How to Fix Video Issues with an Apple TV

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

This guide will walk you through troubleshooting video problems you may have with your Apple TV.

2. TV input channel or source

Use your TV's remote to make sure that your TV input channel or source is set to the correct HDMI port.

3. Restart

Your Apple TV does not have a power button. There are three methods for restarting it.

Restart by using settings

1. Select Settings.
   

1. Select System.
2. Select Restart.
   

Restart using a remote

1. Hold down the TV and Menu buttons.
   

1. Let go when the light on your device flashes.

Restart using the power cable

1. Unplug the power from the Apple TV.
2. Wait 10 seconds.
3. Plug the power back in to the Apple TV.

4. Check Cable

1. Make sure the HDMI cable is plugged firmly into the back of your Apple TV, and the television. It's best to disconnect, then reconnect the cable to be sure it's connected properly.
   

1. 
   
2. On Apple TV 4K, make sure that you’re using an HDMI 2.0 or later cable. Or, if you use a receiver or HDMI switchbox, use an HDMI cable to plug your Apple TV directly into your receiver or switchbox. If you’re connecting a Apple TV 4K to a receiver, make sure that it also supports HDMI 2.0 or later. Then use a second HDMI cable to connect the receiver or switchbox to your television.

5. What's next?

6. Check Cable

1. Make sure the HDMI cable is plugged firmly into the back of your Apple TV, and the television. It's best to disconnect, then reconnect the cable to be sure it's connected properly.
   

1. 
   
2. On Apple TV 4K, make sure that you’re using an HDMI 2.0 or later cable. Or, if you use a receiver or HDMI switchbox, use an HDMI cable to plug your Apple TV directly into your receiver or switchbox. If you’re connecting a Apple TV 4K to a receiver, make sure that it also supports HDMI 2.0 or later. Then use a second HDMI cable to connect the receiver or switchbox to your television.

7. Restart

Your Apple TV does not have a power button. There are three methods for restarting it.

Restart by using settings

1. Select Settings.
   

1. Select System.
2. Select Restart.
   

Restart using a remote

1. Hold down the TV and Menu buttons.
   

1. Let go when the light on your device flashes.

Restart using the power cable

1. Unplug the power from the Apple TV.
2. Wait 10 seconds.
3. Plug the power back in to the Apple TV.

8. Switch Display Mode

Apple TV 4K or Apple TV 4th Generation

1. Hold Menu and Volume Down for 5 seconds, then release the buttons.
2. Your Apple TV will begin changing resolution every 20 seconds.
3. When you see the resolution that looks best to you, select OK.

Apple TV 2nd and 3rd Generation

1. Hold Menu and Up for 5 seconds, then release the buttons.
2. Your Apple TV will begin changing resolution every 20 seconds.
3. When you see the resolution that looks best to you, select OK.

9. What's next?