# How to enforce software updates on Apple TV?

The **Update OS** remote action in Hexnode UEM allows IT administrators to remotely deploy **tvOS** updates to managed Apple TVs, ensuring devices remain secure, stable, and compatible with enterprise applications.

**Why Enforce tvOS Updates?**
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Maintaining the latest version of tvOS is critical for organizational security and device performance. Older software versions may harbor vulnerabilities or lack the management capabilities necessary for high-density deployments.

- **Enhanced Security:** Patches known security flaws and vulnerabilities.
- **App Compatibility:** Ensures enterprise apps function correctly on supported software versions.
- **Centralized Management:** Allows admins to trigger updates for individual devices or entire fleets from a single console.
- **Operational Stability:** Improves overall device performance and system reliability.

**Prerequisites for Apple TV Updates**
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Before initiating an OS update, ensure the target devices meet the following hardware and management criteria:

RequirementSpecification**Management State**Devices must be **Supervised**.**OS Version**Supports Apple TV devices running **tvOS 12** or later.**Connectivity**Maintain a stable connection; do not disconnect the Apple TV during the process.**Step-by-Step Guide: Enforcing Apple TV OS Updates**
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Administrators can initiate updates for single devices or perform bulk operations across multiple endpoints.

### **1. Update a Single Apple TV**

1. Log in to the **Hexnode UEM portal**.
2. Navigate to the **Manage** tab > **Devices**.
3. Use the **Search box** or the **Filter column** (Platform: Apple TV) to locate the target device.
4. Click on the device name to open the **Device Summary**.
5. Navigate to **Actions > Updates > Update OS**.

### **2. Update Multiple Apple TVs (Bulk Action)**

1. Navigate to **Manage > Devices**.
2. Select the checkboxes for all Apple TV devices requiring the update.
3. From the **Actions** drop-down menu, select **Updates > Update OS**.

**Deployment Options**
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When triggering the update, choose between the following two installation methods:

OptionFunctional Behavior**Download Only**Downloads the update to the Apple TV. The user must manually install it via **Settings > System > Software Updates**.**Download and Install**Downloads the system update over-the-air and installs it immediately upon completion. If previously downloaded, installation starts instantly.[![Enforce Apple TV OS update via Hexnode’s MDM solution](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Enforce-Apple-TV-OS-update-via-MDM.png)](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Enforce-Apple-TV-OS-update-via-MDM.png)

**Monitoring Update Progress**
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To verify the status of the remote command:

1. Click on the specific device in the **Manage** tab.
2. Navigate to the **Action History** tab.
3. Review the status of the **Update OS** action to confirm success or identify errors.

**Troubleshooting Guides**
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ProblemResolution**Update action is missing from the menu**Verify the device is in **Supervised** mode. Unsupervised Apple TVs do not support remote OS enforcement.**Update fails or hangs indefinitely**Ensure the device has a stable network connection. Confirm that the Apple TV was not disconnected or powered down during the update process.**Device is not picking up the update**Check if the device is running at least **tvOS 12**. Also, check **Action History** to ensure the command reached the device.**Download and Install fails due to bandwidth**If updating many devices simultaneously, ensure your network bandwidth can support multiple large concurrent downloads.**Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)**
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#### **Can unsupervised Apple TV devices be updated?**

No. The **Update OS** remote action is strictly limited to supervised Apple TV devices.

#### **What happens if the power is disconnected during an update?**

Disconnecting the device during a firmware update can lead to system corruption or “bricking.” Always ensure the device remains powered on until the process is complete.

#### **Does the user get a notification before an update?**

If **Download and Install** is selected, the update is enforced over-the-air. If **Download Only** is selected, the update resides on the device until the user manually triggers the installation from the local settings menu.

#### **How can the current tvOS version be viewed in the portal?**

The current OS version is listed in the **Device Summary** page under the **Manage** tab once the device has completed a successful scan.