In this guide
Prepare without changing the viewing accountRun the updateRead a stalled screen before actingVerify one known action afterwardOn Apple TV, system software is updated from Settings > System > Software Updates > Update Software. If an update is offered, choose Download and Install. Keep the device connected to power and its network until the process finishes.
The device can restart while downloading, preparing and installing the update. Do not assume a restart or a slow progress bar means the player application has failed.
Prepare without changing the viewing account
Record the Apple TV model, tvOS version and the player version separately. Keep the account recovery information private and available, especially if you are relying on a third-party player. The update is a device maintenance action rather than a service renewal.
Choose a time when the household can let the update finish. Avoid beginning it while you need uninterrupted access to a live programme. A short maintenance note is more useful than changing app settings before and after the same update.
Run the update
- Open Settings > System > Software Updates.
- Choose Update Software.
- Select Download and Install if offered.
- Keep the Apple TV powered and connected while it downloads and installs.
- Allow the device’s automatic restarts to complete, then check the installed version.
Read a stalled screen before acting
Apple distinguishes a progress bar with Preparing Update or Applying Update text from an Apple logo and progress bar without text. For a preparing/applying stage that has persisted for more than an hour, Apple advises contacting support before restarting or unplugging.
For a bar stuck under the Apple logo without text for more than an hour, Apple’s guidance gives a power restart route and then support if the issue continues. Follow the current Apple article for the exact screen rather than treating all stalled appearances alike.
Verify one known action afterward
Open the same player and repeat the action that matters. If the app itself updated too, record that as another change. tvOS installation completing does not establish that every third-party player feature or programme has been tested.
Automatic system updates are controlled in the same Software Updates area through Automatically Update. This differs from automatic app updates under Settings > Apps.
If the player now requests a licence or rejects a service login, identify that prompt separately. A completed firmware update does not buy software access, renew Dream 4K or change a connection allowance. Provide the exact app and message to the appropriate support route.