The Apple TV 4K remote will not control the Sonos Arc Ultra directly
The Apple TV 4K remote uses infrared (IR) and Bluetooth signals designed to work with Apple devices. The Sonos Arc Ultra is a soundbar that connects to your TV through HDMI or optical audio, and it has its own separate remote control. The two remotes operate on different systems and cannot be paired with each other.
This does not mean you cannot control both devices from one remote — it just means you need a different solution. Most people solve this by using a universal remote, by controlling the Sonos app on their phone, or by letting the soundbar respond to commands sent through the TV itself.
Key Takeaways
- The Apple TV 4K remote uses infrared and Bluetooth designed for Apple devices only, and cannot pair with or control the Sonos Arc Ultra.
- The Sonos Arc Ultra comes with its own physical remote and can also be controlled through the Sonos app on your phone or tablet.
- A universal remote that supports both Apple TV and Sonos devices can control both from a single device.
- If your TV supports HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control), you may be able to control volume through your TV remote, which the soundbar can respond to.
How the Apple TV 4K remote communicates
The Apple TV 4K remote sends commands using two methods: infrared light (the same technology as older TV remotes) and Bluetooth wireless signals. Both are designed to pair only with Apple devices — the Apple TV box itself, or an iPhone, iPad, or Mac computer.
Sonos devices do not listen for Apple's infrared or Bluetooth signals. Even if you point the Apple remote at the Sonos Arc Ultra, nothing will happen. The soundbar is waiting for commands from its own remote, the Sonos app, or signals from your TV through the HDMI cable.
What the Sonos Arc Ultra remote can do
The Sonos Arc Ultra ships with a physical remote that controls volume, power, and input switching. You can also read the Sonos app (available on iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows) and control the soundbar from your phone or tablet. Many people find the app easier than hunting for a physical remote.
The soundbar also responds to voice commands if you have an Amazon Alexa device or Google Home speaker in the same room. If you say "Alexa, turn up the volume," the Arc Ultra will listen and adjust. This works because Sonos built Alexa and Google Home support into the soundbar itself.
Using a universal remote to control both devices
A universal remote is a single remote that can learn and store commands for multiple devices. Popular options include remotes from Logitech (the Harmony line, now called Logitech Harmony), Sofabaton, and others. These remotes can be programmed to control your Apple TV 4K and your Sonos Arc Ultra from one device.
To set this up, you tell the universal remote which devices you own, and it downloads the correct command codes. You then assign buttons on the remote to control each device — for example, the top buttons control Apple TV, and the bottom buttons control Sonos volume. The remote itself uses infrared to send commands to both devices.
Universal remotes range from budget models under $50 to premium options over $200. The more expensive ones often include a touchscreen and can control more devices at once. Check the product listing to confirm it supports both Apple TV 4K and Sonos before buying.
Controlling volume through your TV and HDMI-CEC
If your TV supports a feature called HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control), your TV remote may be able to send volume commands through the HDMI cable to the Sonos Arc Ultra. This works because the soundbar connects to your TV via HDMI, and HDMI-CEC allows devices to communicate through that same cable.
To test this: connect the Sonos Arc Ultra to your TV with an HDMI cable, turn on HDMI-CEC in your TV's settings (the name varies by brand — Samsung calls it Anynet+, LG calls it SIMPLINK, Sony calls it BRAVIA Sync), and try using your TV remote to adjust volume. If it works, the soundbar will respond.
This approach does not require a new remote, but it only works if your TV supports HDMI-CEC and if you have the feature enabled. Not all TVs support it, and some users find it unreliable. It is worth trying, but do not count on it as your primary volume control.
Why Apple and Sonos use separate remotes
Apple TV and Sonos are made by different companies with different design philosophies. Apple built its remote to work exclusively with Apple devices, which keeps the pairing straightforward and prevents interference from other remotes in your home. Sonos designed its remote to work only with Sonos speakers, for the same reason.
This separation is intentional — it prevents your Apple remote from accidentally triggering your soundbar, and your Sonos remote from accidentally triggering your Apple TV. The trade-off is that you end up with multiple remotes on your coffee table, which is why universal remotes and phone apps exist.
The easiest solution for most people
If you want to avoid buying a universal remote, use the Sonos app on your phone to control the soundbar. You already have your phone nearby, and the app is free. Your Apple TV 4K remote controls the TV and content, and your phone controls the sound. This setup works well if you do not mind reaching for your phone to adjust volume.
If you prefer a single physical remote, a universal remote is the next step. If you have an Alexa or Google Home speaker already, voice control is another option — just say "Alexa, volume up" and the soundbar responds without touching any remote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Sonos remote to control my Apple TV?
No. The Sonos remote only works with Sonos devices. It cannot pair with or send commands to an Apple TV. You will need the Apple TV remote, a universal remote, or your TV remote to control the Apple TV.
Does the Sonos Arc Ultra work with AirPlay from my iPhone?
Yes. You can use AirPlay to send audio from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac directly to the Sonos Arc Ultra. Open Control Center on your iPhone, tap Audio, and select the Sonos Arc Ultra. This does not require the Apple TV remote at all.
What if I lose the Sonos Arc Ultra remote?
You can buy a replacement remote from Sonos, or you can control the soundbar entirely through the Sonos app on your phone. The app gives you full control over volume, input, and settings, so a physical remote is optional.
Will a Logitech Harmony remote work with both devices?
Yes, Logitech Harmony remotes (now called Logitech Harmony) support both Apple TV and Sonos devices. Check the product page to confirm your specific model of Apple TV and Sonos soundbar are listed before buying.
Can I control the Sonos Arc Ultra with voice commands from Siri?
Siri on your iPhone or Apple TV cannot control Sonos devices directly. However, if you have an Amazon Alexa or Google Home speaker, you can use voice commands to control the Arc Ultra. Sonos does not support Siri voice control.