Restarting an Apple TV to solve problems

Apple TVs are connected to many of the Columbus Academy classroom displays such as projectors and HDTVs. They allow our faculty, staff and students to connect their Apple computers and devices (e.g. iPads) wirelessly to the displays via Apple AirPlay. The Apple TVs do encounter issues sometimes, such as:

Not appearing on the list of displays for AirPlay screen mirroring;
Not allowing AirPlay connections to start (i.e. getting stuck at loading/spinning wheel state);
Not responding to Apple Remote when trying to wake it up or navigate the AppleTV menu (this may also be an issue with the Apple Remote battery running out. Newer "Siri" Remotes need to be charged with a lightning cable, while older remotes use a watch battery).

Methods to restart an Apple TV

According to Apple's Support article, there are 3 primary methods to restart an Apple TV:

1) Restart with Settings menu option

If the Apple TV still responds to your Apple Remote controls, you can click on the "Settings" menu button, navigate through the menu and click on "System", followed by "Restart" (which is usually located near the bottom of the menu list).

2) Restart with Apple "Siri" Remote buttons

If your Apple TV has a newer "Siri" Remote (which uses Lightning Cable to charge its internal battery, instead of using watch batteries), press and hold both 'BACK' (for Siri Remote 2nd generation or later) or 'MENU' (Siri Remote 1st generation) and 'TV' buttons on the Remote until the Apple TV status light blinks rapidly.

3) Restart via power cord

If the Apple TV does not respond to your Apple Remote controls at all (e.g. does not wake up, and the display either stays dark or reports "no signal"), and the Apple TV is within safe physical reach, you can unplug the power cord from the back of the Apple TV (or from the wall outlet if visible), wait for 5 seconds, and plug the power cord back in.

If you are unsure on how to safely reach the Apple TV or its power cord, please contact the Tech Office staff for assistance first!

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