HT202118: Restore your Apple TV to its factory settings

Learn about Restore your Apple TV to its factory settings
Walker422
Level 1 (4 points)
Apple TV

Q: Apple TV 4th generation just has a blinking light.

Have a 4th generation apple tv and it just blinks.  Tried resetting through remote and it goes back to steady blinking afterwards.  Also tried plugging into mac via usb-c cable and it doesn't populate in iTunes. 

 

See no threads or websites linked to 4th generation problem.

iMovie '11, Mac OS X (10.7.3)

Posted on Oct 8, 2016 4:30 PM

Close
Walker422

Q: Apple TV 4th generation just has a blinking light.

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Winston Churchill,

    Winston Churchill Winston Churchill Oct 8, 2016 4:32 PM in response to Walker422
    Level 10 (104,506 points)
    Apple TV
    Oct 8, 2016 4:32 PM in response to Walker422

    If your problem persists get yourself a micro USB cable for the Apple TV 2 and 3 models or a USB-C cable for the Apple TV 4 (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 (or USB-C) cable to the Apple TV and then to your computer.
    3. Reconnect the power cable (omit this step for Apple TV 2)
    4. Open iTunes.
    5. Select your Apple TV in the Devices list (which can be found below the volume slider near the top of the iTunes window), and then click Restore.

     

    If your Apple TV fails to restore through iTunes……..


    • Check that you have correctly followed the instructions for your model of Apple TV.
    • If not already, try using a powered USB port.
    • Repeat the process but this time try connecting the cable while iTunes is closed.
    • Repeat the process with another cable.
    • Try restoring the Apple TV on another computer in another location.