Apple TV 4K Stuck in Recovery Mode

My Apple TV 4K 1st gen entered recovery mode by itself during an automatic software update.

My iPhone detects it and starts the recovery process, but when it asks for the code displayed on the TV, the screen is black. If I cancel the iPhone prompt, the 6-digit code appears on the TV for literally 1 second and then disappears.

I’ve already tried different HDMI cables/ports, another TV, power cycling, resolution reset, and the iPhone recovery process multiple times.

Has anyone experienced this? Is there any way to force a deeper recovery/restore on the 1st-gen Apple TV 4K?

Apple TV 4K (2nd generation)

Posted on Aug 23, 2026 1:15 AM

1 reply

Aug 23, 2026 3:03 AM in response to preetsinghvi

Since you’ve already tried the normal recovery several times, I’d try one more thing Apple specifically recommends: connect the iPhone to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network instead of 5 GHz, keep it unlocked and close to the Apple TV, then start recovery again.

If the six-digit code still only flashes after you cancel, there isn’t a USB/computer restore option on an Apple TV 4K. At that point I’d contact Apple about service rather than keep power-cycling it.

Apple’s recovery instructions are here: If your TV shows an iPhone next to an Apple TV - Apple Support

Apple TV 4K Stuck in Recovery Mode

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