Jason Fitzpatrick is the Editor in Chief of LifeSavvy, How-To Geek’s sister site focused life hacks, tips, and tricks. He has over a decade of experience in publishing and has authored thousands of articles at Review Geek, How-To Geek, and Lifehacker. Jason served as Lifehacker’s Weekend Editor before he joined How-To Geek. Read more.
Although automatic updates are enabled by default on the new Apple TV, it’s useful to know how to check your tvOS version number and manually update it. Read on as we show you how.
Note: This tutorial applies to the 2015 4th-generation Apple TV hardware update and the subsequent updates running tvOS.
Why Do I Want To Do This?
There are two parts to this tutorial, checking the version number of your Apple TV’s tvOS and updating the software. Why would you want to check the OS version number? The most common reason is simply to see if your device is up to date. (Less commonly, some people might be interested in getting their hands on an out of date model for jailbreaking or modding purposes).
The second part of the tutorial, manually updating your tvOS, is focused on forcing an update to the most current version of tvOS. While most people will be well served by the automatic update process, on days like today (the date of this tutorial’s publication, 11/09/2015) Apple just pushed out a brand new update to the recently released 4th generation Apple TV and many curious users won’t want to wait for the automatic process to kick in and would like to update right this minute.
Let’s take a look at how to check if you even need to update and then we’ll force out Apple TV to search for the update so we can make the jump to the most current version of tvOS.
Checking the tvOS Version
To check what version of tvOS you are running on your Apple TV navigate, starting from the Home screen, to the Settings icon.
Select the icon by clicking the center of your trackpad.
Select the top entry, “General”, within the “Settings” menu.
Within the “General” settings menu, select “About”.
In the “About” menu you’ll see a variety of information about your Apple TV including the model, serial number, and the tvOS version (highlighted by the red box in the screenshot above). In the screenshot you can see that the Apple TV unit we’re using for this tutorial is still on version tvOS version 9.0. Let’s take a look at how to manually update it.
Manually Updating tvOS
By default your Apple TV should be set to automatically update itself when not in active use. If you’re in a hurry to get that update, however, you’ll need to manually update instead of waiting for your Apple TV to phone home and check for updates later on.
To do so we’ll return to the Setting menu.
Within the “Settings” menu select “System”.
Within the “System” menu select “Software Updates”.
Here you can see that our Apple TV is, per the default, set up for automatic updates. We recommend leaving it on but some users who are particularly cautious about software updates may wish to turn it off (again, though, we recommend keeping it set to automatic updates for increased security and a continually up-to-date user experience).
A small bar will appear under the Apple TV logo as your Apple TV pings the update server and checks for updates and downloads them. Once downloaded the screen above will pop up and prompt you to either “Update Now” or “Update Later”. Let’s select “Update Now” to immediately apply the update.
Right after you make the selection your display will switch to the above progress meter. There are two steps to the process. First your Apple TV will prepare for the update and restart (at which point your display will go black for a few moments) and then, in step 2 of 2, it will finish installing and restart once more.
After the process is complete you can always verify that your Apple TV is on a new tv OS version number by returning to Settings -> General -> About to confirm you’re running the most current version.
Source: iMore
You can officially install the latest Apple TV update, and if you don’t know everything you need to know about tvOS 14 you’re in for a real treat. If your Apple TV won’t update to tvOS 14 automatically, you can do so manually, but there may be some complications. If the install times out, fails to verify, won’t download, won’t complete, or won’t reboot, here’s what you can try.
Jump to:
- How to force quit the Settings app
- How to restart Apple TV
- How to fix a bricked Apple TV
- How to restore Apple TV HD
- How to reset Apple TV back to factory settings
- Still can’t get your Apple TV to work?
How to force quit the Settings app
If the Settings app won’t find tvOS and your Apple TV won’t update even start the update, you can try force-quitting it. Just press and hold the Menu button on your Siri remote. Easy as pie.
How to restart the Apple TV
If you’re still having trouble, you can force restart the Apple TV itself:
- Launch Settings.
- Click on System.
- Click on Restart.
Or simply hold down the Menu and Home button until the Apple TV resets.
How to fix a bricked Apple TV
Source: iMore
If your Apple TV is completely unresponsive, you can try restarting your Apple TV using your Siri Remote. Press and hold the Home Button (the one that looks like a TV) and the Menu Button at the same time for about 6 seconds. Let go when the status light on your Apple TV starts flashing.
