How to Fix Apple TV Remote Not Working Issue

Apple TV is a streaming device made by Apple Inc; it allows us to access various popular streaming platforms, including Netflix, YouTube, etc. So, we can watch streaming services and Cable-TV content, including news, sport, entertainment, and more. But, we might experience the Apple TV remote not working issue, which would be a problem for us to control the TV further. Alternatively, Apple TVs from 4th-generation and above can use the iTunes remote app.

Methods to Fix Apple TV Remote not Working Issue

Suppose you are in a situation where the Apple TV remote stops working suddenly. But, we will still be able to troubleshoot the remote. So, it is important to know the cause and fixes of the issue to prevent it or rectify the problem the next time it happens.

Check or Charge the Batteries

The most common reason behind Apple TV not working is the low battery issue. However, you can still recharge the remote’s batteries and use it again.

[1] Open the Settings option on Apple TV.

[2] Now, choose Remotes and Devices from the right pane.

[3] Select Remote under the new list.

[4]. Once you click on it, you will get information regarding your remote’s battery level.

Recharge Apple TV Remote

Once you have checked your remote’s battery status, you can proceed further by charging it. Since there are different types of remotes, we will also show you how to charge them.

Siri Remote – To charge the Siri remote, you can use your Lightning Cable from any other Apple Device you possess. Then, with the help of a USB power adapter and a Lighting cable, you can charge your remote back to full. The Siri Remote takes about 3 hours to charge fully.

Apple TV remote Battery Version– Some of the older version of the Apple TV Remote works with the help of a battery. So instead of charging it, you can directly replace the battery.

• With the Aluminum Apple remote, the battery compartment will be at the back. To replace the battery, turn the back panel Counter-clockwise to remove the old battery.
• Now, if you have the older White Apple remote, the battery compartment will be at the bottom of the remote. Press and release the button using a paper clip, which will slide open the compartment.
• For the Aluminum Apple Remote, replace it with a CR2032 or BR2032 lithium 3V coin battery. And for the White Apple Remote, you will have to use the CR2032 battery.

Range Between the Remote and Apple TV

The range of the remote varies based on the version and technology that the Apple TV remote runs. So, ensure to keep the Apple TV remote in closer range for better response. And Some of the old remote works on the IR frequency, so there should be no obstacles between the devices.

[1]. Old white and Aluminium Apple remote – It is the oldest version of the remote app, and it works on the IR frequency and ranges up to 5-6 meters. Also, ensure that both the devices are in the Line of sight.

[2]. 1st generation Siri Remote – This remote runs on Bluetooth 4.0 technology and works within the range of 10-meters.

[3]. 2nd generation Siri Remote – It works on Bluetooth 5.0 technology and has a range of 40-meters.

Siri Trick to Pair the Remote

Some users have reported that with this roundabout hack, they were able to fix the Apple TV remote.

• Note that this method will only work with the Siri Remote as the other remotes don’t have the Siri Voice Assitant feature.

[1] Press and hold the Siri button

[2] Now use Siri to perform any task or question it.

[3] Release the Siri button now.

Once you have completed this, the remote might be recognized by the Apple TV, and now you will be able to use the remote as usual.

Cleaning the Apple Remote

Sometimes the remote just has some dust or other residue like water, food particles, etc., which might affect the remote from working normally, or you might even find it hard to press the buttons.

Apple is notoriously difficult when opening their device. In this scenario, the best thing to do is to clear the remote. You will need a Cotton Swab or a Lint-Free cloth and 70% Isopropyl Alchohol to do so. Rub all the buttons and touchpad with this liquid and clean the remote completely.

Enabling HDMI-CEC

Sometimes the issue can arise if the TV or the receiver does not support HDMI-CEC. Even if your TV does support that, you will need to enable it on your TV receiver’s menu. HDMI-CEC setting has many names depending on the brand you are using.

• SimpLink – LG
• EasyLink – Philips
• Anynet+ – Samsung
• Sharp – Aquos Link
• BRAVIA Sync – Sony

One more case can be that you might be using an Unshielded HDMI cable. This can lead to some interference causing Remote-Lag problems. You can try purchasing a new cable, and maybe the issue will get resolved. A shielded HDMI cable is available on the official Apple website itself.

Restart the Apple TV remote

Before proceeding to restart the Apple TV remote, turn on the Apple TV, and the remote is fully charged.

[1]. Press and hold the control center and the Volume down button together for five seconds.

[2]. Release the buttons when the Apple TV’s status light flashes. Now, a remote connection lost notification would pop up from the top-right corner of the Apple TV screen.

[3]. In the next 5-10 seconds, we would again receive a pop-up notification as Remote Connected.

Now, You can check if the remote and the key are functioning properly.

Reconnecting Apple TV with Remote

Sometimes, we might experience the Apple TV remote not working or disconnecting from the device. So, to reconnect to the Apple TV, we might have to follow a different process, depending on the type of remote.

Re-Pairing Siri remote

[1] Place the Siri remote closer to the Apple TV.

[2] Hold down the Back and Volume Up buttons for at least 6 seconds.

[3] For 1st generation remotes, hold down the Menu button and Volume-Up button.

You can stop holding the buttons when you see the message that the remote has been paired successfully.

Re-Pairing Non-Siri (aluminum or white) Remote

[1] Hold down the Menu Buton and Right Button. for at least 6 seconds.

Once you have the image of a remote with two oval symbols linked like a chain, it will mean that the devices are linked successfully.

Updating Apple TV

Sometimes there might be some bugs and glitches that could interfere the Apple TV remote from functioning normally. By updating the TV OS, you can fix many of these issues.

[1] Launch the Settings App.

[2] Now, go to the System option.

[3] Within System, options select Software update.

[4] Click on the Update Software option.

[5] The Apple TV will check for any newer updates if available.

[6] Choose the Download and Install option to update the latest OS version.

Once the process of downloading and installation is complete, the system will restart.

Apple Siri Remote Problems

Many users often complain about the tracking pad not working on the Siri Apple Remote. You can adjust the settings for the trackpad sensitivity of the Apple remote.

[1] Launch the Settings app on Apple TV.

[2] Choose Remotes and Devices.

[3] Now Select the Touch Surface Tracking option.

Once you have completed the steps, you can change and try between the three options to select the one suitable for you.

Replace the Apple TV Remote

We have considered one factor above that your Apple TV is working partially. But if your apple remote is not working completely, you will not be able to perform many troubleshooting methods. The best thing to do in a scenario like this is to buy a replacement from Apple’s Official Website or some other third-party site. The price starts from $19 up to $59.

Apple TV Remote App

For iPhones running on iOS 12 and above, the Apple TV remote app is already installed on their phone. You can access the app by going to the Control Centre. But, for other iPhones, we can download the app from App Store.

[1] Make sure both your Apple TV and your Apple Phone software is up-to-date.

[2] Download the application on your iOS device from the App Store

[3] Connect both devices to the same WiFi network.

[4] Launch the application on your device.

[5] Tap on Add Apple TV.

[6] Now, choose your Apple TV.

• Note that for 4K or the 4th generation Apple TV wait for a 4-digit code. Enter the code to pair.

[7] Go back to your phone and click on Settings > Control Center > Customize Controls.

[8] Now tap on the plus sign(+) next to the Apple TV remote.

[9] Now open Control Centre and select the Apple TV icon.

[10] Tap on your Apple TV, and you will be able to control it.

FAQ