The Basic Fast Forward Button

To fast forward on Apple TV, press and hold the right arrow button on your remote's clickpad. The video will skip forward in increments — usually 10 seconds per press on the standard Siri Remote, or continuously while you hold the button down.

If you have an older Apple Remote (the aluminum one with a circular pad), use the same method: press the right side of the clickpad and hold it. The speed increases the longer you hold, so you can control how far ahead you jump.

Release the button as soon as you reach the point where you want to watch. The video will pause at that spot, and you can resume playback by pressing the center of the clickpad or the play button.

Key Takeaways

  • Press and hold the right arrow on your remote's clickpad to fast forward through video content on Apple TV.
  • The longer you hold the button, the faster the video advances, giving you control over how far you skip ahead.
  • You can also tap the right arrow multiple times for smaller 10-second jumps instead of holding it continuously.
  • The same technique works on both the current Siri Remote and older aluminum Apple Remotes.
  • Release the button and press the center clickpad or play button to resume watching at your chosen spot.

Tapping vs. Holding for Different Skip Distances

A single tap of the right arrow skips forward by a fixed amount — usually 10 seconds in most apps. This is useful when you want to jump over a few seconds of credits or a brief pause in dialogue without overshooting.

Holding the button down gives you continuous fast forward with variable speed. Start slow and increase speed the longer you hold, which lets you scan through longer sections quickly. This method works best when you know roughly where you want to go but need to find the exact moment.

Experiment with both methods while watching to find what feels natural. Some people prefer the precision of tapping; others like the speed of holding. Your muscle memory will develop quickly once you pick a style.

Fast Forward Speed and App Differences

Not all apps on Apple TV handle fast forward the same way. The Apple TV app, Netflix, Disney+, and most major streaming services respond to the standard right-arrow command, but some smaller apps may not support fast forward at all or may use different speeds.

If fast forward is not working in a specific app, check whether the app itself supports the feature. Some live-streaming apps or apps with restricted content do not allow skipping. You can usually tell because the right arrow will not respond, or the video will not advance.

The speed of fast forward also varies by app. Some apps jump 15 seconds per tap, while others use 30 seconds. Streaming services typically show you the time jump on screen so you know exactly how far ahead you are moving.

Using the Siri Remote's Touch Surface

The newer Siri Remote has a touch-sensitive clickpad at the top. To fast forward, place your thumb on the right side of this pad and press down, or swipe your thumb to the right. Both actions trigger fast forward, and you can control the speed by how long you hold or how quickly you swipe.

Some users find swiping more intuitive than pressing. A quick swipe to the right gives a small skip, while a longer swipe or a held press gives continuous fast forward. Try both to see which feels more natural in your hand.

If your remote is not responding to right-arrow commands, make sure it is paired with your Apple TV. Unpair and re-pair the remote by going to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth on your Apple TV, then holding the remote near the device until it connects.

Troubleshooting When Fast Forward Does Not Work

If the right arrow button is not fast forwarding, first check whether the app itself supports the feature. Pause the video and try again — sometimes the remote needs a moment to register the command. If it still does not work, try pressing the button more deliberately or holding it longer.

Low battery in your remote can also cause unresponsive buttons. Check the battery level by going to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Remote on your Apple TV. If the battery is below 20 percent, replace the batteries (two AA batteries in the older remote, or charge the Siri Remote using its USB-C port).

If fast forward works in some apps but not others, the issue is with that specific app, not your remote or Apple TV. Contact the app's support team or check their help documentation to see whether fast forward is a supported feature.

Alternative Ways to Skip Through Content

Beyond the right arrow, you can also use the skip forward button in some apps. This button (often labeled with a forward arrow and a number) jumps a set amount — usually 15 or 30 seconds — with a single press. It is faster than holding the right arrow if you want consistent, predictable skips.

Some apps let you customize skip distance in their settings. Check the app's preferences or settings menu to see whether you can change how far each skip button moves the video forward. This is especially useful if you want to skip entire scenes or chapters quickly.

You can also use Siri voice commands on the Siri Remote. Say "Skip forward 30 seconds" or "Fast forward" and the remote will respond. Voice commands work in most major apps, though some smaller or older apps may not support them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my remote not fast forwarding?

Check that the app supports fast forward — not all apps do. If it does, make sure your remote is paired and has good battery. Try restarting the app or unplugging your Apple TV for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.

Can I fast forward live TV on Apple TV?

It depends on the app and whether you are watching a live stream or a recorded show. Most live TV apps do not allow fast forward during live broadcasts, but recorded content usually does. Check the app's documentation for details.

How do I know how far ahead I am skipping?

Most apps display the time jump on screen when you press the right arrow. You will see a number like "+10s" or "+15s" appear briefly. The exact amount varies by app, so check what your streaming service uses.

Does the Siri Remote work differently than the older Apple Remote?

Both remotes use the same right-arrow command to fast forward, but the Siri Remote has a touch surface that lets you swipe instead of press. The functionality is the same — it is just a different way to trigger the same action.

Can I use voice commands to fast forward?

Yes. Say "Skip forward" or "Fast forward" to the Siri Remote, and it will respond in most major apps. You can also specify a time, like "Skip forward 30 seconds," and the remote will jump that exact amount.