume Down buttons on your Apple TV remote for five seconds. Your device will start to cycle through a new resolution every 20 seconds or so—to choose one, select "OK."
My Apple TV won't connect to my office's free WiFi network. Why not?
Apple TVs aren't compatible with "captive" internet networks, which require some form of additional authorization before you're allowed to access that network (like a portal page or secondary password). If your office, dorm room, apartment, or other venue uses a captive WiFi network, your AppleTV won't connect.
I've tried everything you've suggested, and my Apple TV is still acting wonky. What do I do?
Your last resort to fixing your Apple TV connection is to restore it to its factory default settings. The upside is that this will completely wipe the proverbial slate clean, including any bugs that are causing your Apple TV issues. The bummer, though, is that it also clears your device of all of your stored information, downloads, and customizations, meaning you'll need to go through a fresh setup process.
To restore your AppleTV to factory settings, go into your device Settings menu, and under "System," choose "Reset." If you still can't get it to function properly, you may need to resort to contacting Apple Support.
Lauren Hannula
Managing Editor
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