Resetting Apple TV 4K A1842 (already disconnected from TV)

I recently upgraded to a new Apple TV 4K box (more storage) and was going to try to sell the old one. I just realized though, that I didn't do a factory reset on the device before disconnecting it, which I could just kick myself for. I was hoping to be able to connect it to my PC to reset, but it doesn't seem like that's an option (unless I misunderstood something). So, I guess my questions are... is it correct that there's no way outside of reconnecting it to my TV to perform the reset? And if that's in fact the case, will I have to start from scratch setting up my new one again after dis/reconnecting it to do the reset on the old one? Also, is there anything else I need to know to save myself frustration in this process/avoid losing any data or settings, etc. TIA for any advice!

Apple TV 4K, tvOS 18

Posted on May 18, 2025 1:09 PM

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Posted on May 18, 2025 2:05 PM

You will have to reconnect the old Apple TV in order to factory reset it BUT this will not affect your new Apple TV. Just unplug the new one from your TV and plug in the old one. Perform the reset, unplug it and plug the new one back in. In fact, if your TV has more than one HDMI port you can just plug the old one into a spare HDMI port on the TV, switch input to the port, and reset, switch back to the port the new oner is using. No need to unplug the new Apple TV.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 18, 2025 2:05 PM in response to konikki

You will have to reconnect the old Apple TV in order to factory reset it BUT this will not affect your new Apple TV. Just unplug the new one from your TV and plug in the old one. Perform the reset, unplug it and plug the new one back in. In fact, if your TV has more than one HDMI port you can just plug the old one into a spare HDMI port on the TV, switch input to the port, and reset, switch back to the port the new oner is using. No need to unplug the new Apple TV.

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Resetting Apple TV 4K A1842 (already disconnected from TV)

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