The battery in your Apple TV 4th generation remote slides out from the bottom—it takes about 30 seconds and requires no tools

The Apple TV 4th generation remote uses a standard CR2032 coin-cell battery that you can buy at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer for a few dollars. The battery compartment is on the underside of the remote, held closed by a small metal or plastic tab that slides out. You do not need to open the remote itself or remove any screws.

A dead or dying battery shows up as unresponsiveness—the remote stops controlling your Apple TV, or only works when pointed directly at the device from very close range. If your remote is not responding at all, a fresh battery is the first thing to try before troubleshooting other problems.

Key Takeaways

  • The Apple TV 4th generation remote uses a CR2032 coin-cell battery that slides out from a compartment on the bottom of the remote.
  • You can buy a replacement CR2032 battery at pharmacies, supermarkets, or online for between $2 and $5.
  • The battery compartment is held closed by a small sliding tab—push it gently in the direction of the arrow to release it.
  • After inserting the new battery with the positive side facing up, slide the tab back into place until it clicks or sits flush.

What you need before you start

Gather a CR2032 battery before you begin. This is a flat, round battery about the size of a dime. You can find them at CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, or any pharmacy. They are also sold at Best Buy and online through Amazon or other retailers. A single battery costs between $2 and $5, and many stores sell them in packs of two or more.

You do not need any tools—no screwdrivers, no prying tools, nothing. The battery compartment is designed to open by hand. If you have trouble sliding the tab, a fingernail or the edge of a plastic card (like a gift card) can help, but force is not necessary and can damage the remote.

Step-by-step: removing the old battery

Hold the remote with the bottom facing you. You will see a small rectangular slot or tab on the underside, usually near the bottom edge. This tab has a tiny arrow printed on it pointing in one direction—usually toward the edge of the remote.

Using your fingernail or a plastic card edge, gently push the tab in the direction the arrow points. You are sliding it, not prying it up. Push slowly and steadily until the tab moves about a quarter inch. The battery compartment will begin to open as the tab slides out.

Once the tab has slid far enough, you can pull the compartment door open by hand. The old battery will be sitting inside, flat side up. Lift it out gently—it may stick slightly to the metal contacts, so wiggle it gently if needed. Set the old battery aside.

Step-by-step: inserting the new battery

Before you insert the new battery, check which side is which. The CR2032 has a flat positive side (marked with a + symbol) and a flat negative side (usually unmarked or marked with a − symbol). The positive side should face up toward you when you are looking into the compartment.

Place the new battery into the compartment with the positive side facing up. It should sit flat and level in the battery holder. Do not force it—it should rest in place with no pressure needed.

Slide the compartment door closed by hand, then push the tab back into its original position. You will hear or feel a small click when the tab locks into place, or it will sit flush with the remote body. The compartment is now sealed.

Testing your remote after the battery change

Point the remote at your Apple TV and press any button—the Menu button or the play button works well. The remote should respond when ready. If the Apple TV responds, the battery is installed correctly and the remote is working.

If the remote still does not work, the battery may be inserted upside down. Open the compartment again and flip the battery so the positive side faces up. Close it and test again. If the remote still does not respond after a second attempt, the battery itself may be defective—try a different CR2032 from a different package or store.

How often to expect battery changes

A CR2032 battery in the Apple TV 4th generation remote typically lasts between six months and two years, depending on how often you use the remote. Heavy daily use drains the battery faster. If you use your Apple TV several hours a day, expect to change the battery once or twice a year. Light use may stretch it to two years or longer.

The remote does not give a low-battery warning before it dies completely. You will notice the remote becoming sluggish—requiring you to point it more directly at the Apple TV, or pressing buttons multiple times before they register. This is a sign the battery is nearly dead and a change is coming soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of battery instead of CR2032?

No. The Apple TV 4th generation remote is designed specifically for CR2032 batteries. Other coin-cell batteries like CR2025 or CR2016 are physically different sizes and will not fit properly or make good contact with the remote's battery contacts. Always use CR2032.

What should I do with the old battery?

Many pharmacies and retailers that sell batteries also accept old batteries for recycling. CVS, Walgreens, Best Buy, and Home Depot all have battery recycling programs. You can also check Earth911.com or call your local waste management office to find a recycling location near you. Do not throw batteries in the trash.

Why is my remote still not working after I changed the battery?

First, make sure the positive side of the battery is facing up. Second, check that the battery compartment is fully closed and the tab is locked in place. If both are correct, the battery itself may be defective—try a fresh battery from a different package. If the remote still does not work, the remote itself may have a hardware problem unrelated to the battery.

Is the Apple TV 4th generation remote waterproof?

No. The remote is not waterproof or water-resistant. Keep it away from water, moisture, and humidity. If it gets wet, remove the battery when ready, let the remote dry completely for at least 24 hours, and then reinsert the battery. Do not use it while wet.

Can I buy rechargeable batteries for this remote?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but they are not recommended for this remote. Rechargeable versions have a lower voltage output than standard CR2032 batteries, which can cause the remote to behave unpredictably or not work at all. Stick with standard single-use CR2032 batteries.