Apple TV Special Report: Performing a factory restore

For various otherwise insoluble Apple TV issues, a restoration of factory settings can prove effective. This can be accomplished by going to the Apple TV's main menu then selecting "Settings," then "Reset Settings," and finally "Factory Restore."

Restoring to factory settings will delete any media (videos, photos, etc.) stored on your Apple TV and any other network setup data or iTunes synchronization data.

Alternatively you can hold down the Menu and Down (-) keys on the remote for about 6 seconds, causing the Apple TV to reboot into a special mode where you can select the "Factory Restore" option.

Index:

• Available storage space
• Connecting the Apple TV through a Firewall
• Does not appear in/disappears from devices list in iTunes
• HDMI connection does not work -- fixes
• Hot to the touch -- reducing surface temperature
• Incorrect time setting
• Interference with wireless phones
• Internet connection fails
• iPhoto synchronization fails
• Knowledge Base documents (from Apple)
• Performing a factory restore
• Purchased media (iTunes Store movies, songs) not playing -- fixes
• Resolution difficulty
• Running diagnostics
• Slow transfer: Use Ethernet for synchronization
• Translating video so it plays on the Apple TV

Resources