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Apple TV is Blurry (Causes and How to Fix)

As an Apple TV owner, I know the frustration of dealing with a blurry picture. After my own experience, I decided to do some research and testing to see if I could find a solution. In this blog post, I will share with you how I solved the problem of my Apple TV being blurry, as well as some other solutions I discovered. Hopefully, this will help you get a clear and crisp picture on your Apple TV.

If your Apple TV is blurry, you have to understand that sometimes these issues aren’t caused by the Apple TV box but by the TV itself.

If you’re having the same problem yourself, keep on reading! This article explores everything you need to know about the causes of a blurry Apple TV and its possible fixes.

CauseFix
No internet serviceConnect to a Wi-Fi network or plug in Ethernet cable
Wi-Fi interferenceTurn off Wi-Fi on smart TV to avoid interference
Poor Wi-Fi connectionRestart Wi-Fi or call internet service provider
Incorrect TV resolutionReset Apple TV’s video setting to SDR
Faulty/loose HDMI cableSecurely attach or purchase a new cable
Incorrect Apple TV resolutionVerify Apple TV is set to the right resolution
Electrical interferenceUse a separate outlet instead of power strip
OverheatingUnplug TV and Apple TV box, let cool, and then plug back in
Outdated softwareUpdate Apple TV software through Settings menu or System
Reboot Apple TVPress and hold back and TV buttons, unplug and plug back in, or restart from Settings menu

Apple TV is Blurry (Causes and How to Fix)

It’s not rare for Apple TV users to experience a fuzzy TV screen every now and then. Here are a few reasons why your Apple TV is blurry and how to fix them: 

  1. No Internet Service

If your Apple TV isn’t connected to any network, then it might cause streaming issues. First, you have to ensure that your Apple TV is connected to a Wi-Fi network or that the Ethernet cable is plugged in.

If it’s not connected, head to Settings, then select General. Choose the name of your Wi-Fi and enter the password if prompted. 

  1. Wi-Fi Interference

Another reason that could be causing a blurry Apple TV is Wi-Fi interference.

This means that your smart TV and Apple TV are connected to your Wi-Fi at the same time. Try turning off Wi-Fi on your smart TV to avoid interference. 

  1. Poor Wi-Fi Connection

Sometimes, the issue isn’t on the device but on the internet service. Restart your Wi-Fi by unplugging it, then plugging it back in after 5 seconds. If it doesn’t work, try checking your network using speed test apps like Meteor.

In case of a poor Wi-Fi connection, your best option is to call your internet service provider to resolve the issue. 

Read more: Can you connect Apple TV to Macbook

  1. Incorrect TV Resolution

A mismatched resolution between your TV and Apple TV can be one of the main reasons why you’re not having the best experience with your Apple TV.

Even with flat-screen TVs today, not all of them support HDR. To solve this issue, head to your Apple TV’s Video setting and reset it to SDR.

  1. Faulty/Loose HDMI cable

If you have a blurry resolution, chances are it could be a loose HDMI cable.

So, make sure that it’s securely attached. Moreover, a fuzzy screen can also be caused by a faulty HDMI cable. If unplugging and plugging don’t work, you might need to purchase a new cable. 

Read more: Apple TV disconnects from Wifi

Incorrect Apple TV Resolution

An incorrect Apple TV resolution can lead to screen issues. So, you have to verify that your Apple TV is set in the right resolution.

Go to your Settings, head to the Video and Audio menu, then select ‘YCbCr’ as your HDMI Output.

  1. Electrical Interference

Other technological appliances with an AC motor, like an air conditioner, can create electrical interference with your TV, which may result in streaming problems like a blurry screen.

Avoid plugging in your TV with a power strip. Instead, use a separate outlet

  1. Overheating

Overheating can affect the function of your TV.

Turn off your TV and Apple TV box. Unplug devices for at least 5 minutes. After both devices have cooled down, plug them in and turn them back on. 

What Are Other Easy Fixes Can You Try for Your Blurry Apple TV?

If you’ve ruled out the above causes and fixes but haven’t resolved the issue, here are a few more ways you can try:

Reboot Apple TV

For another easy fix, try rebooting your Apple TV by using your Siri remote. Press and hold the ‘back’ and TV buttons for five seconds until the light blinks off. Alternatively, you can unplug your Apple TV, wait for five seconds, then plug it back in.

Also, you can go to System from your Settings menu and choose restart

Update Software

Outdated software can be another reason that your Apple TV looks blurry. You can ensure that your software is up to date by heading to Settings and selecting System.

If your Apple TV software isn’t updated, a new update will be available for download and installation. Keep your Apple TV plugged in while the system updates. It might take a while, so you have to be patient. 

After the download is complete, it will be installed automatically; then, your TV will restart. 

Wrapping up

If your apple TV is blurry, then there you have it! Your ultimate guide to fuzzy issues on your TV screen.

Now, you’ll know what to do if your Apple TV is blurry. But, if all the suggested fixes above didn’t resolve the issue, try to contact a repair professional or go online for a repair request in Apple Support.