tvOS is the easiest place to try Apple's next-generation software: the Apple TV holds no personal data to lose, most streaming apps are maintained by large teams, and if something breaks you can factory-reset in ten minutes without losing anything that matters.
That makes the tvOS 27 beta the perfect first beta — and the new Liquid Glass interface looks spectacular on a living-room screen.
What you'll need
Apple TV 4K (2nd generation or later)
The 2021 and 2022 models. The 2017 Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD stay on tvOS 26.
An enrolled Apple Account signed in on the box
Settings > Users and Accounts. Same beta.apple.com / developer.apple.com enrollment as your other devices.
Step-by-step
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1Confirm the right account
On the Apple TV open Settings > Users and Accounts and verify the signed-in Apple Account is the one you enrolled in the beta program.
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2Turn on beta updates
Go to Settings > System > Software Updates and switch on Get Beta Updates. The toggle only appears for enrolled accounts.
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3Install
Select Update Software on the same screen. The box downloads tvOS 27, restarts once, and boots into the beta — five to ten minutes end to end.
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4Re-test your main apps
Open your top streaming apps and give AirPlay a quick try. If an app misbehaves, check the App Store for an update before blaming the beta.
After installing
Beta builds arrive automatically every couple of weeks while the toggle stays on. The Apple TV installs them overnight on its own — the most hands-off beta experience Apple offers.
Troubleshooting
Get Beta Updates toggle doesn't appear
The signed-in account isn't enrolled. Enroll it at beta.apple.com, give it a minute, then reopen Software Updates.
An app crashes on launch after the update
Force-quit it (double-press TV button, swipe up), reinstall from the App Store, and if it still fails wait for the developer's update — tvOS API changes catch some apps off guard early in the cycle.
The box got sluggish or stuck
Unplug power for ten seconds. If problems persist, Settings > System > Reset — a factory reset takes minutes and beta enrollment can be re-enabled right after.
Frequently asked questions
Can I go back to tvOS 26?
Turn off Get Beta Updates and the box returns to the stable channel at the next public release. Immediate downgrade requires a factory restore (2nd-gen 4K supports restore via a Mac with a USB-C cable; the 2022 model is wireless-restore only).
Does the beta affect HomeKit?
Your Apple TV likely serves as a home hub. Beta hub software occasionally hiccups with automations — if your smart home is mission-critical, keep one non-beta hub around.
Is anything at risk on the Apple TV?
Practically nothing — apps re-download and settings take minutes to redo. It's the safest device in your house to run betas on.