If your Apple TV remote isn’t working

If your remote isn't working as expected, learn what to do.

Follow the steps for your type of remote. After each step, see if you still need help.

 


     

Siri Remote or Apple TV Remote*

  1. Stay within range of your Apple TV when you use your Siri Remote, since the remote relies on Bluetooth. If you're nearby but the volume controls don't respond, move anything that blocks the path between your remote and the front of your television or receiver. For volume, your remote sometimes needs a line of sight to the IR sensor on the front of your home-theater equipment.
  2. Charge your Siri Remote or Apple TV Remote for 30 minutes using a Lightning to USB cable and a USB wall charger.
  3. Point your remote three inches away from your Apple TV. Then press and hold your remote's Menu and Volume Up buttons for five seconds. If asked, place your remote on top of Apple TV to complete pairing.
  4. Unplug your Apple TV from the wall power outlet. Wait at least six seconds, then plug it back in.
  5. If you have an Apple Remote (aluminum or white), try it instead of your Siri Remote. Or, if you already set up your Apple TV, you can use the Apple TV Remote app for iOS to control your Apple TV.

    If you still need help, contact Apple Support.

 

     The Apple Remote (aluminum and white)

Apple Remote (aluminum or white)

  1. Move anything that blocks the path between your Apple Remote and the front of your Apple TV, television, receiver, and sound bar. 
  2. Unlink your Apple Remote to your Apple TV. On your Apple Remote, hold down Menu and Left for six seconds. Then on your Apple TV, look for  above an icon of a remote.
  3. Link your Apple Remote to your Apple TV. On your Apple Remote, hold down Menu and Right for six seconds. Then on your Apple TV, look for  above an icon of a remote.
  4. Unplug your Apple TV from the wall power outlet. Wait at least six seconds, then plug it back in.
  5. Replace the battery in your Apple Remote.

Get more help

*Apple TV 4K and Apple TV (4th generation) ships with the same remote everywhere. In countries and regions that support Siri, the remote is called Siri Remote. Elsewhere, it’s called Apple TV Remote. Siri works on either remote as long as your Apple TV 4K or Apple TV (4th generation) is set up with a language and country or region that supports Siri.

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