Pairing happens automatically when you turn on a new Apple TV

When you unbox a new Apple TV and power it on, the remote pairs itself to the device without any action on your part. The pairing process takes a few seconds, and you will see a confirmation message on your screen. If you are setting up a replacement remote or reconnecting an existing one, the steps differ slightly depending on whether you have a Siri Remote, an older aluminum remote, or a third-party remote.

The most common reason to re-pair a remote is that it has drifted out of range, the batteries have died, or you are connecting a new remote to an existing Apple TV. In all cases, the process is straightforward and takes less than a minute.

Key Takeaways

  • New Apple TV remotes pair automatically when you first power on the device, with no setup steps required.
  • To re-pair a Siri Remote, hold it within 4 inches of the Apple TV and press and hold Menu and Down together for three seconds.
  • Older aluminum remotes require you to hold the Menu and Select buttons together for six seconds while pointing at the Apple TV.
  • If pairing fails, restart both the remote and the Apple TV, then try again.
  • You can pair up to four remotes to a single Apple TV, though only one will control it at a time.

Pairing a Siri Remote (2nd generation and newer)

The Siri Remote that comes with Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) and later uses a different pairing method than older models. Hold the remote within 4 inches of the Apple TV. Press and hold the Menu button and the Down arrow button at the same time for three seconds. You will see a pairing indicator on your screen, and the remote will vibrate when the connection is complete.

If the pairing does not work on the first try, check that the remote batteries are not dead. Replace them with fresh batteries and try again. Make sure there are no large metal objects or thick walls between the remote and the Apple TV, as these can block the pairing signal.

Pairing an older aluminum remote

If you have an Apple TV remote made before 2021, the pairing process is different. Point the remote directly at the Apple TV. Press and hold the Menu button and the Select button (the center circle) together for six seconds. The Apple TV will display a pairing confirmation on screen, and the remote will be ready to use.

Older remotes use infrared rather than Bluetooth, so they must have a clear line of sight to the Apple TV. If your remote stops responding after pairing, make sure nothing is blocking the infrared sensor on the front of the Apple TV.

Pairing a third-party remote

You can use certain third-party remotes with Apple TV, including some universal remotes and gaming controllers. The pairing method depends on the remote model. Check the manufacturer's instructions for the specific steps, as they vary widely.

Once a third-party remote is paired, you may need to configure which buttons control which functions in the Apple TV settings. Go to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Remote to see pairing options and customize button assignments if your remote supports it.

What to do if the remote will not pair

If you have followed the pairing steps and the remote still does not connect, restart both devices. Unplug the Apple TV from power, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in. Replace the remote batteries with fresh ones, then try pairing again within 4 inches of the Apple TV.

If the remote still does not pair after a restart, the remote may be damaged or the Bluetooth receiver in the Apple TV may have failed. Try pairing a different remote if you have one available. If no remote will pair, contact Apple Support, as the issue may be with the Apple TV itself rather than the remote.

Pairing multiple remotes to one Apple TV

You can pair up to four remotes to a single Apple TV. Each remote pairs using the same method described above. Only one remote will control the Apple TV at a time, but having multiple remotes is useful if you have one in different rooms or want a backup.

If you have paired four remotes and want to add a fifth, you must unpair one of the existing remotes first. Go to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Remote, select the remote you want to remove, and choose Forget This Remote. Then pair the new remote using the standard pairing steps.

Troubleshooting pairing problems by remote type

Siri Remote pairing fails most often because the batteries are dead or the remote is too far from the Apple TV. Always start by replacing the batteries and trying again within 4 inches. If the remote still does not pair, restart the Apple TV and try once more.

Aluminum remote pairing fails when the infrared path is blocked. Make sure the remote is pointed directly at the Apple TV with no obstacles between them. If you are pairing in a bright room with direct sunlight, move to a dimmer area, as strong infrared light can interfere with the pairing signal.

Third-party remotes may not pair if they are not compatible with your Apple TV model. Check the remote manufacturer's website to confirm compatibility before attempting to pair. Some universal remotes require a code to be entered before they will pair with Apple TV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my iPhone as a remote instead of pairing a physical remote?

Yes. read the Apple TV Remote app from the App Store on your iPhone or iPad. Open the app and select your Apple TV from the list. The app will pair automatically if your iPhone is on the same Wi-Fi network as the Apple TV. You can then control the Apple TV from your phone without a physical remote.

What if I lost my remote and need to pair a new one?

You can order a replacement Siri Remote or aluminum remote from Apple's website. When it arrives, follow the pairing steps above. If you do not have a remote at all and cannot use the Apple TV Remote app, you can use the Apple TV Remote app on any iPhone or iPad on the same Wi-Fi network to set up the new remote.

How do I know if my remote is paired?

When a remote is paired, it will respond to button presses and control the Apple TV. You will see a confirmation message on screen during the pairing process. If you are unsure, go to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Remote to see a list of all paired remotes.

Can I pair a remote from an older Apple TV to a newer one?

Yes, but the pairing method may differ. An aluminum remote from an older Apple TV will pair with a newer Apple TV using the six-second Menu and Select button hold. A Siri Remote from a newer Apple TV will pair with an older Apple TV using the three-second Menu and Down button hold, though some features may not work.

Why does my remote keep losing connection?

If your remote frequently disconnects, the batteries may be low. Replace them with fresh batteries first. If the problem continues, move closer to the Apple TV and remove any metal objects or thick walls between them. If one remote keeps disconnecting while others work fine, that remote may be failing and should be replaced.