Here’s how you can download and clean install the tvOS 26 software update on your Apple TV using the built-in USB-C port.
You Can Clean Install tvOS 26 Update on Your Apple TV HD Using its USB-C Port and Finder on the Mac
All new Apple TV models are portless, and they rely on over-the-air updates if you want to install a new version of the tvOS software.
However, the Apple TV HD has a USB-C port on it, allowing you to restore the firmware however you please. This also means that you can just grab the tvOS 26 firmware file from Apple and do a clean install for a fresh start.
Again, this option is only available for the Apple TV HD, and is not applicable to any of the new Apple TV 4K models since they do not have a USB-C port.
Download the tvOS 26 IPSW File
First and foremost, you need to download the official tvOS 26 firmware file for clean installation. You can click on this link and save it to your desktop.
Connect Your Apple TV HD to Your Mac
Remove the HDMI cable from your Apple TV, plug in a USB-C cable to the back of your Apple TV and the other end into your Mac. Once you do that, you’ll see your Apple TV show up in Finder.
Clean Install tvOS 26
Step 1. Launch Finder.
Step 2. Click on your Apple TV on the left.
Step 3. Press and hold the left Option button on the keyboard and click on the Restore Apple TV button. A pop-up window will now appear.
Step 4. Select the tvOS 26 firmware file and let Finder restore it onto your Apple TV.
Step 5. Once the installation is complete, Finder will ask you to disconnect your Apple TV from your Mac and reconnect it with your TV.
Step 6. Just power up your Apple TV and enjoy a fresh installation of tvOS 26 on your Apple TV HD.
You can even downgrade back to tvOS 18 if you like. You’ll find more details posted here.
