As long as you have an Apple TV HD, you can clean install tvOS 26 beta on it. Here’s how you do it in a few easy steps.
You Can Clean Install tvOS 26 Developer Beta on Apple TV HD Using Your Mac and a USB-C Cable
The Apple TV HD has a special superpower – a USB-C port at the back. That port is mainly used for diagnostics, but you can use it to restore firmware as well.
If you’re planning to do a clean installation of tvOS 26 developer beta on your Apple TV HD, then let me walk you through the process.
Sign Up to the Apple Developer Program
You must sign up to Apple’s Developer Program in order to download the tvOS 26 beta IPSW file. Sign in here using the same Apple Account you’re signed in to on your Apple TV.
Download the tvOS 26 Beta Firmware File
Once signed into the Apple Developer Program, click on the Develop button at the top and then open Downloads. Scroll down a little and you’ll see the tvOS 26 developer beta firmware file for the Apple TV HD. Download it and save it to your desktop.
Clean Install tvOS 26 Developer Beta on Apple TV HD
Step 1. Unplug your Apple TV HD from your TV. Remove the HDMI cable and remove the power cable too.
Step 2. Plug your Apple TV HD into power, and connect a USB-C cable to its back and the other end of the cable to your Mac.
Step 3. Launch Finder from the Dock.
Step 4. You’ll immediately see your Apple TV HD in the list on the left.
Step 5. Hold down the left Option key on your keyboard and then click on the Restore Apple TV button. A pop-up window will now appear.
Step 6. Select the tvOS 26 developer beta firmware file saved to your desktop.
Step 7. Finder will immediately start to restore your Apple TV HD with the tvOS 26 beta firmware. Once installed, Finder will ask you to unplug your Apple TV and connect it back to your TV.
