Apple TV Error Code 15: How to Fix It

Easy 15-30 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
15
Brand
Apple TV
Product Type
smart_tv
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
15-30 minutes
Apple TV Error Code 15 indicates that ProRes audio passthrough has been disabled, meaning your Apple TV is unable to send high-quality audio formats directly to your receiver or soundbar. This typically happens due to a misconfiguration in audio output settings, an incompatible HDMI cable, or a connected audio device that does not support the required audio format. In most cases, this is a software or settings issue you can resolve at home without professional help.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 15

  1. Restart Your Apple TV

  2. Check and Update Audio Output Settings

  3. Enable Audio Passthrough Manually

  4. Inspect and Replace Your HDMI Cable

    Unplug the Apple TV power cable before swapping cables to avoid any electrical issues at the port.

  5. Verify Your TV or Receiver Supports Audio Passthrough

  6. Update tvOS Software

  7. Reset Apple TV Settings

    A full factory reset (Reset and Update) will erase all data and require you to sign back in to your Apple ID and reconfigure all settings. Only use this option as a last resort.

Parts You May Need

High-Speed HDMI Cable (HDMI 2.0 or 2.1)
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HDMI ARC/eARC-Compatible AV Receiver
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High-Speed HDMI Cable (HDMI 2.0 or 2.1)
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HDMI ARC/eARC-Compatible AV Receiver
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High-Speed HDMI Cable (HDMI 2.0 or 2.1)
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HDMI ARC/eARC-Compatible AV Receiver
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When to Call a Professional

Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store if Error Code 15 persists after completing all steps above, especially if the Apple TV fails to detect any audio output device, the device freezes repeatedly during setup, or the HDMI port on the Apple TV appears physically damaged. If your AV receiver is the suspected culprit and none of the settings changes help, a professional AV installer or home theater technician can diagnose compatibility and wiring issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Apple TV Error Code 15 mean?
Apple TV Error Code 15 means that ProRes audio passthrough has been disabled. This indicates that your Apple TV cannot send high-quality audio formats to your TV or AV receiver, usually due to incompatible settings, an unsupported audio device, or a faulty HDMI cable.
How do I enable audio passthrough on Apple TV?
Go to Settings > Video and Audio > Audio Format on your Apple TV and select 'Best Available' or manually choose your preferred surround sound format. Make sure your HDMI cable supports high-speed data transfer and that your TV or receiver supports audio passthrough on the connected HDMI port.
Will a better HDMI cable fix Apple TV Error Code 15?
In many cases, yes. ProRes audio passthrough requires a high-speed HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 cable. If you are using an older or lower-quality cable, upgrading to a certified high-speed HDMI cable can resolve the error and restore full audio passthrough functionality.
Does my TV need to support ProRes audio for Apple TV passthrough to work?
Yes. Your TV or AV receiver must support the audio format Apple TV is trying to pass through. Many smart TVs only support basic Dolby Digital via ARC. For the best results, connect your Apple TV directly to an AV receiver that supports eARC or lossless audio formats.
Will resetting my Apple TV fix Error Code 15?
A settings reset (Settings > System > Reset > Reset All Settings) can fix Error Code 15 if it is caused by a corrupted audio configuration. This resets audio and video settings without deleting your apps or content. A full factory reset is rarely needed but is an option if all other steps fail.

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