Apple TV remote (Siri Remote) is the primary option for controlling your Apple TV. However, there are other ways to control your Apple TV as well. You wouldn’t have faced any trouble connecting the remote during the Apple TV initial setup. But pairing them back together after disconnecting them because of a malfunction could be a bit of an issue.
It is absolutely normal if you aren’t sure how to pair your remote to the Apple TV after switching to a different remote or replacing a faulty one. Whatever your reasons are, we have the solution. In this article, you will learn about paring your Apple TV remote and other Apple devices to control your Apple TV.
How to Pair Apple TV Remote to Apple TV
Power on your Apple TV, and point the Siri Remote within the 8 to 10 cm distance from your Apple TV device. Then, press the following buttons on your Siri Remote, based on the model, to pair it with your Apple TV.
Siri Remote (2nd Generation or later) – Tap and hold the Back and Volume Up buttons for 2 seconds.
Siri Remote (1st Generation) – Long press the Menu and Volume Up buttons for 2 seconds.
Release the buttons when you see an on-screen message Remote Connected. That’s it, your Siri Remote is successfully paired with your Apple TV.
How to Pair and Use Your iPhone/iPad as an Apple TV Remote
To use your iPhone or iPad as your Apple TV remote, you need to have an iPhone X or above models. Your iPad must be updated to the latest iPad OS version. Before moving into the steps, connect your iPhone or iPad and Apple TV to the same WiFi network.
1. Open your iPhone or iPad Settings and click on the Control Centre option.
2. Select and add the Apple TV Remote option to your Control Centre controls.
3. Come back to your home screen and tap on the Apple TV Remote icon on your Control Centre.
4. Your Apple device will scan for the devices on the same WiFi network. Choose your Apple TV or Smart TV from the list.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to enter the 4-digit code displayed on your Apple TV onto your Remote app.
Once paired, you can use the virtual remote on your iPhone or iPad to operate your Apple TV without the Siri Remote. Additionally, you can press the volume up or down buttons on your iPhone/iPad to operate the volume on your Apple TV, which is set up with the Homepoad, soundbar, or other AirPlay-compatible devices. If not, you can use the volume buttons on your virtual remote to control the volume on your Apple TV.
How to Pair an Infrared Remote With Apple TV
If you wish to have a backup remote that is not your Apple TV remote or your other Apple devices, then your only option is to have an infrared universal remote configured on your Apple TV. However, to establish the initial connection, you will need your Siri remote or connected Apple devices.
1. Power on your Apple TV using your Siri Remote or the Apple TV remote on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Go to Settings and tap on the Remotes and Devices option.
3. Select the Learn Remote option from the Other Devices list.
4. Press Start, and follow the on-screen instructions to connect the remote to your Apple TV.
Once the initial connection is made, you can use the infrared remote to operate your Apple TV. You can use this method in case of emergency situations when your Apple TV Remote fails to work and you need a traditional remote control rather than a virtual remote.
How to Pair a Network-Based Remote to Your Apple TV
You can pair your remote to your Home app on your iPhone or iPad and control the TV through it. Here is how it is done. Before beginning with steps, ensure your remote is turned on and connected to your network.
1. Open your Home app on your Apple device (iPhone/ iPad)
2. Click on the Add button, which looks like a + icon.
3. Select the Add Accessory option and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the pairing.
Note: To connect your Apple TV to your Home app, you should be using the same iCloud on both devices.
How to Check Your Apple TV Remote’s Battery Percentage
Once the pairing is done, ensure the remote has enough battery left for continuous usage.
1. Open the Apple TV Settings.
2. Tap on the Remote and Devices option.
3. Under the Remote section, you can find the battery percentage indicated by a battery icon near the Remote option.
FAQ
When too many remotes are already paired, you may be unable to pair the current remote with your Apple TV. Try unpairing and re-pairing your Apple TV remote.
Head to Settings on your Apple TV, and select the Remotes and Devices option from the list. Under the Remote section, you can find the battery percentage indicated by a battery icon near the Remote option.