How to restart or put your Apple TV into sleep or standby mode

Apple TV 4 top view remote

By now, you have learned how to use the new Apple TV’s task switcher, rearrange and delete apps on the set-top box, take screenshots, disable password prompts for free and paid downloads and more.

Our coverage of the device continues with this tutorial which will teach you how to restart your Apple TV or put it into sleep or standby mode using either its remote or by selecting an option in the Settings menu.

How to restart 4th generation Apple TV

  • Using Siri Remote: Hold down the Menu and Home buttons on the Siri Remote, then release when the LED on your Apple TV starts flashing.
  • From the Settings menu: Go to Settings → System → Restart.

Apple TV fourth generation Settings Restart screenshot 001

How to restart 2nd and 3rd generation Apple TV

  • Using Apple Remote: Hold down the Menu and Down buttons on your Apple Remote (aluminum or white) for about six seconds, then release when the LED on your Apple TV starts flashing.
  • From the Settings menu: Go to Settings → General → Restart.

How to put 4th generation Apple TV into sleep or standby mode

  • Using Siri Remote: Press and hold the Home button, then select Sleep.
  • From the Settings menu: Go to Settings → General → Sleep Now.

How to put 2nd and 3rd generation Apple TV into sleep or standby mode

  • Using Apple Remote: Go to the Home screen and hold down Play/Pause on your Apple Remote (aluminum or white) for about five seconds.
  • From the Settings menu: Go to Settings → Sleep Now.

Apple TV third generation Settings Sleep Now screenshot 001

Waking from sleep and sleep settings

You can also put your Apple TV into sleep mode by shutting off your television or receiver. In addition, r Apple TV goes to sleep after a predetermined period of inactivity.

To Set the delay before sleep starts, go to Settings → General → Sleep After and choose how often the device sleeps: after 15 minutes, 30 minutes, one hour, five hours, ten hours or never.

To wake the Apple TV from sleep, just press any button on its remote. A small light on the front of the device should glow and whatever was last visible should reappear on your television set.