This article contains information on how to reboot and power cycle 4th Generation Tablo and legacy network-connected Tablo DVRs. If you're trying to reboot or troubleshoot a legacy HDMI-connected Tablo device, visit this page.
Not sure which Tablo model you have? Go here.
If you run into trouble with your Tablo DVR, two simple and non-destructive troubleshooting steps are:
- Rebooting Your Tablo DVR
- Power Cycling Your Tablo DVR
Performing either of these troubleshooting steps will interrupt live TV playback, in-progress recordings and other processes on your device.
When to and How to Reboot Your Tablo
If you are having trouble connecting to your Tablo, or your DVR is running slowly, freezing or stuck in phase 1 (downloading) of a firmware update, rebooting is a good first step.
- To reboot a 4th Generation Tablo DVR, press and quickly release the reset button on the bottom of the unit. DO NOT HOLD THE BUTTON DOWN.
- To reboot a legacy network-connected Tablo DVR, press and quickly release its reset button, which is blue and is located on the rear of the unit. DO NOT HOLD THE BUTTON DOWN.
On either model, the blue LED on the front of the Tablo will begin to flash rapidly for a few seconds, indicating that a reboot process has started. Once the LED has turned solid, your Tablo is online and ready for use.
Do Not Hold Down the Reset Button
Holding down the reset button for 10 seconds or more will cause your Tablo (legacy or 4th Generation) to perform a factory reset. This will erase everything on the Tablo, schedules and recordings included, and set it back to its factory default. Only your installed firmware will remain.
You should only factory reset:
- If you've tried absolutely every other troubleshooting step to fix a problem, including contacting the technical support team.
- You're selling or giving away your Tablo.
Do not factory reset otherwise. Even if you're okay with losing everything on your Tablo, a factory reset will clear out logs that technical support may need to troubleshoot your issue.
When to and How to Power Cycle Your Tablo
If you're still unable to connect to your Tablo after a reboot or your Tablo is offline (blinking LED vs. solid), power cycling your device might help.
Temporarily removing power from your Tablo device resets several internal processes without impacting your saved recordings, schedules or settings.
However, keep the following in mind:
- Try rebooting your Tablo first to see if it corrects the issue.
- Do not power cycle your Tablo during a firmware update, as this can corrupt your Tablo's database.
- Do not power cycle your Tablo while it is actively streaming, recording, or performing other processes involving the device's database, such as syncing channels after a scan.
The steps for power cycling your Tablo are the same for all models.
- Disconnect the power adapter from the rear of your Tablo device.
- Wait for 30 seconds.
- Reconnect the power adapter.
Like when you reboot your Tablo, you'll see the LED rapidly flash and then turn solid, indicating the power cycle is complete and your Tablo is online and ready for use.