How To Set Apple TV Sleep Timer

If you want to turn on a sleep timer for your Apple TV, open the Settings app, then select General. Select the Sleep After Menu. You can now choose a duration for your timer from 15 minutes all the way to 10 hours.

If you’re anything like me, you need something playing in the background in order to fall asleep. That’s where the Apple TV Sleep Timer comes in. This article will explain all the ways you can set this time, as well as what to do if the Sleep Timer starts malfunctioning.

How To Set Apple TV Sleep Timer

Apple TV does have a Sleep Timer feature, but the catch is, this feature is only available for TVs that support HDMI-CEC. HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) is a function of the HDMI standard that allows connected devices to communicate with each other. The goal of this feature is to allow you one remote to control multiple devices that are connected to a display, making it more convenient. If your TV does not have HDMI-CEC available, there are other ways around this with your Apple TV. For now, here is how you set up a Sleep Timer if it’s available to you:
  1. Go to the Settings app on your TV.
  2. Select General.
  3. Select the Sleep After Menu.
  4. You now have many different set times to choose from:
    • 15 Minutes.
    • 30 Minutes.
    • One Hour.
    • Five Hours.
    • 10 Hours.
  5. Use the arrow on your Apple TV to choose your preferred amount of time. Your Apple TV will go to sleep automatically after choosing your set period.
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How To Enter Sleep Mode On Your Apple TV Automatically

The Settings app has a “Sleep Now” option that allows you to turn your Apple TV off automatically when not in use. To turn this feature on:
  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Select General.
  3. Scroll down and select Sleep Now.
  4. From here, you can choose a time frame for the device to shut off. The times available are similar to setting a Sleep Timer.
You can also schedule your Apple TV to automatically turn off at a specific time each day or night. To do this:
  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Select General.
  3. Scroll down and select the Schedule option.
  4. Select a start time and an end time.
When the Apple TV enters Sleep Mode, its display will turn off automatically, though it’s still running in the background. It will come back on after you press a button or move the remote. This feature helps conserve energy when no one is using the device. You can also disable this setting by:
  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Select General.
  3. Select Schedule.
  4. Select the Never Sleep option. This will keep your Apple TV running until you manually turn it off.
If you ever want to double-check that your settings are still in place, just go back into the Settings app and view Sleep Now again. You can always adjust or disable this setting as needed.

How To Manually Put Apple TV To Sleep Using Siri Remote

If you happen to have a Siri Remote with your Apple TV, setting a sleep timer is even easier.
  1. Hold down the Home button for at least three seconds. This will open up the main menu.
  2. Select Sleep Mode from the Main Menu.
  3. You will be presented with a list of times to choose from. Select the best option that works for you.
You’re done! Setting a Sleep Timer with a Siri Remote is as easy as pressing a few buttons.

How To Fix Your Apple Sleep Timer When It’s Not Working

If your Sleep Timer quits working for reasons such as falling, being hit on hard surfaces, or electric sparks causing damage to cables, don’t panic. Try the following methods to get your system up and running again.

Troubleshoot Your HDMI cable

The HDMI cable connects your Apple TV to your television set and is responsible for the visuals and controls coming from your Apple TV to appear on your television. This also includes the Sleep Timer. To troubleshoot your HDMI cable:
  • Verify that the ends of both sides of the cord have a strong connection to both your television and the Apple TV. Make sure they are not loose in any way.
  • Disconnect the cord from both your Apple TV and television set.
  • Check the cord for any cuts, major bends, or abrasions.
  • If you find any damage to your current cable, immediately replace it with a new one.

Update The Firmware Of Your Apple TV

Firmware is the system’s operating system that exists between the software and hardware. The problem you may be experiencing with the Sleep Timer may be due to outdated firmware. You can follow these steps to update your firmware:
  1. Open up the Settings app.
  2. Select the System option.
  3. Select Software Updates.
  4. If there is a software update available, click on Download. Your Apple TV will start downloading the updated firmware.
  5. Make sure not to turn off or unplug your Apple TV while it is updating. This could lead to a system crash.

Reset Your Apple TV

It’s possible that you’re dealing with a glitch that is deep in your Apple TV. If that’s the case, restoring your system is a good way to fix a non-functioning Sleep Timer. To do this:
  1. Open your Settings app.
  2. Select System.
  3. At the bottom of the list, select Reset.
  4. Do not unplug your Apple TV while it is resetting.
  5. Wait for the system to reboot, and see if your Sleep Timer is working again.
I hope you enjoyed reading about how to set the Apple TV Sleep Timer. Please share this article with anyone who just bought a new Apple TV.

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