HT1600: Apple TV (1st generation): How to update Apple TV software

Learn about Apple TV (1st generation): How to update Apple TV software
Barry Blanchard
Level 1 (9 points)
Safari

Q: I'm trying to update my Apple TV to iOS 6.1. It is partially downloaded and seems to be frozen. Any solutions?

Ii started a download of iOS 6.1 on my 2nd gen Apple TV. The status bar is about 1/4 done and seems to be frozen. Hasn't moved in 30 minutes. The status light on the box is steady white. Any suggestions on how to continue?

Posted on Feb 2, 2013 9:07 AM

by Winston Churchill,Solvedanswer
Winston Churchill Winston Churchill
Level 10 (104,526 points)
Apple TV
A:

You can't do much else besides pull the plug. If it causes further problems you should be able to restore as below:

 

Get yourself a micro USB cable (sold separately), you can restore your Apple TV from iTunes:

 

  1. Remove ALL cables from Apple TV. (if you don't you will not see Apple TV in the iTunes Source list)
  2. Connect the micro USB cable to the Apple TV and to your computer.
  3. Reconnect the power cable (only for Apple TV 3)
  4. Open iTunes.
  5. Select your Apple TV in the Devices list, and then click Restore.

 

On the other hand you may be able to simply start the update again.

Posted on Feb 2, 2013 9:21 AM

Close
Barry Blanchard

Q: I'm trying to update my Apple TV to iOS 6.1. It is partially downloaded and seems to be frozen. Any solutions?

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Winston Churchill,Solvedanswer

    Winston Churchill Winston Churchill Feb 2, 2013 9:21 AM in response to Barry Blanchard
    Level 10 (104,526 points)
    Apple TV
    Feb 2, 2013 9:21 AM in response to Barry Blanchard

    You can't do much else besides pull the plug. If it causes further problems you should be able to restore as below:

     

    Get yourself a micro USB cable (sold separately), you can restore your Apple TV from iTunes:

     

    1. Remove ALL cables from Apple TV. (if you don't you will not see Apple TV in the iTunes Source list)
    2. Connect the micro USB cable to the Apple TV and to your computer.
    3. Reconnect the power cable (only for Apple TV 3)
    4. Open iTunes.
    5. Select your Apple TV in the Devices list, and then click Restore.

     

    On the other hand you may be able to simply start the update again.

  • by Barry Blanchard,

    Barry Blanchard Barry Blanchard Feb 2, 2013 10:31 AM in response to Winston Churchill
    Level 1 (9 points)
    Safari
    Feb 2, 2013 10:31 AM in response to Winston Churchill

    I restarted the update from scratch and it worked. Thanks.

  • by DDrever,

    DDrever DDrever Feb 10, 2013 1:21 AM in response to Barry Blanchard
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 10, 2013 1:21 AM in response to Barry Blanchard

    My ATV-3 froze during step 1 for more than 3 hours.   When I came back to it 36 hours later it had completed the upgrade. Just another option to try - be patient.