How to Reset Your Apple TV Remote: Complete Troubleshooting & Pairing Guide
It’s hard to use an Apple TV when its remote stops working. Fortunately, you can fix your remote at home.
You don’t always need to reset the Apple TV remote to get it working again. But, we’ve included those steps, plus how to pair the Apple TV remote and more below, so that you can get back to streaming in no time!
Why You Need to Fix the Apple TV Remote
An Apple remote works great most of the time. And while there are ways to control your TV without the official remote (more on that below), you’ll want the remote to work normally for the best experience.
Below are the best tips we’ve used to fix a broken remote.
How to Fix an Apple Remote
Follow these tips in order, and check your remote after each one to see if it’s working again.
Charge the remote
The remote’s battery lasts a considerably long time. In fact, it lasts long enough that many users forget that it needs to be charged.
The first thing to check when your remote won’t work is its batteries. Connect it to a power source (via a data cable) and charge it for a while.
Restart the TV
Disconnect the Apple TV from the power outlet. Wait a minute, and plug it back in.
Use your iPhone
You can use your iPhone to control the Apple TV. You may need to download an app for the job, depending on the TV model you have, or your iPhone alone might be enough.
Note: The remote in Control Center only works with Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, Apple TV (3rd generation), and AirPlay-compatible sets.
Do this on your iPhone:
- Open Settings > Control Center.
- Tap the Add Apple TV Remote button.
- Open the Control Center.
- Tap your TV from the list.
- Enter the passcode from the TV (if you see this prompt).
- Use the on-screen remote to control the TV.
If your TV won’t work with your iPhone and its remote, install the iTunes Remote app from the App Store.
Reset Siri Remote (2nd Gen)
Use these steps for the silver Siri Remote with a clickpad (Lightning or USB-C charging):
- Unplug your TV from the wall.
- On the remote, press and hold Back and Volume Up at the same time for about 5 seconds.
- Release the buttons on the Siri Remote and then plug the TV back in.
Reset Siri Remote (1st Gen)
Do this if you have the original black Siri Remote with a glass touch surface:
- Unplug the TV.
- Press and hold Menu and Volume Up on the Siri Remote for about 5 seconds.
- After releasing the buttons, power the TV once more.
Reset Aluminum Apple Remote
Have the older aluminum IR remote? Reset it like this:
- Point the remote at Apple TV and press and hold Menu and Left for over 5 seconds.
- Release the buttons once you see the pairing message on the screen.
Reset Using Apple TV Itself
Another way to reset the remote is directly from your TV:
- Go to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth.
- Choose your remote and select Forget Device.
- Restart the TV and then re-pair the remote.
How to Pair Remote After Reset
Your remote needs to be paired with your TV to use it. Follow these steps to pair Apple TV remote quickly:
- Turn on the TV and stand about 3 inches (8 cm) from it.
- Press and hold the Back or Menu button with the Volume Up button for 5 seconds.
- Pairing is finished when you see the confirmation on the screen.
Check Battery Health
Your remote might have problems with the battery. Here’s how to check:
- Check the battery level: Settings > Remotes and Devices > Remote
- Charge the remote for at least 30 minutes before troubleshooting.
- Try a different charger, power adapter, or wall outlet (avoid power strips for now)
- If the battery drains quickly, test it after a full charge cycle
Troubleshooting When Resetting Doesn’t Work
If resetting doesn’t help, restart the Apple TV, ensure the remote is fully charged, and confirm that tvOS is up to date.
Also try to reduce wireless interference by moving the TV away from routers or soundbars. If the remote still won’t pair, try doing so from a different distance or use an iPhone as a temporary remote to get through the settings.
If you haven’t yet, give the remote a quick restart. To complete this, press and hold the TV/Control Center button and the Volume Down button simultaneously for about 5 seconds.
Persistent issues with an Apple remote usually indicate a failing battery or hardware fault, which may require remote replacement or service.
Conclusion
The Apple remote has a long battery life, and it generally has a long product life too. It has been known to run into occasional flukes, but more often than not, it’s because users forget to charge their remote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace the battery in an Apple TV remote?
Siri Remotes have built-in rechargeable batteries that can’t be replaced. The older aluminum Apple Remote uses a removable CR2032 coin battery that can be swapped when it dies.
Can I use my iPhone as a temporary remote?
The built-in remote in Control Center lets you control your TV from iPhone or iPad, as long as they are on the same Wi-Fi network and signed into the same Apple Account.
Does resetting delete Apple TV settings?
Yes. A reset erases settings, accounts, and preferences. It returns your TV to its factory default settings, so apps and other data are removed and must be set up again.
How long does it take to repair after a reset?
A reset typically takes a few minutes. To fully set it up again afterward, expect to spend 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the Wi-Fi speed and how many apps you reinstall.
Why won’t my Apple TV remote pair after a reset?
Pairing can fail if the remote’s battery is too low, if the TV is too far away, or if there is wireless interference nearby. Ensure the remote is fully charged and move it closer to the TV (really close). Restart your TV between tries.
