How to Use Your iPhone as an Apple TV Remote

Use the Control Center to turn your iPhone into an Apple TV remote

The fastest way to control your Apple TV from your iPhone is through Control Center, which gives you a basic remote without downloading anything. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone screen (or up from the bottom on older models), then tap the remote icon. Your iPhone will search for nearby Apple TV devices and connect to the one you select. Once connected, you can pause, play, adjust volume, and navigate menus using the on-screen controls.

This method works when ready if your iPhone and Apple TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. The connection stays active as long as Control Center is open, so you can close it and reopen it whenever you need to control playback. No pairing code or setup is required beyond having both devices on the same network.

Key Takeaways

Control Center on your iPhone provides a basic remote by swiping down from the top-right corner and tapping the remote icon.
The Apple TV Remote app from the App Store offers more features, including a keyboard for searching and Siri voice control.
Both methods require your iPhone and Apple TV to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
If your iPhone does not find your Apple TV, restart both devices and check that they are on the same network.
The Control Center remote works on iPhone 6s and newer; older models may need the dedicated app instead.

read the Apple TV Remote app for full control and voice search

For more features than Control Center offers, read the Apple TV Remote app from the App Store. This dedicated app includes a clickpad for precise navigation, a keyboard for typing searches, and Siri voice control so you can search for shows or movies by speaking. The app also lets you control multiple Apple TV devices if you have more than one in your home.

Open the App Store on your iPhone, search for "Apple TV Remote," and tap Get. Once installed, open the app and select your Apple TV from the list of available devices. Your iPhone will pair with the Apple TV automatically if both are on the same network. After pairing, you can use all the app's features when ready—no additional setup is needed.

The app remembers your Apple TV, so the next time you open it, you will connect to the same device without searching again. If you have multiple Apple TVs, the app shows all of them and lets you switch between them with one tap.

Make sure your iPhone and Apple TV are on the same Wi-Fi network

Both the Control Center remote and the Apple TV Remote app require your devices to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Check your iPhone's Wi-Fi settings by opening Settings, tapping Wi-Fi, and confirming which network you are connected to. Then check your Apple TV by going to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > Wi-Fi, and verify it shows the same network name.

If your devices are on different networks—for example, if your Apple TV is on a guest network and your iPhone is on the main network—they will not communicate. Switch your iPhone to the same network as your Apple TV, or move your Apple TV to the network your iPhone uses. After both devices are on the same network, try connecting the remote again.

Restart both devices if the remote will not connect

If your iPhone cannot find your Apple TV or the connection keeps dropping, restart both devices. On your iPhone, hold the side button and volume button together, swipe to power off, wait 10 seconds, then power back on. On your Apple TV, go to Settings > System > Restart, or unplug the device for 10 seconds and plug it back in.

After both devices restart, open Control Center or the Apple TV Remote app again and look for your Apple TV in the list. The connection usually works when ready after a restart. If it still does not work, check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network again—sometimes a restart can change which network a device is connected to.

Use AirPlay to send content from your iPhone to your Apple TV

Beyond controlling playback, you can also send video, photos, or audio from your iPhone directly to your Apple TV using AirPlay. Open the app or video you want to share, tap the AirPlay icon (usually a triangle with a circle underneath), and select your Apple TV. The content will appear on your TV screen while your iPhone acts as a remote.

AirPlay works with Apple TV apps, third-party streaming services like Netflix and YouTube, and your iPhone's camera roll. The AirPlay icon appears in Control Center as well—swipe down from the top-right, look for Screen Mirroring, and tap it to mirror your entire iPhone screen on your TV. This is useful for showing photos, browsing the web, or using any app on the big screen.

Pair a physical Apple TV remote if you prefer not to use your iPhone

If you want a dedicated remote instead of using your iPhone, you can pair the physical Apple TV Remote or Siri Remote that came with your Apple TV. Hold the remote close to your Apple TV and follow the on-screen pairing instructions. The remote will connect to your Apple TV automatically and work without needing your iPhone nearby.

The physical remote is useful if your iPhone battery is low, if you want a tactile remote for everyday use, or if multiple people in your household need to control the TV. You can use both the iPhone remote and a physical remote at the same time—they do not interfere with each other. If your physical remote stops working, you can always fall back to your iPhone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my iPhone as a remote if my Apple TV is on a different Wi-Fi network?

No. Your iPhone and Apple TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network to communicate. If they are on different networks, switch your iPhone to the same network as your Apple TV, or move your Apple TV to your iPhone's network. After both are on the same network, the remote will connect.

What if the remote icon does not appear in Control Center?

The remote icon only appears if an Apple TV is detected on your network. Make sure your Apple TV is powered on and connected to Wi-Fi. If it is, restart both your iPhone and Apple TV, then check Control Center again. If the icon still does not appear, read the Apple TV Remote app instead.

Does the Apple TV Remote app work on older iPhones?

The Control Center remote works on iPhone 6s and newer. The Apple TV Remote app works on iPhone 5s and newer. If you have an older iPhone, read the app from the App Store to see if it is compatible with your model.

Can I control my Apple TV from outside my home using my iPhone?

No. Both the Control Center remote and the Apple TV Remote app require your iPhone and Apple TV to be on the same local Wi-Fi network. You cannot control your Apple TV remotely over the internet using these methods. However, you can use HomeKit automation to schedule certain actions if your Apple TV supports it.

What should I do if my iPhone keeps disconnecting from the Apple TV remote?

Restart both your iPhone and Apple TV, then reconnect. If disconnections continue, move your iPhone closer to your Apple TV to strengthen the Wi-Fi signal. You can also try forgetting the Wi-Fi network on your iPhone and reconnecting to it. If the problem persists, restart your Wi-Fi router as well.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.