Update appears stuck in Step 1 of 2: Preparing Update

I had the exact same issue with tvOS 16.6. I contacted Apple support and they recommended that I unplug the Apple TV, even though the install screen says not to. The TV rebooted into the previous software version, and I applied Software Update. This time it worked!

I am NOT recommending that anyone unplug their Apple TV, especially since it says not to right there on the install screen. Just letting you all know my experience.

I might have gotten away with it because this was done on "Step 1 of 2: preparing update." My guess is that later steps might have bricked the Apple TV.

Same issue here. Stuck on 1 of 2. I unplugged Apple TV. Waited a minute. Plugged it back in. Apple TV turned on as normal. Went to settings, general, software update, downloaded and installed update. Apple TV then goes back to the 1 of 2 screen BUT the progress bar actually moves and Apple TV updated like it should. Seems like Apple TV gets hung up unless you manually go to settings which requires you to UNPLUG the Apple TV even though it says not too. Smh. Cheers!

hwhiting31 wrote:

Title says it all. How do I fix this issue.

Plug device to power source and leave it alone to finish the update.