The battery in your Apple TV remote slides out from the back and takes about 30 seconds to swap

Your Apple TV remote uses a standard CR2032 coin-cell battery that you can buy at any drugstore, supermarket, or online retailer for a few dollars. The battery compartment is on the back of the remote, held closed by a small metal or plastic cover that slides out—no tools needed. Once you remove the old battery and insert the new one with the correct side facing up, your remote will work again.

The whole process takes less than a minute. You do not need to unpair or re-pair the remote to your Apple TV after changing the battery; it will reconnect automatically the next time you press a button.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple TV remotes use a CR2032 coin-cell battery, which is inexpensive and widely available at drugstores and online.
  • The battery compartment is on the back of the remote and opens by sliding a small cover to the side or pulling it straight out.
  • The positive side of the battery (marked with a +) must face upward when you insert it into the compartment.
  • You do not need to repair or reset your remote after replacing the battery; it will work as soon as you press a button.

Locating and opening the battery compartment

Turn your Apple TV remote over so you are looking at the back. You will see a small rectangular or oval cover near the bottom of the remote. This is the battery compartment cover.

The cover slides in one direction—usually to the side or downward. Push or slide it gently until it comes free. Some covers require a light pull; others slide smoothly with minimal pressure. Do not force it, as the cover is plastic and can crack if you explore too much force.

Once the cover is open, you will see the old CR2032 battery sitting in a shallow metal holder. The battery is round and flat, about the size of a dime.

Removing the old battery and inserting the new one

Gently pry the old battery out of the holder using your fingernail or the edge of a plastic card. The battery sits loosely in the compartment, so it should come out with light pressure. If it is stuck, try tilting the remote slightly so gravity helps pull the battery toward the opening.

Before you insert the new battery, check which side is marked with a + symbol. That is the positive side. When you place the battery into the holder, the positive side must face upward (toward the back of the remote). The negative side faces down into the metal holder.

Drop the new battery into the compartment with the + side up. It will sit flat in the holder just as the old one did. You do not need to press hard or snap it into place; it straightforward rests in the metal cup.

Closing the battery compartment and testing the remote

Slide the battery cover back into place using the same motion you used to open it. Push it until you hear or feel a small click, or until it sits flush with the back of the remote. The cover should not stick out or feel loose.

Turn the remote over and press any button—the menu button, home button, or play button. Your Apple TV should respond when ready. If it does not, turn the remote back over and check that the battery is inserted with the + side facing up. The most common reason a remote does not work after a battery change is the battery being installed backward.

Where to buy a CR2032 battery

CR2032 batteries are sold everywhere: drugstores like CVS and Walgreens, supermarkets, hardware stores, and online retailers like Amazon. A single battery usually costs between $2 and $5, though buying a pack of two or four is often cheaper per battery. Some stores carry store-brand versions that work just as well as name brands like Duracell or Energizer.

You can also order them online and have them arrive within a few days. Since the battery is small and inexpensive, shipping is usually fast. If you want a battery when ready, a local drugstore or supermarket is your quickest option.

Signs your remote battery is running low

Before the battery dies completely, you may notice the remote becoming less responsive. You might have to press buttons multiple times, or the remote might work only when you point it directly at the Apple TV. These are signs the battery is weakening and a replacement is coming soon.

Some Apple TV models will also display a low-battery warning on your TV screen when the remote battery is nearly empty. If you see this message, a new battery will solve the problem. Once you install a fresh CR2032, the warning should disappear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of battery in my Apple TV remote?

No, the remote is designed for a CR2032 coin-cell battery specifically. Other battery types will not fit the compartment or may not provide the correct voltage. Stick with CR2032 batteries to avoid damaging the remote or causing it to malfunction.

Do I need to reset my Apple TV after changing the battery?

No. The remote will reconnect to your Apple TV automatically the next time you press a button. You do not need to unpair it, repair it, or change any settings on your Apple TV.

What should I do with the old battery?

Most drugstores and supermarkets have battery recycling bins near the checkout or customer service desk. You can also check Earth911.com or Call2Recycle.org to find a recycling location near you. Do not throw batteries in the trash.

How long does a CR2032 battery last in an Apple TV remote?

Battery life depends on how often you use the remote. Most CR2032 batteries last between one and two years with regular daily use. If you use your Apple TV less frequently, the battery may last longer.

Why is my remote still not working after I replaced the battery?

First, check that the battery is inserted with the + side facing up. If it is, try removing the battery, waiting 10 seconds, and reinserting it. If the remote still does not work, the problem may be with the remote itself rather than the battery. Contact Apple Support for help troubleshooting the remote.