Apple TV · System

Keep tvOS current for security fixes and new features

tvOS updates patch security vulnerabilities, improve AirPlay and HomeKit reliability, and are sometimes required before certain apps or 4K HDR content will play correctly.

What you should know

  • Go to Settings > System > Software Updates > Update Software to check for and install an update manually.
  • Turn on Update Software Automatically in the same menu so Apple TV installs updates overnight without prompting.
  • Apple TV needs to stay connected to power and Wi-Fi (or Ethernet) for an automatic update to complete.
  • You can check the currently installed version under Settings > General > About.

Don't unplug Apple TV or lose power during an update — an interrupted install can require a full restore using the Apple Configurator or a factory reset.

Why it matters

Falling behind on tvOS updates can silently break AirPlay from newer iPhones, cause HomeKit accessories to disconnect, and leave known security issues unpatched. Many app crashes reported to developers turn out to be fixed simply by updating.

Best practices

  • Enable automatic updates once and forget about it — Apple TV updates overnight when idle and connected to power.
  • Restart Apple TV (Settings > System > Restart) after a major tvOS update to clear any leftover cache.
  • Check About under Settings > General periodically to confirm the update actually installed.

Common problems and fixes

Update stuck on "Preparing Update"
Unplug Apple TV for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and retry from Settings > System > Software Updates once it boots.
"Not enough storage" error during update
Delete unused apps under Settings > General > Manage Storage to free up space, then retry the update.

Tips and tricks

  • If an update keeps failing over Wi-Fi, connect Apple TV to Ethernet (directly or via a USB-C to Ethernet adapter on newer models) for a more reliable download.

Frequently asked questions

Will updating erase my apps and settings?

No — a standard tvOS update preserves your installed apps, accounts, and settings; only a factory reset removes them.