How to restore your Apple TV HD
If your Apple TV HD won’t update, you can plug it into your Mac using a USB-C cable and restore it from Finder.
Note: On macOS Mojave and older, your device appears in iTunes. All of the steps are the same.
- Plug your Apple TV into your computer using a USB-C cable.
- Open Finder.
- Select the Apple TV from the Devices menu, then click Restore Apple TV.
How to reset your Apple TV back to factory settings
The Apple TV 4K does not have a USB-C port, and so doesn’t easily connect to your computer for a Finder Restore. If you call Apple support for help, it’s likely that you’ll be asked to send in your Apple TV. However, some users have had success by power cycling their Apple TV five or six times in a row by unplugging the Apple TV, waiting a minute, and then plugging back in the Apple TV.
This should send the Apple TV 4K into factory reset mode, which will erase all of your settings but should unfreeze your Apple TV.
Still can’t get your Apple TV to work?
It may be time to book a Genius appointment at a nearby Apple Store. You may be asked for your Apple TV’s serial number; you can find it by checking one of three sources:
- If your Apple TV boots, you can go to Settings > General > About (or Settings > Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth > Remote for your Siri Remote’s serial number).
- Can’t get any signal from your Apple TV? Turn it over; the serial number is located on the bottom of the device, below the FCC symbols and information.
If you’re on the developer beta, and the Apple Store knows it, they may redirect you to developer support. If you failed to install the public beta, though, or they just take pity on you, they may help you anyway.
Of course, it may just be time to invest in something new so you have the best Apple TV for today’s advanced technology.
Any questions or troubleshooting worries?
Run into a problem with the new Apple TV beta you can’t fix? Let us know in the comments!
Updated Sept 2020: Updated for tvOS 14.
Craig Lloyd is a smarthome expert with nearly ten years of professional writing experience. His work has been published by iFixit, Lifehacker, Digital Trends, Slashgear, and GottaBeMobile. Read more.
The latest version of tvOS is out now for the fourth-generation Apple TV (as well as the new Apple TV 4K). Here’s how to update the streaming box and get all the new features.
With the arrival of tvOS 11, users finally get some great features that they have been begging for, including home screen syncing, automatic night mode, AirPods support, and the addition of live sports in the TV app. If these features look enticing to you, give yourself about 15 minutes of free time and follow along below to update your Apple TV to tvOS 11.
Start off by opening up the Settings app on the home screen.
Scroll down and select “System”.
Click on “Software Updates”.
On the next screen, check to see if you already have tvOS 11 installed. This is likely the case if you have “Automatic Updates” enabled.
If not, select “Update Software”.
When the pop-up appears, click on “Download and Install”.
The update will begin downloading, with a progress bar shown in the bottom left.
After a few minutes, your Apple TV will automatically restart and continue with the update process.
Once the update is complete, you’ll get to a welcome screen of sorts where it will tell you about some of the new features of tvOS 11. Hit “Continue”.
On the next screen, you can enable or disable home screen syncing, which syncs your home screen layout across multiple Apple TV devices in your house.
Next, if you’ve already enabled Single Sign-On with your cable provider, you can continue to use it with the latest version of tvOS, or disable it from here.
That’s all there is to it! You’ll now be running tvOS 11 on your Apple TV and can begin tinkering around with the new features right away. Be sure to update any other fourth-generation Apple TVs in your house so that you can take advantage of the home screen syncing feature.
Whether you’re purchasing a new 4K Apple TV or upgrading your existing one, here’s a look at some of the new features you can expect.
When Apple released its new iOS 11 for iPhone and iPad it also rolled out an improved tvOS 11 for the Apple TV. Like its mobile cousin, tvOS 11 has plenty of great new features that are already available or coming soon. Whether you’re purchasing a new 4K Apple TV or upgrading your existing one, here’s a look at some of the new features you can expect.
tvOS 11 for Apple TV
The improved operating system will come pre-installed on the new 4K Apple TV and you can upgrade your fourth-generation Apple TV to it, too. To install tvOS 11, go to Settings > System > Software Updates. The upgrade process will take at least an hour, so keep that in mind when deciding when you want to kick it off. After the upgrade, you will get the following screen letting you know about some of the new features.
iPhone and iPad Control
Controlling your Apple TV from your iPhone or iPad is easier than ever. You no longer need to download the Apple Remote app separately. If you have updated your phone or tablet to iOS 11, you’ll be able to use Control Center to navigate through your content. To set it up, go to Settings > Control Center on your device and add Apple TV. Then tap the Apple TV icon from the Control Center to start using the remote from your iPhone or iPad.
