Use the volume buttons on your Apple TV remote to adjust your TV's sound

Your Apple TV remote can control your television's volume directly without switching to a separate remote. The remote sends infrared signals that your TV recognizes as volume commands, just as your TV remote does. This works on most televisions made in the last 15 years, though some older or specialty models may not respond.

The process requires a one-time setup where you tell your Apple TV what brand of television you own. After that, the volume buttons work automatically whenever you use the remote.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Apple TV remote controls TV volume through infrared signals that your television recognizes, and setup takes less than two minutes.
  • You must tell your Apple TV your TV's brand during setup so it sends the correct infrared code for volume commands.
  • If your TV does not respond after setup, your television may not support infrared control or may be too far from the remote.
  • You can change which device the volume buttons control at any time by running setup again in your Apple TV settings.

Set up volume control during initial Apple TV setup

When you first set up your Apple TV, the system asks you to identify your television brand. This is when the remote learns which infrared codes to send for volume. If you skip this step or want to change it later, you can run the setup again.

On your Apple TV, go to Settings, then AirPlay and HomeKit, then Remote and Devices. Select Manage Devices, then choose your Apple TV remote from the list. Tap Configure Remote and follow the prompts to select your TV brand. The system will ask you to point the remote at your television and press buttons to confirm it is working.

If you do not know your TV brand or cannot find it in the list, select Other and the system will cycle through common infrared codes. Point the remote at your TV and press the volume up button when you see the volume change on your screen.

Troubleshoot if the volume buttons do not work

If you completed setup but the volume buttons still do not change your TV's sound, the most common reason is that your television does not support infrared remote control. Some smart TVs, particularly newer models, use only wireless or app-based controls and ignore infrared signals. Check your TV's manual or manufacturer website to confirm it has an infrared receiver.

Distance and obstacles also matter. The remote must have a clear line of sight to your television's infrared receiver, usually a small dark window on the front of the TV. If your TV is inside a cabinet or the receiver is blocked by a soundbar or other equipment, the signal may not reach it. Move the remote closer and point it directly at the TV to test.

If the remote works for some functions but not volume, you may have selected the wrong TV brand during setup. Go back to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > Remote and Devices > Manage Devices and run Configure Remote again. Try a different brand or use the Other option to cycle through codes manually.

Control volume on a receiver or soundbar instead

If your television does not support infrared control but you have a receiver or soundbar, you can set up the Apple TV remote to control that device's volume instead. During the configuration process, when the system asks for your device type, select Receiver or Soundbar and then choose the brand.

This is useful if your soundbar is the main audio source for your TV. The volume buttons will then adjust the soundbar's level rather than the television's internal speakers. You can switch back to TV control at any time by running the configuration again and selecting your television brand.

Use Control Center if remote setup does not work

If you cannot get the remote to control volume through infrared, you can adjust sound through your Apple TV's Control Center instead. Swipe down from the top of the screen with the remote's trackpad to open Control Center, then select the volume icon. You can slide up or down to change the level.

This method works on any television because it adjusts the Apple TV's own audio output rather than sending signals to your TV. The downside is that it requires extra steps each time you want to change volume, and you cannot use the physical buttons on the remote. This is a backup option, not a replacement for working infrared control.

Check if your TV brand is supported

Apple TV supports infrared control for most major television brands, including Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, TCL, Hisense, Insignia, and Toshiba. If your TV is from one of these manufacturers, the remote should work after setup. Older models and less common brands may not be in the system's database, but you can still try the Other option to cycle through generic infrared codes.

If you own a very new television or a specialty model, check the TV manufacturer's website to confirm it has an infrared receiver. Some high-end models and certain smart TV brands have removed infrared in favor of app-only control. In that case, you will need to use your TV's native remote or its companion app to adjust volume.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I control volume on multiple TVs with one Apple TV remote?

No. The remote can be configured to control one television at a time. If you have multiple TVs in different rooms, you would need to reconfigure the remote each time you switch rooms, or use each TV's native remote for volume control in that space.

Why does my remote control my TV volume but not other functions?

The Apple TV remote only sends infrared codes for volume, power, and a few other basic commands. It cannot control your TV's input selection, picture settings, or smart features. You will still need your TV's native remote for those functions.

What if my TV is in a cabinet with glass doors?

Glass doors usually block infrared signals. If your TV is enclosed, you may need to leave the cabinet doors open when using the remote, or move the TV out of the cabinet. Some people install an infrared repeater system to extend the signal, but that requires additional equipment.

Does the remote need batteries to control TV volume?

Yes. The Apple TV remote uses a rechargeable battery that you charge with a USB-C cable. If the battery is completely drained, the remote will not send any signals, including volume commands. Charge the remote regularly to keep it working.

Can I use the Apple TV app on my phone to control volume instead?

The Apple TV app on your phone can control the Apple TV itself, but it does not send infrared signals to your television. You would still need the physical remote or your TV's native remote to adjust volume on the television.