Apple TV Remote Not Working? 10 Fixes

Quick Fix

Apple TV remote not working? Charge it – connect Lightning cable for 30 minutes. Then restart Apple TV: Settings > System > Restart. If remote still doesn’t respond, re-pair it: point at Apple TV, hold Menu + Volume Up for 5 seconds until you see pairing message on screen.

Why Won’t Apple TV Remote Work?

Siri Remote issues stem from dead battery, lost Bluetooth pairing, software glitches, or infrared blockage. The remote uses both Bluetooth and infrared, so it needs line of sight for some functions and proper pairing for others.

Method 1: Charge the Remote

Battery may be dead.

1. Connect Lightning cable to remote
2. Charge for at least 30 minutes
3. Check battery: Settings > Remotes and Devices > Remote
4. Full charge takes about 2.5 hours
5. Battery lasts several months normally

Method 2: Restart Apple TV

Reboot fixes software glitches.

1. If remote works partially: Settings > System > Restart
2. Or: unplug Apple TV power cord
3. Wait 10 seconds
4. Plug back in
5. Wait for Apple TV to fully boot

Method 3: Re-pair the Remote

Restore Bluetooth connection.

1. Move within 3 inches of Apple TV
2. Point remote at Apple TV
3. Hold Menu + Volume Up for 5 seconds
4. Wait for pairing message on screen
5. May need to wait 10 seconds between attempts

Method 4: Reset the Remote

Clear remote’s settings.

1. Hold TV/Control Center + Volume Down
2. Hold for 5 seconds
3. Apple TV shows “Connection Lost”
4. Wait 10 seconds
5. Re-pair the remote (Method 3)

Method 5: Use iPhone as Remote

Control Apple TV while troubleshooting.

1. iPhone and Apple TV on same WiFi
2. Open Control Center on iPhone
3. Tap Apple TV Remote icon
4. Select your Apple TV
5. Use iPhone to navigate and fix settings

Method 6: Check for Interference

Other devices block signal.

• Remove objects between remote and Apple TV
• Move other electronics away
• Check for reflective surfaces
• Ensure Apple TV’s IR receiver isn’t covered

Method 7: Update tvOS

Software updates fix bugs.

1. Using iPhone remote: Settings > System > Software Updates
2. Select Update Software
3. Install if available
4. Apple TV will restart

Method 8: Unpair All Remotes

Remove conflicting pairings.

1. Settings > Remotes and Devices > Remote
2. Select Unpair Apple TV Remote
3. Confirm unpair
4. Re-pair your remote fresh

Method 9: Reset Apple TV

Factory reset as last resort.

1. Settings > System > Reset
2. Select Reset (keeps settings) or Reset and Update
3. Wait for process to complete
4. Set up Apple TV again
5. Remote should pair during setup

Method 10: Replace Remote

Hardware failure requires replacement.

• Check Apple warranty status
• Replacement Siri Remote costs ~$59
• Third-party universal remotes work for basic functions
• Apple Store can diagnose hardware issues

FAQ

Why does my Apple TV remote work intermittently?

Intermittent response usually indicates low battery or Bluetooth interference. Charge the remote fully and move other Bluetooth devices away. Also ensure Apple TV isn’t in a cabinet blocking signal.

Can I use old Apple TV remote with new Apple TV?

The old aluminum remote works with newer Apple TV via infrared for basic navigation. However, it won’t have Siri, touch surface, or volume control. For full features, use the Siri Remote.

Why won’t Apple TV remote turn on TV?

HDMI-CEC must be enabled. Go to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Control TVs and Receivers and turn it on. Your TV must also support CEC. Volume control requires selecting your TV brand in settings.