Set up the Apple TV Remote on your iPhone or iPad

With the Apple TV Remote in Control Center, you can control your Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible smart TV with your iPhone or iPad.

Set up the Apple TV Remote in Control Center

Add the Apple TV Remote to Control Center

If you can't set up the Apple TV Remote

Before you begin

• The Apple TV Remote in Control Center works with Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, Apple TV (3rd generation), and AirPlay-compatible smart TVs only.

• To use the Apple TV Remote in Control Center with an AirPlay-compatible smart TV, add your smart TV to the Home app and assign it to a room.

• You can use the volume up and down buttons on the Apple TV Remote in Control Center to control the volume on your Apple TV if it is set up with a HomePod, soundbar, or other AirPlay-compatible speakers. If your Apple TV is not set up with a HomePod, soundbar, or other AirPlay-compatible speakers, use the volume buttons on the remote that came with your television.

Set up the Apple TV Remote in Control Center

1. Open Control Center.

   • On iPhone X or later or iPad: Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen.

   • On iPhone 8 or earlier or iOS 11 or earlier: Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen.

2. Tap the Apple TV Remote button. If the Apple TV Remote button doesn't appear, add the Apple TV Remote to Control Center.

   

3. Tap your Apple TV or smart TV from the list.

4. If asked, follow the onscreen instructions to enter a four-digit passcode into your iPhone or iPad. If you have Apple TV (3rd generation), use your Siri Remote or Apple TV Remote to enter the four-digit passcode into your Apple TV.

   

Add the Apple TV Remote to Control Center

1. Open Control Center.

   • On iPhone X or later or iPad: Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen.

   • On iPhone 8 or earlier or iOS 11 or earlier: Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen

2. Tap the Add Controls button.

3. Tap Add a Control.

4. Scroll down to Remote or use the Search Controls bar to search for Remote, and tap Remote.

   

For iOS 17 and earlier, go to Settings, select Control Center, and tap the Add button next to Apple TV Remote.

If you can't set up the Apple TV Remote

1. Check that your iPhone or iPad is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible smart TV. On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Wi-Fi. On your Apple TV, go to Settings > Network.

2. Update your iPhone or iPad to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS, and update your Apple TV to the latest version of tvOS.

3. Restart your Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible smart TV, and restart your iPhone or iPad.