As an Apple TV owner, I’ve been frustrated with the number of bugs that have been plaguing my device. After some research and testing, I’m here to share how I solved the issue as well as some other solutions I’ve discovered to help ensure your Apple TV is running smoothly. In this blog post, I’ll be discussing the causes of Apple TV being buggy, as well as how to fix them.
Usually, bugs on Apple TV are caused by software and hardware issues like Wi-Fi connection or HDMI cable.
If you’re having the same issues with your Apple TV, you’ve come to the right place. This article explores common bugs on Apple TV and the possible solutions.
| Issue | Cause(s) | Solution(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Lagging Apple TV | Overheating, outdated software | Turn off devices and unplug them to cool down for 5 minutes; update Apple TV software |
| Application Issues | Poor internet connection | Reboot Wi-Fi router; check internet connection speed; force close or reinstall glitching apps |
| Slow System Response | Low storage space | Free up space by deleting unused apps in the Manage Storage menu; restart Apple TV |
| Remote Issues | Low battery, device connectivity | Charge the remote; use the Remote app on other Apple devices connected to the same network |
| Video Quality | Loose or defective HDMI cable | Securely attach HDMI cable to Apple TV box; replace faulty cable; switch HDMI cable to a different HDMI port on TV |
| Audio Issues | Audio hardware issues, such as a soundbar | Check speaker connections to Apple TV; set Audio Mode to Auto and select correct speakers for Audio Output in Audio and Video settings |
| Glitchy TV Screen | Incompatible TV settings, incorrect HDMI output | Verify TV supports HD resolution, change Apple TV resolution to SDR if needed; set HDMI Output to ‘YCbCr’ in Video and Audio settings |
| Incorrect Scrolling Speed | Unoptimized Siri remote trackpad surface settings | Adjust Touch Surface Tracking settings in Remotes and Devices menu |
Why Is My Apple TV Buggy?
While Apple TV supports the highest quality content, it’s not impervious to technical issues. Luckily, most of these problems are solvable. Here are the common bugs on your Apple TV, including their causes and possible fixes:
- Lagging Apple TV
A lagging Apple TV is typically caused by overheating. To solve this issue, try turning off your devices. Then, unplug both TV and Apple TV from the outlet. Wait for at least 5 minutes for the devices to cool down, then plug them back in.
Another reason for a lagging Apple TV is its outdated software. You can verify by going to your Settings and System. A new update will be available if your software isn’t updated. Click download and install. Ensure the Apple TV stays plugged in not to avoid interrupting the software update.
Once downloaded and updated, your Apple TV will restart.
- Application Issues
A poor internet connection might cause problems with your streaming apps like YouTube, Netflix, or Hulu.
Reboot your Wi-Fi by unplugging your router from the power source for at least 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
If you still encounter the same problem, use speed test apps like Meteor to check your internet connection. If you have a poor Wi-Fi connection, contact your internet service provider to address the issue.
Moreover, you can also force close a glitching app by double-tapping the Home button on your Siri Remote. Use the Swipe button to highlight the app, then Swipe up. If the previous methods didn’t work, you could reinstall the apps.
- Slow System Response
Low storage space can result in slow system response. You can free up space by going to Settings, then selecting Manage Storage from the General menu.
You’ll see the list of apps, and you can choose to delete some of the ones you don’t use. Click the trash icon next to the app, then select Delete.
After deleting some apps, restart your Apple TV by heading to Settings, then select Restart on your System menu.
- Remote Issues
If your remote doesn’t work, it might be running low on battery and needs to be charged.
Alternatively, you can download the Remote application on other Apple devices like iPhones and iPads. Make sure that your devices are connected to the same network.
- Video Quality
Problems with your video quality may arise due to a loose or defective HDMI cable. Make sure that the HDMI cable is securely attached to your Apple TV box. Sometimes the cable may be faulty, so you’ll need to replace it.
Another tip is to switch the HDMI cable to a different HDMI port on your TV.
- Audio Issues
Your audio cutting out on your Apple TV is usually caused by some audio hardware, like a soundbar.
Check if your speakers are connected to your Apple TV. Go to your Audio and Video settings and make sure you set the Audio Mode to Auto and select the correct speakers for Audio Output.
- Glitchy TV Screen
Apple TV provides High Dynamic Range or HDR for the best experience in your favorite shows. However, incompatibility with your TV setting can cause the screen to glitch.
Verify that your TV supports HD resolution. If it doesn’t, go to your Apple TV’s settings and change the resolution to SDR.
Furthermore, an incorrect HDMI output might cause the same issues. To resolve this problem, you can head to Settings and click HDMI Output on the Video and Audio menu. Make sure that it’s set to ‘YCbCr.’
Read more: How to connect Apple TV to a monitor
- Incorrect Scrolling Speed
If the trackpad surface of your Siri remote isn’t set up to your personal preference, it might look like a bug on your Apple TV.
If you’d like to change that, go to your Settings, then click Remotes and Devices. Then, ensure that you selected the correct option on your Touch Surface Tracking.
Read more: Apple TV looks washed out
Wrap Up
There you have it! Your complete guide to common bugs of your Apple TV and how you can solve them.
Now, you’ll know what to do if your Apple TV is buggy. However, if all the suggested fixes above didn’t resolve the issues, contact a repair professional or book a repair request in Apple Support.
