Apple TV Not Responding (Try These 9 Fixes)

If you have an Apple TV, but it’s not responding when you try to turn it on, you may want to know how to fix this problem.

Well, I have been looking into this problem and have 9 fixes for you below that might help, so keep reading to learn about the potential solutions I’ve discovered!

Why Isn’t My Apple TV Responding in [currentyear]?

If you’ve noticed your Apple TV isn’t responding, the easiest fix is to unplug it for 10 seconds, and plug it back in, which will restart and hopefully reboot the system. Also, you might need to move the remote closer to the Apple TV since the range for a remote is 40 meters at best in [currentyear].

Are you looking for the full list of fixes for when your Apple TV isn’t responding? If so, continue reading to find the full list of possible solutions!

1. Restart Your Apple TV

If your Apple TV isn’t responding, the easiest fix is to restart it, which can be done by unplugging the Apple TV from the power outlet.

Wait around 5 seconds or 10 seconds before you plug it back in, and see if that fixes the issue.

Also, you can go into Settings > System > Restart if you’d rather restart using the Apple TV menu itself.

2. Move Your Remote Closer to the Apple TV

Another way you can fix your Apple TV’s response problem is to move your remote closer, since it can only work from so far away.

For example, if you have the 2nd generation Siri remote, it’ll work within 40 meters, but the 1st generation Bluetooth version only has a range of 10 meters.

Therefore, depending on which remote you have, you may need to move closer to your Apple TV if it’s not responding.

3. Charge the Apple TV Remote

You might need to check the remote battery level and charge it if your Apple TV isn’t responding.

You can check the battery level of your Apple TV remote by following the steps below:

  1. Go into the “Control Center”
  2. Select the icon for the Apple TV remote
  3. Select “Settings”
  4. Click on “Remotes and Devices”
  5. Select “Remote”
  6. Look at the battery level

Afterward, if it shows less than 20% charge, then charge it for at least 30 minutes using the certified Apple USB cable to see if that fixes the issue.

4. Restart the Apple TV Remote

Restarting the Apple TV remote can fix issues that might cause your TV to not respond. To restart your remote, follow these steps:

  1. Hold the “Volume Down” button and “Control Center” button at the same time for 5 seconds
  2. When the Apple TV status light begins to flash, release the two buttons
  3. You should see a “Remote Connection Lost” message on the Apple TV
  4. At this point, you should see a “Remote Connected’ message appear within an additional 10 seconds

5. Update Your Apple TV

5. Update Your Apple TV

If you’ve noticed your Apple TV isn’t responding, you may need to update it. Updating your TV can resolve many issues, such as glitches or bugs interfering with functionality.

It’s simple to update your Apple TV operating system by following our guide below:

  1. Open the “Settings”
  2. Go into “System”
  3. Click on “Software Updates”
  4. Select “Update Software”
  5. Let your Apple TV check for a new update
  6. Choose “Download and Install” if a new update is available

6. Unpair & Pair Your Remote Again

You may want to unpair your Apple TV remote and pair it again to see if that fixes the problem, which you can do by following the steps below:

  1. Hold down the “Left” button and “Menu” button at the same time and look for the two clouds to appear on the screen
  2. Hold down the “Right” button and “Menu” button to pair the remote to the Apple TV once again and see if that fixes the issue

7. Check Your Power Outlet

If your Apple TV isn’t responding, then you may want to check your power outlet to ensure that it’s working.

You can plug a lamp or other item into the power outlet to find out whether the outlet is working correctly.

8. Make Sure Cords Are Securely Connected

Make sure all of your cords are securely connected and plugged in properly, such as the power cord and HDMI cord to both the Apple TV to your power outlet.

Also, make sure that there are no frays or damage to the cords, which can prevent the Apple TV from working properly.

9. Switch Your Apple TV Resolution

You may want to try to switch the resolution for your Apple TV to see if that fixes anything, which you can do using the remote.

However, depending on which generation of Apple TV you have, it could either be “Volume Down” and “Menu” or “Volume Up” and “Menu.”

To know more, you can also read our posts on AppleCare, is Apple TV free, and is Apple Podcast free.

Conclusion

When your Apple TV isn’t responding, the most common way to fix the issue is to restart your Apple TV, which can be done by unplugging it, waiting 10 seconds, and plugging it back in.

In addition, you may want to check the power outlet to ensure it’s working properly, or check to make sure all the cords are plugged tightly into the TV and power outlet. Furthermore, performing a system update or unpairing and pairing the remote again may fix the problems.

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Mackenzie Jerks

Mackenzie is a freelance writer and editor, published author, and music enthusiast who holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. When she’s not writing, Mackenzie is either wrapped up in a book, discovering new music, or introducing herself to a new fitness regimen.

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