Remote app for iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch can't connect to iTunes or Apple TV

Remote and the iTunes library or Apple TV that you are connecting Remote to must meet minimum system requirements in order to connect properly. For information about system requirements, see About Remote for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

To connect Remote with iTunes, iTunes must be running on your Mac or PC. You must also have the iTunes preference "Look for iPod touch, iPhone and iPad Remotes" enabled. This setting is enabled by default, however you can verify that it is enabled in the Devices tab of iTunes preferences.

To setup or troubleshoot Home Sharing on Apple TV:

• Setting up Home Sharing for Apple TV (2nd generation)
• Troubleshooting Home Sharing with Apple TV (2nd generation)

• iTunes: Understanding Home Sharing
• iTunes Troubleshooting Home Sharing

Your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch needs to be on the same home or local network as the Apple TV or iTunes library you are trying to control. You can determine if your devices are on the same home network by simply verifying that all your devices are logged onto the same home network name. To find the name of the network your devices are logged onto, navigate to the following locations on each device:

• iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch: Settings > Wi-Fi > [Network name]
• Apple TV: Settings > General > Network > [Network name]
• Mac OS X: Apple menu > System Preferences > Network > [Network name]
• Windows XP: Start > Control Panel > Network Connections > [Network Connection Name]
• Windows Vista: Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > [Network Connection Name]
• Windows 7: Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > [Network Connection Name]

In addition, make sure that:

• All your devices are connected to the same router, if you have multiple routers. Using multiple routers may prevent discovery between these devices.
• Your devices are not using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), or are all on the same VPN. A VPN may isolate the device that sits behind it and cause connectivity disruptions.
• If you have a router set up with a Guest account, make sure all devices are either connected to the router using this guest network, or switch all devices to the primary network on your router.

To force quit Remote on your iOS device, double-click the Home  button (to view your recently used apps) and then touch and hold the Remote app icon until it begins to jiggle, then tap . Remote is added to recent apps again the next time you open it.

Restart your home network router using the method recommended by its documentation. This may include disconnecting the power cord for 10 seconds or more. Note that any Internet services including a VOiP-based phone will not work until the router restarts.

If using an AirPort Base Station or Time Capsule, make sure to have the latest firmware update installed on your base station. Update via the AirPort Utility application. Read this article for more details on how to update your Airport Base station or Time Capsule.

If you have a firewall enabled on your router or computer, make sure that the firewall is not blocking communication between Remote and your iTunes or Apple TV.  Remote uses TCP port 3689 and UDP port 5353 to communicate with your iTunes or Apple TV.  To configure your firewall to add these ports:

• For Mac OS X v10.5 and later, you don't need to edit the port addresses, but make sure the firewall is not set to "Allow only essential services" as described in About the Application Firewall.
• For Mac OS X v10.4.11 and earlier, please follow these instructions.
• For Windows Vista and Windows 7 Firewall, please follow these instructions.
• For Windows XP Firewall, please follow these instructions.
• If you use other firewall software or hardware, check the software documentation on how to open these ports.