Apple TV has been among the most popular streaming devices for several years. These reliable streamers can help you stay connected to your favorite TV streaming services. Unfortunately, they can experience technical difficulties, causing us to lose our patience and (sometimes) lose our minds.
The most common, and the most confusing, is when the Apple TV remote suddenly stops working. While it's a common issue, it's still a frustrating one. We've done the research in order to present you with a straightforward guide to getting your remote working again.
Read on to find the steps you can take to reset the Siri remote or Apple TV remote. We've also got info on how to pair a new Apple remote if you need a replacement.
Types of Apple TV remotes
Before we get started, it's important to understand what we're working with. There are four types of remotes for Apple TV devices:
How to fix your Apple TV remote
If your Apple remote is not working, take these initial steps to fix the problem:
- Charge the remote (Siri Remote or Apple TV Remote), or replace the battery (Apple Remote) to ensure it has power.
- Reset the Apple TV by unplugging it for at least six seconds then plugging it back in.
If the remote control still doesn’t work, move on to reset the remote.
How to reset the Apple TV remote
Resetting a remote is easier than it sounds. Find your remote below, then follow the quick-and-easy steps so you can get back to your shows.
Apple TV Siri remote and Apple TV remote
If your Siri Remote or Apple TV remote is not working, take these steps to reset it:
- Point the remote at the Apple TV from about three inches away.
- Simultaneously press and hold the volume up button (+) and the Menu button or back (<) button.
- If prompted, place the remote on top of the Apple TV.
These steps usually do the trick, but if your remote is having trouble re-pairing with the Apple TV, make sure that it is running the latest software version.
Apple remote
Take these steps to reset your Apple remote:
- Simultaneously press and hold down the Menu and left arrow buttons until you see Unlink alert (two disconnected chain links) above the remote icon on the Apple TV.
- Simultaneously press and hold down the Menu and right arrow buttons until the Link alert appears (two connected chain links) above the remote icon.
Pairing a new remote to Apple TV
If your remote is damaged or lost, you can purchase a replacement at your local Apple store. For a new Siri remote, pairing is as simple as bringing the new remote close to the Apple TV and pressing any button. Otherwise, follow the instructions for resetting and pairing remotes listed above.
Set up Apple TV on your iPhone
As an alternative or backup to your physical Apple TV remote, you can set up the native Apple TV Remote app on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. On iPods and iPads running the latest iOS version, the Apple Remote is available in the Control Center. On other iOS devices running earlier versions of the operating system, you can add the Apple TV remote by going to Settings > Control Center and tapping + next to Apple TV Remote.
To link the Apple TV Remote app on your iPhone or another iOS device, take these steps:
- Make sure your device and the Apple TV are both on the same network.
- Open the Apple TV Remote app from the Control Center.
- Select your Apple TV from the list.
- Follow the prompts to enter a four-digit passcode.
The best internet for your Apple TV
With your Apple TV remote back in working order, now is a good time to reevaluate your home internet connection. Having reliable and fast internet goes a long way towards making your Apple TV experience pleasurable.
Your internet speeds should at least meet these minimum requirements:
- 15Mbps for 4K streaming
- 8Mbps for 1080p HD streaming
- 6Mbps for 720p HD streaming
- 2.5Mbps for standard definition streaming
To find the best internet for your Apple TV streamer, enter your address in the WhistleOut internet search tool or check out the most popular internet plans for Apple TV below.
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#1
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Diallog
Plus
$25/mo
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#2
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oxio
1000 Mbps
$85/mo
|
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#3
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Cogeco
UltraFibre 1Gig Unlimited
$54.99/mo
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#4
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Telus
PureFibre Internet 250
$80/mo
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#5
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Distributel
Unlimited Fibre 150 Mbps
$39.95/mo
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Apple TV remote not working: FAQs
You can connect your universal remote, to your Apple TV device with a few simple steps:
- Go to Settings on your Apple TV.
- Select Remotes and Devices followed by Learn Remote.
- Follow the prompts on the screen.
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