Light and Dark Mode
Head to Settings > General > Appearance. Just like in the previous version of tvOS, you can change between a Light or Dark theme. However, you might want to leave it on the new Auto option. It will automatically change the appearance based on the time of day in your location. Of course, during daytime hours it will be Light and in the evening, switch over to Dark.
Home Screen Sync
Head to Settings > Accounts > iCloud and turn the One Home Screen option on. Now, anytime you sign into an Apple TV with your Apple ID you will see the apps you have installed as well as the icon layout. So, if you change the order on one Apple TV, it will sync to the other. No longer will you need to manually change the items on the Home screen for each TV.
There are more new options and features coming to tvOS 11 and the Apple TV 4K in the future. A few of the major improvements discussed at the 2017 event are live streaming sports via the TV app, Amazon Prime Video, and free 4K movie upgrades. Also, a lot of under-the-hood and app store improvements that developers can take advantage of.
Do you own an Apple TV? What are some of your favorite new features in tvOS 11 and what would you like to see in the future? Leave us a comment below and let us know.
Learn How to Update Your Apple TV to TVOS 11 using the inbuilt feature of a software update in your iOS. So have a look at complete guide discussed below to proceed.
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]here is great new feature addition on the newest software version of the Apple TV and we are definitely knowing that all of you would be really glad to get this update of the software to your device. Although you might not be running the latest Apple TV that is comprised of the TVOS 11 version but still you have the option to update your device. Basically, when it comes to updating your smart TV it first feels really easy but while you start with if you find yourself to be confused and lack of direction is there. Many of the users from you possibly might be trying to update their Apple TV but might have failed to do so. To help out the users get their TV updated and hence enjoy the amazing number of features we have comprised this article with the whole of the details related to the same topic. We hope that this article would prove to be helpful to you so just carry on and seek what we have written inside it. Here in this article, we have written about the method through which you would be able to update your Apple TV to TVOS 11 and hence grab all the functionality of this amazing new OS. If you feel that the topic is beneficial for you or you are interested in this post then please carry on reading it until the end. We assure that you would find up something of great value for your purposes. So let’s carry on with the main part of this method!
How to Update Your Apple TV to TVOS 11
Let’s have a look at the step by step guide that will help you to implement this.
Steps to Update Your Apple TV to TVOS 11:
#1 First of all switch on your Apple TV and then begin up the method by opening up the Settings app on the home screen. This is quite easy to do as you have the option for that in the very familiar and always used menu screen of the TV. Hope that you people would be knowing about the way to open up the settings screen of the TV. If you have reached the settings screen simply switch to the next step and follow it up.
Update Your Apple TV to TVOS 11
#2 Inside the settings screen or the Window on your smart Apple TV scroll down and select “System” option. This option as is suggesting has all the options under it relating to the settings that would be making up the changes to the entire system of the TV software. Now it is to be noted that while proceeding to this method you don’t have to make changes to any anonymous options.
#3 Simply look for the “Software Updates” option and click on it. This option is going to help you update your TV to the newest version of the OS. Remember to provide the live internet connection to the device as the changes would require it in further steps. Also look at the screen to see if you are already running the latest version of the software or not. If you are already on the latest version then you might have the Automatic Updates turned on.
Update Your Apple TV to TVOS 11
#4 Now if you are seeing that the latest version is not running on your device then start to Update it by selecting the Update Software option, followed by selecting the Download and Install button. You will be notified of the option if the update is available for your device. If available then let it be updated and then wait for some time while your TV restarts.
#5 After restart the TV will begin to finalize the update process and you shall be notified through the progress bar. Let it complete and then you would be all done!
Now after reading the whole information in this article you would have got to know about the proper method to upgrade the Apple TV to TVOS and hence get the hands on to the amazing new features and functionality. Our focus is to write about the topic in such a way that almost everyone from the beginners to the advanced level seekers could get the best possible knowledge. And supposedly we believe that you would also have grasped the topic details of this page very easily. At last, we just hope that you would be liking the information in this article, if it is like that then please go and share this with others. As your dealing with the content of this article is of utmost importance so we would love if you would share your valuable opinions or the suggestions related to this post. For posting your writings log on to the comments section below!
