Press the power button on your Apple TV remote
The fastest way to turn on your Apple TV is to press the power button on the remote that came with it. The button is located at the top of the remote and looks like a circle with a line through the top. Press it once and hold for about one second — you do not need to hold it longer.
Your Apple TV will wake up within a few seconds. The screen will light up and show the Apple TV home screen, which displays rows of apps like TV, Movies, Fitness, and others. If your television is off, turn it on first so you can see the picture appear on your screen.
If you have an older Apple TV remote (the aluminum one with a touchpad), the power button is still at the top. The action is the same: one short press wakes the device.
Key Takeaways
- Press the power button at the top of your Apple TV remote once to turn on the device.
- Your Apple TV will appear on your television screen within a few seconds of pressing power.
- If the remote does not respond, check that the batteries are installed correctly and have charge.
- You can also turn on your Apple TV by pressing any button on the remote if it has been in sleep mode for a while.
What to do if the remote does not work
If you press the power button and nothing happens, the remote batteries may be dead or installed incorrectly. Open the battery compartment on the back of the remote by sliding the cover down. Remove the two AA batteries and check that they are facing the right direction — the positive end (marked with a plus sign) should face toward the spring inside the compartment.
Replace the batteries with fresh ones if the old ones look corroded or if you have not changed them in over a year. Close the battery compartment and try the power button again. If the remote still does not work, try pointing it directly at the Apple TV box (usually located near your television) from about six feet away, as obstacles or distance can sometimes block the signal.
Using your iPhone or iPad as a remote instead
If your Apple TV remote is lost or broken, you can use your iPhone or iPad to turn on the device. Open the Control Center on your iPhone by swiping down from the top right corner (or up from the bottom on older models). Look for the Remote icon, which looks like a rectangle with a circle in the center.
Tap the Remote icon and select your Apple TV from the list of available devices. Your phone will connect to the Apple TV, and you can then tap the power button symbol at the top of the on-screen remote. This works the same way as pressing the physical remote's power button.
Turning on Apple TV from sleep mode versus a full shutdown
Apple TV enters sleep mode automatically after a period of inactivity — usually 15 to 30 minutes. When your Apple TV is in sleep mode, pressing any button on the remote will wake it up, not just the power button. The device wakes much faster from sleep mode than from a complete shutdown, usually in one or two seconds.
If you have unplugged your Apple TV or it has been off for several hours, it will take longer to start up — sometimes 10 to 20 seconds. During this time, you may see a black screen or the Apple logo. Do not press the power button again; wait for the home screen to appear.
Checking that your Apple TV is actually on
When your Apple TV is on and working, you will see the home screen with app icons arranged in rows. The screen should be bright and responsive. If you see a black screen after pressing power, check that your television is set to the correct input. Use your TV remote to switch to the HDMI input where your Apple TV is connected — this is often labeled HDMI 1, HDMI 2, or HDMI 3.
If you still see a black screen after switching inputs, unplug the HDMI cable from the back of your Apple TV and plug it back in firmly. Make sure the cable is fully inserted into both the Apple TV and your television. Then press the power button on your Apple TV remote again.
Troubleshooting when the Apple TV will not turn on at all
If your Apple TV will not turn on even after replacing the remote batteries and checking the HDMI connection, the device may not be receiving power. Look at the back of your Apple TV box and locate the power cable. Follow it to the wall outlet and make sure it is plugged in securely. If the outlet has an on/off switch, make sure the switch is in the on position.
Try plugging a different device (like a lamp) into the same outlet to confirm the outlet itself is working. If the outlet is dead, try a different outlet nearby. If your Apple TV still will not turn on after these steps, the device may have a hardware problem and may need service or replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for Apple TV to turn on?
From sleep mode, Apple TV wakes in one to three seconds. From a complete shutdown or after being unplugged, it can take 10 to 20 seconds for the home screen to appear. During startup, you may see the Apple logo on a black screen — this is normal and means the device is loading.
Can I turn on Apple TV without the remote?
Yes. You can use your iPhone or iPad with the Control Center remote feature, or you can plug the power cable back in if the device was unplugged. You can also use a third-party universal remote that supports Apple TV, though you may need to pair it first.
Why is my Apple TV screen black even though it is on?
Your television is likely set to the wrong input. Use your TV remote to switch to the HDMI input where your Apple TV is connected. Check the HDMI cable connection at both ends and make sure it is fully inserted. If the screen is still black, try unplugging the HDMI cable and plugging it back in.
Does Apple TV use a lot of power when it is on?
Apple TV uses very little power, especially in sleep mode. When actively playing video, it uses more power but still far less than a television or computer. You do not need to unplug it to save energy — leaving it plugged in and in sleep mode is normal and safe.