Solve Apple TV remote control failure problem: Reset and repair guide

Key points:

• Check the remote control battery: On the Apple TV, open Settings > Remote Control and Devices > Remote Control .
• Restart the Apple TV remote: Press and hold the TV/Control Center button and the volume down button for 5 seconds. Then release the button and wait for the "Connection Disconnected" message to appear on the TV screen.
• Pair the remote: If the remote is not automatically paired, set the remote to approximately three inches from the Apple TV and press and hold the arrow keys on the Return/Menu for at least 5 seconds. When prompted, place the remote control on the Apple TV to complete the pairing process.

Apple TV remote control fails to pair or has other problems? Let's see what might be causing the problem and how to reset the Apple TV remote to restore control of the TV. This article will include officially recommended methods and my personal effective skills.

Causes of Apple TV remote control failure

When you find yourself wondering “Why is my Apple TV remote not working?”, all the main possible reasons are divided into two categories:

• Battery issues. If the battery is too low, or the battery itself has aging or worn out, your Apple TV remote will not be able to pair with your media settings.
• The connection is interrupted. This could be caused by a hardware failure inside an Apple TV or remote. Otherwise, just check and remove the wireless interference source to resolve the issue.

How to fix Apple TV remote control?

Here are the most effective ways to fix the problem. Tips #6 always saves me when my Apple TV remote fails.

1. Move the remote control close to the Apple TV

Sometimes a simple repositioning can solve the problem, saving you time in depth finding solutions. If your Apple TV doesn't have a responsive remote control, try to get close to the Apple TV set-top box. While the Bluetooth connection range of the remote control varies depending on the device model, ranging from 10 to 40 meters, it is best to bring the remote closer to your Apple TV to see if it starts to respond.

2. Charge the remote control

Another basic troubleshooting step is to check if your Apple remote is simply not working because it is out of power. If you have a modern remote, charge it with a Lightning or USB-C cable, which takes about 15 to 30 minutes. If you're using an older model from before 2013, you don't need to charge it, just unscrew the panel on the back to replace the 2032 button battery.

I usually use the Apple TV Remote app on my iPhone to check the battery level of the remote. The method is as follows:

1. Turn on Settings on Apple TV.
2. Select Remote Control and Devices > Remote Control.
3. Check the battery level.

If the battery is below 20%, this may be the reason why the Apple TV is not responding to the remote.

3. Reset the Apple TV remote control

This approach is basically the same as the commonly used "off and on" technique, which is often very effective in solving minor technical failures. Here is how to reset your Apple TV remote:

1. Press and hold the TV/Control Center button (underlined box icon) and the volume down button for at least five seconds.
2. Release the button and wait for the message "Connection Disconnected" appears.
3. Wait for the remote to restart and display the "Connected" message.

This reset should help fix the Apple TV remote quickly.

My experience sometimes I just need a large screen streaming device for my Mac that runs smoothly without a cable, remote, or other additional devices. In this case, I turned to JustStream (get it on Setapp), which streams audio and video content from my Mac to any TV screen. With a rich supported file format and coverage of all types of TV devices, JustStream is one of the best in terms of compatibility.

Here is how to stream content on a large screen using JustStream:

1. Turn on the TV and make sure it is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac.
2. Launch JustStream on your Mac.
3. Select your TV as the target device for streaming.
4. Click "Start Streaming".

4. Use shielded HDMI cables

The Apple TV remote control uses Bluetooth to communicate with the Apple TV, but the cable connecting the set-top box and the TV itself may cause wireless interference to Bluetooth. If the shielding is improper, it may act as an antenna for broadcasting electromagnetic waves. Replacing this cable with a well-shielded HDMI cable prevents existing and future problems with the Apple TV remote from working.

If you suspect your network may be having problems or interference, you can also try to check with NetSpot. NetSpot is an instant Wi-Fi enhancer that allows you to rely on clear visual data to find and fix weak points in wireless coverage (see below). With NetSpot, you can run fast signal diagnostics, manage and troubleshoot any problematic networks without technical background.

Here are the steps to optimize and expand Wi-Fi signals using NetSpot:

1. Perform real-time Wi-Fi scans at any point in your living, outdoor, or office space and perform built-in speed tests.
2. Visualize the location of signal strength.
3. Find the channel interference area.
4. Adjust the location of the access point as needed and select the location of the new hotspot.

5. Unpair and repair the remote control

Maybe the wireless connection is disconnected, which is why your Apple TV remote is no longer working. If your Apple TV does not respond to the remote, follow these steps:

1. Keep the remote approximately three inches away from the Apple TV.
2. Press and hold the Back or Menu button and the volume up key for about five seconds.
3. If prompted, place the remote on the Apple TV set-top box to complete the pairing.
4. Restart your Apple TV.

If resetting and repairing the Apple TV remote doesn't help, it may indicate that your Apple TV is causing the problem. Try restarting the entire settings to fix the Apple TV remote. To do this, simply unplug the Apple TV from the power supply for at least six seconds and plug it back in.

It is recommended that if you open the Settings menu in the Apple TV Remote app on your iPhone or iPad and select Restart Apple TV, you can avoid having to physically disconnect the device.

6. Use the Apple TV Remote app

This is my favorite trick and works 99.99% of the time. In addition to its original remote control, Apple also provides you with an alternative way to control your Apple TV, which is to use the Apple TV Remote app on your iPhone or iPad. If this isn't the first time you're wondering why your Apple TV remote won't pair, it's definitely time to set up the app on your iOS device. The method is as follows:

1. Go to Settings > Control Center.
2. Click " " next to the Apple TV Remote icon to add it to the Control Center.
3. Swipe down from the upper right corner of the screen and press the remote control icon.
4. Select your TV from the menu.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to enter a four-digit code.

7. Purchase a new remote (if all other methods fail)

If you still wonder "Why is my Apple TV remote not working?" and you can use an iPhone or a third-party remote to control your Apple TV, this may indicate that there is a hardware issue with your Apple remote. At this point, you need to contact Apple for further help and possible repairs, or replace the remote completely, which will cost you about $59.

If the Apple TV does not respond to the remote, try these apps

Although Apple TV remote failure is a common problem among users, luckily, it is easy to fix for most of the time. Depending on the root cause of the problem, you need to charge, repair or reset the remote. I suggest you try these methods first and then try more complex and expensive methods.

If you want to improve your streaming and viewing experience, get JustStream (get the video quality you need when mirroring your Mac screen to your Apple TV) and NetSpot (always make sure that each device has a stable network connection). Both apps are available for free via the seven-day free trial of Setapp, a platform with over 250 high-performance iOS and macOS applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to reset a remote frozen Apple TV?

If your remote is frozen, use the Apple TV Remote app on your iPhone or iPad to access your TV's settings and reset your Apple TV without a remote.

How to know that the Apple TV remote control is not in full power?

If the remote control is low on battery, the Apple TV will display a screen notification. You can also check it yourself by going to "Settings", clicking "Remote Control and Devices", and then clicking "Remote Control".

How to force reset Apple TV?

Simply open its Settings > System > Reset and select Reset. If your Apple TV is unresponsive, you can force reset it by unplugging the device, waiting for six seconds, and then plugging it back in.

How to connect to an Apple TV without a remote control?

Install the free Apple TV Remote app on any iOS device connected to the same Wi-Fi network as Apple TV. Click the "Add Apple TV" option in the app to pair both devices and connect to your Apple TV.

Can I use my iPhone as an Apple TV remote?

Yes, of course. Install the Apple TV Remote app on your iOS device and use it as a remote easily.

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