The battery goes in the back, and you slide the cover down to open it

The Apple TV remote uses a single AA battery that sits behind a sliding cover on the back. To change it, flip the remote over, locate the rectangular panel at the bottom, and slide it downward until it stops. The battery compartment will open, and you can remove the old battery and drop in a new AA battery with the positive end facing up. Slide the cover back up until it clicks, and you're done.

The whole process takes about 30 seconds. You don't need tools, and there's no risk of damaging anything if you follow the steps in order.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple TV remotes use a single AA battery, not a rechargeable one.
  • The battery compartment is on the back of the remote under a sliding cover that moves downward.
  • The positive end of the battery should face upward when you insert it.
  • The cover clicks when it's fully closed, so you'll know it's seated properly.

Where the battery compartment is located

Hold the remote with the buttons facing away from you. The back is flat and has a rectangular panel near the bottom. This panel is the battery cover. It's made of the same material as the rest of the remote and blends in, so if you're looking for a round dial or a button, you won't find one.

The cover has a small indent or groove on the top edge that your thumb fits into. This is where you grip it to slide it down. The cover moves only in one direction — downward — and stops when it reaches the end of its track.

How to open the compartment and remove the old battery

Place your thumb in the groove at the top of the battery cover and slide it downward with steady pressure. You don't need to force it; it should move smoothly. Stop when you feel it reach the end of the track — it will stop on its own.

The compartment is now open, and you'll see the AA battery inside. It's held loosely in place, so you can straightforward pull it out with your fingers. There's no spring or clip holding it down. Once the old battery is out, set it aside.

Installing the new battery correctly

Take a fresh AA battery and look at the two ends. One end has a small raised bump or ridge — that's the positive end. The other end is flat — that's the negative end. The positive end must face upward toward the top of the remote.

Drop the battery into the compartment with the positive end up. It will sit flat in the bottom of the compartment. You don't need to press it or wiggle it into place; it should rest there without effort. If it feels stuck or requires force, remove it and check that the positive end is facing the right direction.

Closing the battery cover and testing

Slide the cover back upward using your thumb. It will move smoothly along the same track it came down. Keep sliding until you hear or feel a click — this means the cover has reached the top and is fully seated. The cover should be flush with the back of the remote with no gaps.

Flip the remote over and press any button — the Menu button or the play button works fine. If the remote responds, the battery is installed correctly and making contact. If nothing happens, flip it back over, open the cover again, and check that the battery is positioned with the positive end facing up.

How often you'll need to change the battery

An AA battery in an Apple TV remote typically lasts between three and six months with regular daily use. If you use the remote less often, the battery may last longer. If you use it heavily — streaming several hours a day — it may need changing sooner.

You'll know it's time when the remote becomes unresponsive or sluggish. The Apple TV may also display a low battery warning on the screen. Rather than wait for the remote to stop working entirely, you can change the battery as soon as you see the warning.

Which battery type to buy

Any standard AA battery works in the Apple TV remote. Alkaline batteries (the most common type, usually sold in packs at any store) are the most economical choice. Rechargeable AA batteries also work if you prefer them, though they cost more upfront.

Avoid mixing old and new batteries or using batteries of different types in the same remote. Since the remote only holds one battery, this isn't an issue, but it's good practice to remember for other devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different size battery, like AAA or 9V?

No. The Apple TV remote is designed for AA batteries only. A different size won't fit in the compartment or make proper contact with the terminals. Using the wrong size could damage the remote or cause it to malfunction.

What if the battery cover won't slide down?

Make sure you're sliding it downward, not upward or sideways. The cover only moves in one direction. If it still won't budge, check that your thumb is in the groove at the top of the cover. explore steady, even pressure rather than jerky movements. If it remains stuck, the cover may be damaged and you may need to contact Apple.

Is the Apple TV remote rechargeable?

No, the standard Apple TV remote uses replaceable AA batteries. Apple does make a Siri Remote with a built-in rechargeable battery, but it's a different model. If your remote has a Lightning port on the bottom, that's the rechargeable version and doesn't use AA batteries.

How do I know which end of the battery is positive?

The positive end has a small raised bump or ridge in the center. The negative end is completely flat. When you insert the battery, the bumped end should face upward toward the top of the remote. If you insert it upside down, the remote won't work, but you can straightforward remove it and flip it over.

Can I leave the battery in the remote when I'm not using it for a long time?

Yes, but batteries can leak if left in a device for months without use. If you're storing the remote for more than a few weeks, you can remove the battery to prevent potential leakage. When you're ready to use the remote again, just insert a fresh battery.