After updating my Apple TV 4K (first generation) to TVOS 18.2, the setbox shuts off spontaneously sometime between 10-20 minutes even while streaming content from any number of platforms. Can't figure out the reason.
Apple TV 4K (2nd generation)
Knowing that the TV was shutting down, which caused the ATV to shut down, lead me find that the sound bar I had connected to the TV was going to sleep after 20 minutes due to inactivity (I was using headphones through the ATV), causing the TV and the ATV to shut down. I went into my sound bar app and reset the sleep mode time to NEVER, and now my problem seems to have been resolved - no more ATV shutdowns while using headphones. Many thanks to all, especially philwupdx.
Interesting how I went from blaming hardware, then 18.2, then my TV, ultimately to discover the sound bar issue. The value of the community is huge.
Knowing that the TV was shutting down, which caused the ATV to shut down, lead me find that the sound bar I had connected to the TV was going to sleep after 20 minutes due to inactivity (I was using headphones through the ATV), causing the TV and the ATV to shut down. I went into my sound bar app and reset the sleep mode time to NEVER, and now my problem seems to have been resolved - no more ATV shutdowns while using headphones. Many thanks to all, especially philwupdx.
Interesting how I went from blaming hardware, then 18.2, then my TV, ultimately to discover the sound bar issue. The value of the community is huge.
UPDATE: The problem seems to be stemming from the 3rd gen apple TV remote (usb c). All my cables are good. It's very odd. I paired a 1st gen appletv 4k remote to the apple tv 3rd gen and the problem completely went away. I also used a 1st gen appletv and connected the 3rd gen remote and the problem started happening to the 1st gen atv 4k. Anyone have any thoughts?
See my reply of Dec 22, 2024. For me, it turned out my soundbar (connected to tv through HDMI eARC) was going to sleep because I was using BT headphones connected to ATV. Soundbar sleeping triggered tv sleeping which triggered ATV sleeping. So it was a daisy chain effect. I believe you will have to check ALL devices connected to your entire system, and not just items connected to your ATV. My opinion is that it is a settings issue within your configuration and not a hardware issue. There are a few of us who replaced ATV hardware and/or OS with no effect. The settings conflict has to be identified. Contacting Apple won't help as their view is that nothing is wrong with the device. They may agree to send you a new device, but my experience was that a new device did not resolve your problem. In my view, your time is best used rechecking your equipment.
small update. this problem seems to only happen when I am sending a 4k signal. i just connected to a 1080p tv and the problem has gone away completely. This makes me guess there is either some kind of overheating issue or an overload of memory or cpu of some sort (sorry im not that technical, just guessing)
Additional Update - Called Apple Support, who suggested doing a factory restart, which I did and it did not solve the problem. They did not have any other trouble shooting information on this issue and suggested returning it to an Apple Service Centre for diagnostics. The final result was that they will replace the unit as it is still under warranty. From the discussion on this thread I am not confident replacement will solve the issue, but I guess if the condition continues I will keep returning it as long as my AppleCare lasts. Thanks everyone, this discussion has been helpful.
Update: I opened my ATV box and have replaced thermal paste. Previously, ATV would shut off within a hour but now it is running continuously for 2 hours. Fingers crossed!
I did a factory reset of the ATV and disconnected the box from power (for at least 10 minutes). Neither made any difference. If anything, the interval between shutdowns is getting shorter compared to the initial 15-17 minutes. The whole thing smacks of a software problem, but Apple support, who I contacted twice, feels this is a hardware issue. They recommended making an appointment at an Apple Store for a repair, costing potentially very close to the retail price of a new ATV ($129). I would consider a replacement since my box is at least five years old; but, a decision is difficult given the possibility of a new fourth generation ATV in 2025.
Just submitted my problem report regarding this issue of random power shutdowns after installing Apple's TVos 18.2 update to Apple's Official Feedback. Suggest others experiencing this problem do the same. Here's the link to do it:
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I recall awhile ago having a similar problem when using AirPods. In that situation, the ATV was sending audio signal directly to the AirPods bypassing the TV. After 5-10 minutes, the TV would shutdown as if there was no activity. Since the ATV and TV were linked (on/off), the ATV shutdown as well. I played with audio settings on the TV (though I can't remember exactly where and what I changed), and then everything was fine when using headphones. So, I would suggest looking at every setting that has anything to do with audio and bluetooth on your TV.
By the way, my 3rd generation Apple TV automatically upgraded itself to TVOS 18.2 and everything seems fine.
After installing Apple’s TVos 18.2, both of my Apple TV set-boxes began experiencing the same random spontaneous shutdown problem. My newer Apple TV 4K and my older Apple TV HD are now both randomly shutting off for no apparent reason.
In my case, however, those inexplicable shutdowns only happen when the Apple TV set-boxes are left idling for a bit of time. I seriously doubt that this is a hardware failure issue, especially since both set-boxes were NOT exhibiting this random shutdown behavior before I applied the TVos 18.2 update.
Another update from my end: As soon as I plugged it in, my new ATV 3rd generation started shutting down just like my older 2nd gen unit. The former came with 18.1; the latter had 18.2 that I installed. So, now I had two different generation units with different TVOS doing exactly the same thing. I replaced power plugs and HDMI cables and stopped using a surge protector--no improvement. So, it really had to be something with my LG TV. I checked and "played" with all the settings, including picture, audio, timers, connections, devices, accessibility, etc. AND LO AND BEHOLD the second gen unit is now working flawlessly. Next step: I'll swap in the new 3rd gen until and see what happens.
Looks like a failing ATV. Replace with new.
Update - issue is much more prevalent when bluetooth headphone are connected to ATV. I went into my TV settings and unpaired all bluetooth headphones from the TV in case they were creating some sort of conflict, with no change in results. Next step, unless I get any suggestions here, is to call Apple Support before doing a factory reset.
I have an Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) new out of the box and also experience random shutdowns. Installed with TVOS 18.2 as well. Just checking to see if anyone has any software/settings ideas before I contact Apple Support.
I actually have a new unit arriving today! It'll be interesting to see how well it works and if this problem begins again right out of the box. If it does, I'll return it for a full refund, and at some point Apple will have to realize there's a significant problem with TVOS 18.2.
Apple TV shuts Off Spontaneously
