How to Set Up Your Apple TV Remote to Turn On Your TV

Your Apple TV remote can turn on your TV if both devices support HDMI-CEC

Your Apple TV remote can control your TV's power if your television has HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) enabled. HDMI-CEC is a feature built into most modern TVs that lets devices connected by HDMI talk to each other and share control. When it works, pressing the power button on your Apple TV remote turns on both the Apple TV and the TV itself, and turns both off together.

Not every TV supports HDMI-CEC, and not every TV has it turned on by default. If your TV is older than about 2012, or if it's a budget model, it may not have the feature at all. Even if it does, you'll need to enable it in your TV's settings before the Apple TV remote will work.

Key Takeaways

HDMI-CEC must be enabled on both your TV and your Apple TV for the remote to control power.
Check your TV's settings menu for HDMI-CEC under names like "Anynet+", "Bravia Sync", "EasyLink", or "Simplink" depending on the brand.
Make sure your Apple TV is plugged into an HDMI port on your TV, not into a receiver or soundbar.
If HDMI-CEC doesn't work after enabling it, restart both devices and wait a few minutes for them to communicate.
Some TVs require you to enable HDMI-CEC separately for each input port, so check the settings for the specific port you're using.

Check whether your TV supports HDMI-CEC

The first step is to learn about your TV has HDMI-CEC at all. Look up your TV's model number (usually on the back or in the settings menu) and search the manufacturer's website or manual for "HDMI-CEC" or the brand-specific name. Samsung calls it "Anynet+", Sony calls it "Bravia Sync", LG calls it "EasyLink", and Panasonic calls it "Viera Link". Other brands use different names, so checking the manual is the fastest way to know.

If you can't find the manual online, go into your TV's settings menu and look for a section called HDMI, CEC, or Device Control. If that section exists, your TV has the feature. If you don't find it anywhere, your TV likely doesn't support HDMI-CEC, and the Apple TV remote won't be able to control power.

Enable HDMI-CEC on your TV

Once you've confirmed your TV has HDMI-CEC, you need to turn it on. The exact path varies by brand, but the general route is: Settings > HDMI or Device Control > HDMI-CEC (or the brand name) > toggle it on.

For Samsung TVs, go to Settings > General > External Device Manager > Anynet+ and turn it on. For LG, go to Settings > All Settings > General > HDMI-CEC and toggle it on. For Sony, go to Settings > HDMI > HDMI-CEC and enable it. If your TV has a setting for "HDMI-CEC per port" or "CEC for this input", make sure it's enabled for the specific HDMI port where your Apple TV is plugged in.

After you enable HDMI-CEC on your TV, restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. This helps the TV recognize the Apple TV on the HDMI cable.

Enable HDMI-CEC on your Apple TV

Your Apple TV also needs HDMI-CEC turned on. Go to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > Control TVs and Receivers and toggle on "Control TVs and Receivers". This tells your Apple TV to send power commands to your TV over HDMI.

If you have an older Apple TV model (4th generation or earlier), the setting may be in a different location. Go to Settings > AirPlay > Control Other Devices and turn it on. If you're not sure which Apple TV model you have, go to Settings > About and look at the model name.

Make sure the Apple TV is connected directly to the TV

HDMI-CEC only works when the Apple TV is plugged directly into an HDMI port on your TV. If your Apple TV is connected to a receiver, soundbar, or HDMI switch, the TV won't receive the power command from the Apple TV remote. The signal has to travel directly from the Apple TV to the TV over the same HDMI cable.

If you need to use a receiver or soundbar, check whether it also supports HDMI-CEC. Some receivers can pass the CEC signal through to the TV, but not all of them do. Check your receiver's manual to see if it has a CEC pass-through setting.

Restart both devices if the remote still doesn't work

If you've enabled HDMI-CEC on both the TV and the Apple TV, but the remote still won't turn on the TV, restart both devices. Unplug your Apple TV for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Do the same with your TV. Wait a few minutes after both devices restart before testing the remote again—sometimes it takes a moment for them to recognize each other.

After the restart, press the power button on your Apple TV remote and hold it for a few seconds. If the TV turns on, HDMI-CEC is now working. If it doesn't, try pressing the button again a few times, as some TVs take a moment to respond.

What to do if HDMI-CEC still won't work

If the remote still doesn't turn on your TV after enabling HDMI-CEC and restarting both devices, the issue is usually one of three things: the HDMI cable is loose, your TV's HDMI-CEC setting got turned off again, or your TV straightforward doesn't support HDMI-CEC even though you thought it did.

First, unplug the HDMI cable from both the Apple TV and the TV, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in firmly. Make sure the cable is fully seated on both ends. Then go back into your TV's settings and confirm that HDMI-CEC is still enabled—sometimes it resets after a power cycle.

If HDMI-CEC is on and the cable is find but the remote still won't work, your TV may not actually support the feature, or it may be broken. At that point, you can control your TV's power with a universal remote or your TV's own remote, but the Apple TV remote won't be able to do it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Apple TV remote work with all TVs?

No. The Apple TV remote can only control your TV's power if your TV supports HDMI-CEC and has it enabled. Older TVs and budget models often don't have this feature. Even if your TV has it, you have to turn it on manually in the settings.

Can I use the Apple TV remote to control other TV functions like volume?

Yes, if HDMI-CEC is working. Once the remote can turn your TV on and off, it can usually control volume and input selection too. The exact functions depend on your TV model—some TVs respond to more commands than others.

What if my Apple TV is connected through a soundbar or receiver?

HDMI-CEC won't work if the Apple TV is plugged into a soundbar or receiver instead of directly into the TV. The signal can't reach the TV. Some receivers support CEC pass-through, but you'd need to check your receiver's manual to see if it has that feature.

Why did HDMI-CEC stop working after it was working before?

HDMI-CEC settings sometimes reset after a power outage or TV update. Go back into your TV's settings and confirm that HDMI-CEC is still enabled. Also check that the HDMI cable is still firmly connected on both ends.

Can I control my TV with the Apple TV remote if HDMI-CEC doesn't work?

Not with the Apple TV remote alone. You would need to use your TV's original remote or a universal remote. Some people set up HomeKit automation to control their TV through other means, but that requires a compatible smart home setup.

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.