The Apple TV remote can turn on your TV if you enable HDMI-CEC on both devices
Your Apple TV remote will not turn on your TV by default. You have to turn on a feature called HDMI-CEC (or a similar name depending on your TV brand) on both your Apple TV and your television. HDMI-CEC lets devices connected by HDMI cable talk to each other and share power commands. Once you enable it on both ends, pressing the power button on your Apple TV remote will wake your TV from standby.
The process takes about five minutes and requires no additional hardware — just your existing HDMI cable and the remote that came with your Apple TV.
Key Takeaways
- HDMI-CEC must be turned on in your Apple TV settings and in your TV's settings for the remote to control power.
- Your TV brand may call HDMI-CEC by a different name: Samsung calls it Anynet+, LG calls it SimpLink, Sony calls it BRAVIA Sync, and Vizio calls it CEC.
- The Apple TV remote's power button will only work if your TV is in standby mode, not completely powered off at the wall.
- If HDMI-CEC is on but the remote still does not turn on your TV, check that your HDMI cable is plugged into the HDMI port labeled ARC or eARC on your TV.
Enable HDMI-CEC on your Apple TV
Go to Settings on your Apple TV home screen. Scroll down and select AirPlay and HomeKit. Look for the option labeled Control TVs and Receivers or HDMI-CEC depending on your Apple TV model and software version. Toggle it on.
If you do not see this option, your Apple TV model may not support HDMI-CEC. The original Apple TV (first generation) and some older models do not have this feature. All current Apple TV models (4K and HD) support it.
Enable HDMI-CEC on your television
The location of this setting varies by TV brand. Check your TV's settings menu — usually accessed by pressing the Menu or Settings button on your TV remote — and look for a power or HDMI section.
Samsung TVs: Look for Anynet+ under General or External Device Manager. LG TVs: Find SimpLink under General. Sony TVs: Search for BRAVIA Sync under External Inputs or HDMI. Vizio TVs: Look for CEC under System or HDMI. TCL and Hisense TVs often call it HDMI-CEC and place it under System or HDMI. If you cannot find it, check your TV's manual or search the brand name plus "HDMI-CEC" online.
Use the correct HDMI port and cable
Plug your Apple TV into an HDMI port on your TV that supports HDMI-CEC. Many TVs have one port labeled HDMI 3 or HDMI 4 that handles CEC, while others support it on all ports. Check your TV manual if you are unsure which port to use.
Make sure your HDMI cable is in good condition. A loose or damaged cable can prevent CEC signals from reaching your TV. If the remote still does not work after enabling CEC on both devices, try a different HDMI cable or a different HDMI port on your TV.
Test the remote power button
Put your TV in standby mode by pressing the power button on your TV remote. The TV should go dark but remain plugged in. Now press the power button on your Apple TV remote. Your TV should turn on.
If nothing happens, go back and check that HDMI-CEC is actually turned on in both your Apple TV settings and your TV settings. Sometimes the setting reverts after a software update. Also confirm that your TV is in standby, not completely powered off at the wall outlet — HDMI-CEC cannot wake a TV that has no power at all.
What to do if the remote still will not turn on your TV
Restart both devices. Unplug your Apple TV from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Do the same with your TV. Wait for both to fully boot up, then test the power button again.
Check for software updates. Go to Settings on your Apple TV, select System, then Software Updates. Install any available update and restart. On your TV, check the settings menu for a software or system update option and install any updates there as well.
If you have a soundbar or receiver between your Apple TV and TV, it may be blocking the HDMI-CEC signal. Try connecting the Apple TV directly to the TV with HDMI and see if the power button works. If it does, your soundbar or receiver may need its own CEC setting turned on, or you may need to route the HDMI signal differently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Apple TV remote turn on my TV if it is completely powered off?
No. HDMI-CEC only works when your TV is in standby mode — plugged in and receiving power, but with the screen off. If your TV is powered off at the wall outlet or power strip, the Apple TV remote cannot wake it. You will have to use your TV remote or turn the power switch back on manually.
Why does my TV brand not have HDMI-CEC?
All major TV brands support HDMI-CEC, but they use different names for it. If you cannot find the setting under the names listed above, search your TV manual for "HDMI control" or "external device control." You can also contact your TV manufacturer's support line with your model number.
Does HDMI-CEC work with all Apple TV models?
Current Apple TV models (4K and HD) support HDMI-CEC. Older models, including the original Apple TV and Apple TV 2, do not have this feature. If you own an older model, you will need a universal remote or a separate control solution to turn on your TV from the Apple TV remote.
Will enabling HDMI-CEC affect my other devices?
No. HDMI-CEC only sends commands between the devices connected by HDMI. Turning it on will not change how your other devices work. If you have multiple devices plugged into your TV via HDMI, they may all try to send power commands, which can cause unexpected behavior — in that case, you can turn off CEC on the devices you do not want controlling your TV.