Pairing happens automatically when you turn on a new remote near your Apple TV

When you unbox a new Apple TV remote and hold it near your Apple TV box, the two devices pair on their own within a few seconds. You do not need to enter a code or dig into settings. If your remote does not pair automatically, or if you are reconnecting an old remote after it stopped working, you can force a pairing by holding the Menu and Back buttons together for several seconds until a pairing prompt appears on your TV screen.

The pairing process works the same way whether you have an older Siri Remote, the newer Siri Remote with a clickpad, or the Apple TV Remote (the basic model without Siri). All three use the same wireless connection method and pair to one Apple TV box at a time.

Key Takeaways

  • New remotes pair automatically when you hold them near your Apple TV for a few seconds — no buttons to press or codes to enter.
  • If automatic pairing does not work, hold Menu and Back together for about six seconds until you see a pairing screen on your TV.
  • Each remote pairs to one Apple TV box only; if you move the remote to a different box, you must pair it again.
  • A remote that will not pair may have a dead battery, so replace the batteries and try again before assuming the remote is broken.

Automatic pairing when you first set up

Take the remote out of the box and hold it within a few inches of your Apple TV box. The TV screen will show a pairing animation — usually a series of dots or a loading symbol — and within five to ten seconds the remote will connect. Once the animation stops, the pairing is complete and you can use the remote normally.

This automatic pairing only works during the initial setup of a new remote. If you have already used the remote with a different Apple TV, or if the remote has been unpaired, you will need to use the manual method instead.

Manual pairing when automatic does not work

Sit in front of your Apple TV with the remote in hand. Press and hold the Menu button and the Back button at the same time. Keep both buttons pressed for about six seconds. You should see a pairing screen appear on your TV — it will say something like "Pairing Remote" or show a pairing code.

Once the pairing screen appears, release the buttons and wait for the process to finish. This usually takes another five to ten seconds. When the screen returns to normal, the remote is paired and ready to use.

Checking your battery before you troubleshoot

A remote that will not pair often has a dead or dying battery. Open the battery compartment on the back of the remote — it slides or pops open depending on the model — and remove the two AA batteries. Replace them with fresh ones and try pairing again.

If you have already tried new batteries and the remote still will not pair, the remote itself may be damaged. Try pairing a different remote to the same Apple TV to confirm the TV is working. If a second remote pairs without trouble, the first remote is the problem.

Pairing a remote to a different Apple TV box

Each remote pairs to one Apple TV at a time. If you move to a new TV or want to use the remote with a different box in another room, you must unpair it from the old TV and pair it to the new one.

To unpair, go to Settings on the old Apple TV, select Remotes and Devices, then select the remote name and choose Forget. Once forgotten, hold the remote near the new Apple TV and use the automatic pairing method, or use the manual Menu + Back button method if automatic does not work.

What to do if pairing keeps failing

If you have tried new batteries, manual pairing, and a different Apple TV box and the remote still will not pair, try restarting your Apple TV. Unplug the box from power, wait ten seconds, and plug it back in. Once it finishes starting up, try pairing the remote again using the Menu + Back button method.

If the remote pairs briefly and then disconnects, or if it pairs but buttons do not respond, the remote may have a hardware fault. Contact Apple Support with your remote model number and the date you purchased it — they can tell you whether repair or replacement is an option.

Using multiple remotes with one Apple TV

You can pair more than one remote to the same Apple TV box. Each remote will work independently, and the TV will respond to whichever remote sends a command. This is useful if you have a remote in the living room and another in the bedroom, or if you want a backup remote in case one stops working.

Pair each remote using the automatic or manual method. The TV will remember all paired remotes and you do not need to do anything special to switch between them. If you want to remove a remote from the list, go to Settings, select Remotes and Devices, find the remote name, and choose Forget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my remote not pairing even though the batteries are new?

Try the manual pairing method: hold Menu and Back together for six seconds. If that does not work, restart your Apple TV by unplugging it for ten seconds, then try again. If a different remote pairs to the same TV without trouble, your remote may have a hardware problem and may need replacement.

Can I use one remote with two different Apple TV boxes?

Not at the same time. A remote pairs to one box only. If you want to use it with a different box, you must unpair it from the first one by going to Settings, Remotes and Devices, and selecting Forget. Then pair it to the new box using the automatic or manual method.

Do I need to pair my remote every time I turn on the Apple TV?

No. Once paired, the remote stays paired until you unpair it or reset your Apple TV. You can turn the TV and remote on and off as many times as you want without re-pairing.

What if my Apple TV remote is lost or stolen?

You can use your iPhone, iPad, or Mac as a remote by opening the Control Center and selecting the Apple TV. You can also buy a replacement remote from Apple. Once you have a new remote, pair it using the automatic or manual method.