In order to get the most out of your Apple TV devices, it is important that you regularly update tvOS, Apple’s TV operating system. This will ensure you get the latest features for your apps and patches that fix glitches and security issues. Here’s how to manually update your Apple TV device and turn on automatic updates for your apps, no matter how old your device is.
How to Manually Update Your Apple TV
To update your Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD device, go to Settings > System > Software Updates. Then select Update Software. If an update is available, select Download and Install. Finally, wait for your Apple TV to restart.
- Open the Settings app on your Apple TV. This is the app with the gear-shaped icon on your home screen. You can access it by pressing the Menu button on your remote and then scrolling down.
- Then select System.
- Next, go to Software Updates.
- Then, select Update Software.
Note: Before You manually updating your Apple TV, you can choose to turn on automatic updates by selecting Automatically Update.
Note: If you want to get the latest features, you can also select Get Beta Updates and then follow the on-screen instructions to enroll in the Apple Beta Software Program.
These steps will only work if you have an Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD device. If you have an older device, here’s how to update it:
How to Update a 3rd-Generation Apple TV Or Older
To update your Apple TV 3rd Generation or older, go to Settings > General > Software Updates. Then select Update Software. Next, if an update is available, select Download and Install.
Note: If you don’t know what kind of Apple TV device you have, check out this guide on how to tell the difference between Apple TV devices from Apple.
- Go to Settings >General >Software Updates.
- Then select Update Software.
- Next, select Download and Install if an update is available.
- Finally, wait for your Apple TV to restart.
After you update your device, you might also want to update your apps. Here’s how:
How to Set Up Automatic Updates for Your Apple TV Apps
To set up automatic updates for apps on your Apple TV, go to Settings > Apps. Then select Automatically Update Apps to turn it On. From here, you can also choose to automatically install apps on your Apple TV that you download on your other Apple devices.
- Open the Settings app on your Apple TV.
- Then select Apps.
- Finally, turn on the Automatically Update Apps.
Note: You can also turn Automatically Install Apps on to get apps on your Apple TV after you download them on your other Apple devices, such as your iPhone or iPad. However, this will only work for newly purchased apps that have an Apple TV version, and you will have to be signed in to your Apple ID on both devices.
If your apps are not updating properly, you can also manually update them through the App Store. Here’s how:
How to Manually Update Apple TV Apps
To manually update apps on your Apple TV device, go to the App Store and search for the app you want to update. Then select the app and choose Update.
- Open the App Store app on your Apple TV. This is the app on your home screen that looks like a blue “A.”
- Then scroll up and select the magnifying glass icon.
- Next, search for the app you want to update. You can do this by entering the name of the app letter-by-letter. If you have a voice remote, you can also press the microphone button and say the name of the app you want to update.
- Then select the app.
- Finally, select Update. If you don’t see this option, it means the app is up to date.
If you want to make sure that your apps are up to date, check out our guide on how to turn your Apple TV off and on. Then you can check for updates again.
Find out how to check for updates or set Apple TV to automatically update the software for you.
Turn on automatic updates
Update Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD
Update Apple TV (3rd generation)
Update your Apple TV automatically
You can set your Apple TV to automatically install new updates when they’re available.
- On Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD: go to Settings > System > Software Updates and turn on Automatically Update.
- On Apple TV (3rd generation): go to Settings > General > Software Updates and turn on Update Automatically.
Update Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD
- Go to Settings > System > Software Updates and select Update Software.
- If there’s an update, select Download and Install.
- Wait for your Apple TV to download the update. Don’t disconnect or unplug your Apple TV until the update completes.
After the update has downloaded, your Apple TV will restart, prepare the update and then install it. When the update has been completed, your Apple TV will automatically restart again.
Update Apple TV (3rd generation)
- Go to Settings > General > Software Updates and select Update Software.
- If there’s an update, download and install it.
- Wait for your Apple TV to download the update. Don’t disconnect or unplug your Apple TV until the update completes.
After the update downloads, your Apple TV will restart, prepare the update and install it. When the update has been completed, your Apple TV will automatically restart again.
Do you own an Apple TV and you’re wondering if it will support tvOS 15, the next major software update for your device?
Along with iOS 15, iPadOS 15, watchOS 8, and macOS Monterey, Apple also announced tvOS 15 at its annual WWDC event. With new features like SharePlay, Spatial Audio with AirPods, HomePod Mini stereo integration, and HomeKit camera enhancements, there’s enough to feel excited about the upcoming update.
