Apple TV Won't Turn On? How to Fix It GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Streaming > Streaming Devices

Apple TV Won't Turn On? How to Fix It

Try these troubleshooting tips to find the reason and get it working

By Michael Archambault Michael Archambault Writer New York Institute of Technology Michael Archambault is a technology writer and digital media specialist. His work has appeared in Mobile Nations, Amazon’s Digital Photography Review, PetaPixel, and other outlets. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on October 11, 2020 Reviewed by Christine Baker Reviewed by Christine Baker Christine Baker is a marketing consultant with experience working for a variety of clients. Her expertise includes social media, web development, and graphic design. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Streaming Devices Apple TV Roku Chromecast Fire TV There is nothing worse than sitting down with your Apple TV only to discover it won't turn on. If your Apple TV doesn't turn on successfully, try these fixes to get back to binge-watching. Information in this article applies to all Apple TV models through Apple TV 4K.

Reasons an Apple TV Won' t Turn On

Most of the reasons an Apple TV won't turn on are related to power, cables, and connections. These are relatively easy to test for. It is possible the Apple TV has a software problem. That's fixable, but it isn't easy to fix. Leave that one for last.

How to Fix an Apple TV That Won' t Turn On

To begin troubleshooting your Apple TV, locate the indicator light. The small LED is on the front of the Apple TV. The status of the light is a guide to the likely problem and fix. Then try the following fixes. Restart the Apple TV. Unplug the Apple TV from the outlet. Wait five seconds and then plug it back in. A restart can fix many problems you may experience with the Apple TV. Reseat the HDMI cable. Unplug the HDMI cable from both the Apple TV and television. Then plug both ends back in again. This action forces the signal to refresh. When the Apple TV status indicator light is stable, the problem is most likely with the TV or the connection to the TV. Try a different HDMI cable. The current one you're using may be faulty and the root of the problem. Check the HDMI input. Confirm the television is on the proper HDMI input for the Apple TV. Check the back of the television to see which port the Apple TV is plugged into. If the TV has multiple ports, try a different one starting with HDMI 1 or Input 1. Check the power outlet. When you don't see an Apple TV indicator light, be sure that the Apple TV is plugged into the wall and the socket is correctly receiving power. If the outlet works correctly, use a different Apple TV power cord if one is available. Restore the Apple TV software. If the Apple TV status indicator light flashes for more than a minute, the Apple TV may be experiencing a software problem and needs to be restored using your PC or Mac.

If You Still Can' t Turn It On

There's a limited amount of troubleshooting you can perform at home for your Apple TV. If the Apple TV still doesn't work after trying these fixes, either call the Apple support number or take the unit to a local Apple Store for repair. A technician can provide proper assistance for the product. If you intend to take your Apple TV in for service at a local Apple Store, make an appointment online with the Genius Bar. This prevents you from waiting in the walk-in queue at the store. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Fix an Apple Watch That Won't Turn On How to Fix It When Your PS4 Won't Turn On How to Fix Disney Plus Error Code 39 How to Fix a Vizio TV That Won't Connect to Wi-Fi How to Fix Vizio TV Black Screen of Death Here's How to Fix An iPhone That Won't Turn Off How to Fix the Xbox 360 Red Ring of Death How to Fix It When a Fire Stick Is Not Loading Apple TV Problems and How to Solve Them How to Fix It When Chromecast Isn't Working How to Fix It When an Apple TV Remote Isn't Working How to Pair an Apple TV Remote Xbox One Won't Turn On? How to Fix It How to Fix It When Fire Stick Keeps Optimizing How to Fix an Xbox One Controller That Won't Turn On How to Fix It When Roku TV Won't Turn On Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies