AppleTV4K flashing and not starting

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Level 1

4 points

AppleTV4K flashing and not starting

My AppleTV4K keeps flashing and not starting.

I know the HDMI is working since it display the Apple logo on the screen for 1 sec before going black losing signal and restarting the same in a loop.

Anyone with an idea to force a factory reset?

I went the the genius bar in Grand Central today and basically I was told that since Apple removed the USB port on the AppleTV4K my only choice was to pay more $100 for a refurbished replacement or buy a new one…

I can’t believe Apple sell a product that cannot be repaired At least people with the CrowdStrike issue did not have to replace their hardware because of a software issue…

Apple TV 4K, tvOS 18

Posted on Oct 13, 2025 11:16 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

vazandrew

Level 8

40,834 points

Oct 13, 2025 5:55 PM in response to seben99

It was definitely an issue with the person you spoke to and I recommend trying someone else.

The USB port was so users could run the restore. Apple Store employees have access to separate tools to run a restore and diagnostics, which also applied to those older units.

Apple can absolutely run a restore under those circumstance and a replacement is only necessary if it were the hardware.

Note: The latest version was released in 2022, the previous model was from 2021.

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Answer 2

vazandrew

Level 8

40,834 points

Oct 13, 2025 1:19 PM in response to seben99

If you were in the process of updating then it means it was interrupted and as a result it is in recovery mode.

Apple Store reps definitely have the ability to restore an unresponsive Apple TV as well as run diagnostics. If it is deemed to be a hardware issue and within warranty a replacement is issued, if it is outside of that then it would be up their discretion.

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Answer 3

seben99 Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 13, 2025 3:14 PM in response to vazandrew

Based on your comment, maybe it was an issue with the person I saw at the store. He only tried to connect the AppleTV4K to a screen and did not see anything and he told me I need to pay for replacement or buy a new one based on what I told him (same as in the post), saying himself he cannot do anything or run a diagnostic since the AppleTV4K does not have a USB port. It’s not under guaranty anymore (4 years old) but I would expect a $200 Product that is still the latest version released does not need to be replace for what seems like a simple software issue.

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