How to update your Apple TV: The ultimate guide

Updating your Apple TV is much easier than updating your iPhone or Apple Watch, but there are still some things to remember before, during, and after installation. If you're preparing to update your Apple TV to tvOS 14, here's everything you need to know.

What's new in tvOS 14?

With tvOS 14, you'll see some customization features for multi-account preferences, additional HomeKit access, including live video streams of your HomeKit connected security cameras, and more. Is it worth updating? Check out our tvOS 14 review to find out.

What's new in tvOS 14

Will your Apple TV work with tvOS 14?

Apple does a fantastic job of ensuring that tvOS is compatible with most versions of Apple TV. If you're not sure whether your box is supported, we've got you covered.

Will my Apple TV work with tvOS 14?

How to back up your Apple TV

For most Apple devices, I highly recommend you back up your content before downloading and installing a new operating system, but Apple TV is a little different. Mainly, there is no traditional backup support. There are ways to secure your Apple TV data, though.

How to back up your Apple TV

How to download and install tvOS 14

If you have automatic downloads turned on, your Apple TV will update quietly while you're asleep or gone in the background. If, however, you don't want to wait for the update, you can manually trigger a tvOS update.

How to download and install tvOS 14

How to update from a tvOS beta to the official release

Now that Apple has made it possible for us to check out what's coming in future updates through betas (public and developer), more and more people are jumping on the beta bandwagon. If you've been on the beta track for the past few months, but want to switch back to the official release, you can do so at any time.

How to update from a tvOS beta to the official release

How to troubleshoot common tvOS installation problems

So far I've never had a single issue downloading and installing a tvOS update, but there are always times when something goes wrong. Don't worry. We're here to help.

How to troubleshoot common tvOS installation problems

Need more help?

If you still have questions about how to update your Apple TV to tvOS 14, put them in the comments and I'll help you out. If you're thinking of buying a new Apple TV, be sure to check out the best Apple TV deals first.