The Apple TV remote can control your TV's volume if you set it up first

Your Apple TV remote does not automatically control your television's volume. You have to tell it what TV model you own, and then it learns the infrared codes your TV uses. Once you do this setup—which takes about two minutes—you can use the same remote to adjust volume on both your Apple TV and your TV without switching remotes.

The setup process is different depending on whether you have the older aluminum remote (the one that looks like a thin rectangle) or the newer Siri Remote (the one with a clickpad at the top). Both methods work the same way: you go into Apple TV settings, choose your TV brand, and let the remote send test signals to confirm it works.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple TV remotes need to be configured with your TV model before they can control volume—this does not happen automatically.
  • The setup process lives in Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > Remote on your Apple TV, and takes about two minutes.
  • You will need to know your TV brand (Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, etc.) but not the exact model number.
  • If your TV brand is not in the list, or if the remote does not work after setup, your TV may use a different infrared protocol than the remote supports.

How to set up volume control on the Siri Remote (2021 and newer)

Start by going to Settings on your Apple TV home screen. Scroll down and select AirPlay and HomeKit, then choose Remote.

You will see a list of TV brands: Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, Hisense, TCL, Panasonic, Philips, Toshiba, and others. Select your TV brand from the list. The Apple TV will then ask you to point the remote at your TV and confirm that the volume changed. Press the volume up button on the remote while pointing it at your TV. If your TV's volume goes up, the setup is complete. If nothing happens, try the next brand in the list—sometimes TV models use codes from a different manufacturer.

Once the setup confirms, your Siri Remote will control volume on both your Apple TV and your TV. You can now use the top of the remote (where it says volume up and down) to adjust either device.

How to set up volume control on the aluminum remote (older models)

The aluminum remote uses the same settings path. Go to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > Remote and select your TV brand from the list.

Point the remote at your TV and press the volume up button. The Apple TV will tell you whether the volume changed. If it did, you are done. If not, go back and try the next brand in the list. Some older TV models may not appear in the list at all, which means the remote cannot control that TV's volume through infrared.

What to do if your TV brand is not in the list

If you cannot find your TV brand in the remote settings, your television likely uses an infrared protocol that the Apple TV remote does not support. This is most common with very old TVs (made before 2010) or with some budget brands that use non-standard codes.

Your options are to use your TV's physical remote for volume, or to buy a universal remote that supports your TV's specific protocol. Some people also use HomeKit-compatible smart plugs or switches to control their TV's power, though this does not solve volume control. If your TV is newer and a major brand, try every option in the list—sometimes the codes overlap between manufacturers.

Why the remote might not work after setup

The most common reason is that the remote is not pointed directly at your TV's infrared receiver. Most TVs have a small dark window on the front bezel or bottom edge where the receiver sits. Make sure you are aiming at that spot, not at the screen itself.

The second reason is that your TV's infrared receiver is blocked or dirty. If there is a soundbar, picture frame, or other object in front of the TV, move it out of the way and try again. If the receiver window looks dusty, wipe it gently with a soft cloth.

The third reason is that you selected the wrong brand. Go back to Settings and try the next brand in the list. Some TV manufacturers license their technology to other brands, so a Vizio code might work on a Costco house-brand TV, for example.

How to change or remove the TV remote setup

If you want to switch to a different TV brand, or if you set up the wrong one by mistake, go back to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > Remote and select a different brand. The new brand will overwrite the old one when ready.

If you want to remove the setup entirely so the remote no longer controls your TV, go to the same menu and look for a Clear or Reset option. Not all Apple TV models show this option—if you do not see it, you can straightforward set it to a brand that does not match your TV, and the remote will stop sending volume commands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Apple TV remote control my TV's power button?

No. The remote can only control volume and sometimes input selection (HDMI switching). To turn your TV on and off, you still need your TV's remote or a separate smart home device. Some people use HomeKit-compatible smart plugs to control power, but this requires additional hardware.

Why does the remote work for volume sometimes but not always?

The infrared signal may be blocked by something in front of the TV, or the receiver window may be dirty. Also, if you move the Apple TV box itself, the remote may have trouble reaching your TV if they are now too far apart. Infrared remotes work best within about 30 feet with a clear line of sight.

Do I need to set this up again if I get a new Apple TV?

Yes. Each Apple TV device stores its own remote settings. When you set up a new Apple TV, you will need to go through the remote configuration again. The process takes the same two minutes as before.

What if I have multiple TVs in my house?

Each Apple TV remote can only be set up for one TV at a time. If you have multiple Apple TV boxes in different rooms, you can set each one to control the TV in that room. If you have one Apple TV connected to multiple TVs (unusual), you would need to choose which TV to control.

Will this work with a TV connected through an AV receiver or soundbar?

Only if the receiver or soundbar is transparent to infrared signals, which most are not. If your TV is connected through an AV receiver, the remote will send signals to the receiver instead of the TV. You may need to control volume through the receiver's remote or through HomeKit if your receiver supports it.