Does the Apple TV 4K support USB?
Does the Apple TV 4K support USB?
Best answer: No, the Apple TV 4K does not support a USB port. The USB port on older devices was only used for resetting your device to factory settings. Now there is a significantly less complicated process to reset your device, even if it doesn't turn on anymore.Amazon: Apple TV 4K - 64GB ($199)
How wireless options are benefiting you
When the Apple TV 4K was released, we saw quite a few upgrades. Older generations of the device had things like video ports, analog audio ports, optical digital ports, and so on. With each update that Apple TV received, it would lose yet another piece you no longer have to plug in, and we're extremely grateful. Now, with Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology and an IR receiver you can stream all of your favorite shows and movies without having to clutter your TV stand with more and more wires.
So, what about the USB port that came on the older versions of the Apple TV? It was something that was mostly used for maintenance abilities. If your device ever gave you any issues, you could plug it into your computer via the USB port, connect it to iTunes, and then start the process of factory resetting. This was particularly useful if the device wouldn't power on because all of the other reset options required you to use the menu.
If you've upgraded your Apple TV to the 4K version, you might be wondering where that USB port went. Luckily, you can rest your mind knowing that you don't need a USB port to factory reset the device yourself anymore. Even if your device won't turn on, there are other ways to reset it with just a few buttons and no time at all.
How to reset your Apple TV 4K to factory settings
Resetting your device from the menu options
If your Apple TV 4K can still turn on, you can reset your device to factory settings right through the menu options.
- Go to your Settings menu.
- Select System.
- Select Restart.
- The Reset option will make everything go back to factory settings, and won't require an internet connection.
- The Reset and Update option will require a connection to the internet. This option will factory reset your device and then make sure it's up to date on all software settings.
- Regardless of your decision, leave the device on until the process completes.
Resetting your device if you're using a Siri Remote
- Hold down the button with the TV symbol and the Menu Buttons.
- Let go when the light on your device flashes.
- Leave the device on until the process completes.
Resetting your device if you're using the Apple Remote
- Hold down the Menu and Down buttons.
- Let go when the light on your device flashes.
- Leave the device on until the process completes.
Our pick
Powerful streaming for your home
With nearly every streaming service, sans Google Play Movies & TV, it's hard to not want the Apple TV 4K. With 64GB of memory, you can make sure all your favorite apps are readily available. And, if you know you only use a few, you can find the 32GB version on Amazon as well. With a tvOS 12 operating system, the Apple TV promises a strong connection for the best streaming speeds.
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Essa Kidwell is an expert in all things VR and mobile devices who can always be found with an Oculus Go, a Pixel 2, and an iPhone 7+. They've been taking things apart just to put them back together for quite some time. If you've got a troubleshooting issue with any of your tech, they're the one you want to go to! Find them on Twitter @OriginalSluggo or Instagram @CosmeticChronus.