Summary

Is your Apple TV remote not working?

Are you trying to pair a new remote, or use your old remote with a different unit?

Lets fix the mess so you’ve got the option to go back to streaming your favorite shows.

Apple TV device on a black background.

Lebedev Yury/Shutterstock.com

First, confirm your Apple TV is on.

Now take the remote that you want to pair and confirm youre within three inches of the streaming box.

Reset an Apple TV Remote

Sometimes your Apple TV remote can just stop working.

Apple TV dashboard with YouTube selected.

Tim Brookes / How-To Geek

This wont unpair the remote, so you wont need to go through the pairing process detailed above.

Wait a few moments and the connection between the remote and Apple TV should be re-established.

you could try tapping a few buttons on the remote to wake it up if nothing happens.

Apple TV remote pairing button combination.

Tim Brookes / How-To Geek

First, see to it that the old Apple TV unit is powered off and unplugged.

Once complete, the remote will be paired with your desired Apple TV.

If you want to migrate the remote back, youll need to follow this process again.

Apple TV remote reset combination.

Tim Brookes / How-To Geek

You’ll find the charge level listed under parameters > Remotes and Devices > Remote.

The unit should automatically start up and dump you on the dashboard.

Its also a good workaround so that you’re able to use your Apple TV in the meantime.

Apple TV remote disconnected message.

Use the Choose a TV drop-down at the top of the screen to select your Apple TV.

You may need to pair the iPhone, just follow any on-screen instructions.

Once connected you’re able to use the trackpad interface just as you would your normal remote.

Apple TV remote connected notification.

Youll also need to be able to control your Apple TV using another unit to do this.

The Apple TV will restart, after which you could try using (or pairing) your remote again.

This technology allows you tocontrol streaming boxes and game consoles with a single remote.

Apple TV remote battery information screen.

They also control the interface once paired, which can be a convenient remote replacement for some users.

After pairing, your controller should stay paired with your Apple TV, depending on which pad youre using.

Alternatively, you’re able to buy a replacementSiri Remote (third-generation)for $59.00.

Selecting an Apple TV to control in the iPhone Remote app.

This remote works with all models of Apple TV from the Apple TV HD onwards.

Updating the tvOS software on an Apple TV.

Teaching an Apple TV to use a regular TV remote.

View vvailable game controllers on an Apple TV via Control Center.