Unfortunately, not every Apple TV will be capable of running tvOS 15 when it comes out.
tvOS 15 Compatible Apple TV Models
According to Apple, here are all the models that officially supports tvOS 15:
- Apple TV HD (4th Generation)
- Apple TV 4K (2017)
- Apple TV 4K (2021)
Apart from the obvious one, which is the Apple TV that came out earlier this year, only two other Apple TV models have made it to this compatibility list.
Depending on the model Apple TV you have, you may not even get all the features that tvOS 15 offers. For example, the aging Apple TV HD won’t have the ability to set HomePod mini as the default speaker output.
tvOS 15 Release Date
Apple has announced that tvOS 15 is releasing this fall (September – November). Although we don’t have an exact date just yet, Apple has a track record of rolling out tvOS alongside iOS and iPadOS shortly after the iPhone announcement. Hence, you can expect the same this year too.
Impatient to wait that long? You don’t have to because Apple will begin public testing tvOS 15 in July. As long as you’re enrolled in the Apple Beta Software program, you’ll be able to install the update on your Apple TV when it’s available.
With the beta program, you’ll also gain access to the public beta builds of other system software, though you’ll want to make sure your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch are compatible with iOS 15, iPadOS 15, macOS Monterey, and watchOS 8, respectively.
Did you find your Apple TV model in the official compatibility list? If not, will you be upgrading your Apple TV to check out tvOS 15 and access all its features? Which tvOS 15 feature are you excited about the most? Feel free to share your personal thoughts and opinions with us in the comments section down below.
In order to get the most out of your Apple TV devices, it is important that you regularly update tvOS, Apple’s TV operating system. This will ensure you get the latest features for your apps and patches that fix glitches and security issues. Here’s how to manually update your Apple TV device and turn on automatic updates for your apps, no matter how old your device is.
How to Manually Update Your Apple TV
To update your Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD device, go to Settings > System > Software Updates. Then select Update Software. If an update is available, select Download and Install. Finally, wait for your Apple TV to restart.
- Open the Settings app on your Apple TV. This is the app with the gear-shaped icon on your home screen. You can access it by pressing the Menu button on your remote and then scrolling down.
- Then select System.
- Next, go to Software Updates.
- Then, select Update Software.
Note: Before You manually updating your Apple TV, you can choose to turn on automatic updates by selecting Automatically Update.
Note: If you want to get the latest features, you can also select Get Beta Updates and then follow the on-screen instructions to enroll in the Apple Beta Software Program.
These steps will only work if you have an Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD device. If you have an older device, here’s how to update it:
How to Update a 3rd-Generation Apple TV Or Older
To update your Apple TV 3rd Generation or older, go to Settings > General > Software Updates. Then select Update Software. Next, if an update is available, select Download and Install.
Note: If you don’t know what kind of Apple TV device you have, check out this guide on how to tell the difference between Apple TV devices from Apple.
- Go to Settings >General >Software Updates.
- Then select Update Software.
- Next, select Download and Install if an update is available.
- Finally, wait for your Apple TV to restart.
After you update your device, you might also want to update your apps. Here’s how:
How to Set Up Automatic Updates for Your Apple TV Apps
To set up automatic updates for apps on your Apple TV, go to Settings > Apps. Then select Automatically Update Apps to turn it On. From here, you can also choose to automatically install apps on your Apple TV that you download on your other Apple devices.
- Open the Settings app on your Apple TV.
- Then select Apps.
- Finally, turn on the Automatically Update Apps.
Note: You can also turn Automatically Install Apps on to get apps on your Apple TV after you download them on your other Apple devices, such as your iPhone or iPad. However, this will only work for newly purchased apps that have an Apple TV version, and you will have to be signed in to your Apple ID on both devices.
If your apps are not updating properly, you can also manually update them through the App Store. Here’s how:
How to Manually Update Apple TV Apps
To manually update apps on your Apple TV device, go to the App Store and search for the app you want to update. Then select the app and choose Update.
- Open the App Store app on your Apple TV. This is the app on your home screen that looks like a blue “A.”
- Then scroll up and select the magnifying glass icon.
- Next, search for the app you want to update. You can do this by entering the name of the app letter-by-letter. If you have a voice remote, you can also press the microphone button and say the name of the app you want to update.
- Then select the app.
- Finally, select Update. If you don’t see this option, it means the app is up to date.
If you want to make sure that your apps are up to date, check out our guide on how to turn your Apple TV off and on. Then you can check for updates again.
