The battery in your Apple TV remote slides out from the bottom and takes about 30 seconds to replace

The Apple TV Siri Remote (the current model with a clickpad) and the older Apple TV Remote (the rectangular one) both use the same battery replacement method. You flip the remote over, slide out the battery compartment from the bottom, remove the old battery, and insert a new one. The whole job takes less than a minute and requires no tools.

Your remote uses a single CR2032 coin cell battery — the same type found in watches, calculators, and car key fobs. You can buy a pack of these batteries at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer for between $3 and $8. They last roughly one to two years depending on how often you use the remote.

Key Takeaways

  • Both current and older Apple TV remotes use a CR2032 battery that slides out from a compartment on the bottom.
  • You need only the new CR2032 battery — no tools, screwdrivers, or special equipment required.
  • The battery compartment is a small rectangular slot at the bottom of the remote that slides toward the edge to open.
  • A fresh battery typically powers your remote for one to two years of normal use.

Step-by-step battery replacement

Start by turning the remote over so the bottom faces you. You will see a small rectangular slot near the bottom edge — this is the battery compartment. The slot has a tiny ridge or lip on one end.

Push or slide the compartment door toward the edge of the remote (away from the center). It will slide out about a quarter inch and then stop. The old CR2032 battery will either fall out or remain loose inside the compartment. Remove it and set it aside.

Take your new CR2032 battery and check the orientation. The flat side with the numbers and markings should face up (toward you). Slide the battery into the compartment with the flat side up, then slide the compartment door back toward the center of the remote until it clicks into place. The remote is now ready to use.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are sold almost everywhere. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens stock them near the checkout or in the health and beauty section. Grocery stores carry them in the pharmacy or electronics aisle. Target, Walmart, and other general retailers have them in the electronics or pharmacy section.

Online, Amazon, Best Buy, and eBay all sell CR2032 batteries in single packs or bulk boxes. Buying a pack of four or eight costs less per battery than buying one at a time, and you will likely need replacements again in a year or two. Prices range from about $0.50 to $1.50 per battery depending on the brand and quantity.

Signs your remote battery is running low

The first sign is usually that the remote stops responding to button presses, or responds only after a delay. You may have to press buttons multiple times to get the Apple TV to react. Some remotes will also show a low battery notification on your TV screen, though not all models do this.

If the remote worked fine yesterday and suddenly stops responding today, the battery is almost certainly dead. A battery does not gradually weaken over weeks — it works normally and then fails suddenly. If your remote is intermittent or slow, a new battery will fix it in almost every case.

What to do if the battery compartment is stuck

If the compartment door will not slide, do not force it. Gently wiggle it side to side while explore steady pressure toward the edge. Sometimes dust or debris gets caught in the slot. If it still will not budge, try using a plastic spoon or the edge of a credit card to explore even pressure along the entire length of the compartment door.

If the compartment is truly stuck and you cannot open it without risk of breaking the remote, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store. Forcing it can crack the plastic or damage the internal contacts. A stuck compartment is rare, but it is not worth breaking the remote to avoid a replacement.

Troubleshooting after battery replacement

After you insert the new battery and close the compartment, the remote should work when ready. If it does not, remove the battery, wait 10 seconds, and reinsert it. Make sure the flat side of the battery faces up and the compartment door is fully closed — you should hear or feel a small click.

If the remote still does not work, the battery may be defective or inserted upside down. Remove it, flip it, and try again. If you have another CR2032 battery on hand, test with that one to rule out a bad battery. If a second battery also does not work, the remote itself may have a hardware problem and will need replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of battery in my Apple TV remote?

No. The remote is designed for CR2032 batteries only. Using a different size or type can damage the battery contacts or cause the remote to malfunction. CR2032 batteries are inexpensive and widely available, so there is no reason to substitute.

How often do I need to replace the battery?

Most users replace the battery once every one to two years. Heavy users who control their Apple TV many times per day may need a replacement sooner. Light users who rarely touch the remote might go longer. A new battery costs less than $2, so replacing it when it dies is the practical approach.

Will my Apple TV stop working if the remote battery dies?

No. Your Apple TV will continue to work and stream content normally. You straightforward cannot control it with the remote. You can use the Apple TV app on your iPhone or iPad to control the device until you replace the battery, or you can use a third-party remote that supports Apple TV.

Is there a way to check the battery level before it dies?

Some Apple TV models display a low battery notification on your TV screen when the remote battery is running low, but not all do. The most reliable way to know is to pay attention to how the remote feels — if buttons become unresponsive or sluggish, the battery is nearly dead and should be replaced soon.

Can I recharge a CR2032 battery instead of replacing it?

CR2032 batteries are not designed to be recharged. They are single-use disposable batteries. Attempting to recharge them can cause them to leak or fail. Buy a new battery instead — they are cheap and last a long time.