By Jacob If you’re experiencing issues with your Apple TV remote, you’re not alone. Many users have encountered problems with their remotes, ranging from unresponsiveness to certain functions not working. Don’t worry, though; we’ve put together a guide to help you figure out what’s wrong and fix it. We will talk about the most common reasons and give you instructions on how to fix Apple TV remote not working problem.
Apple TV Remote Not Working: Here’s How to Fix It?
Sometimes it’s annoying when your Apple TV remote won’t work, but there are a few things you can try to fix it:
Check the Battery Level
If your Apple TV remote won’t work, one of the first things you should do is see how much power it has left. A low battery can lead to a number of problems, such as not responding or only working sometimes. To see how much power is left, go to your Apple TV’s Settings menu and choose Remotes and Devices > Remote. There is a low battery level on the remote. To charge it, connect it to a Mac or a USB wall charger and charge it for at least 30 minutes. If the battery can’t be charged again, get a new one.
Restart Your Apple TV
If the battery level is not the issue, the next step is to restart your Apple TV. A simple restart can often resolve minor software glitches that may be affecting the remote’s functionality. To do this, unplug your Apple TV from the power outlet and wait for at least 15 seconds. Then, plug it back in and wait for the home screen to appear. Now, check if your remote is working properly.
Restart Your Remote
If turning off and on your Apple TV again didn’t fix the issue, try turning off and on your remote again. How you restart the remote will depend on the model you have.
For Siri Remotes that are later, hold down the volume down button and the TV icon button at the same time for about five seconds. The Apple TV’s status light should go out and then back on. Wait about ten seconds after you let go of the buttons.
Your TV screen will show the word “Connection Lost” on your remote, which means it is restarting. As soon as the process is done, your TV will show a link message. Take out the battery in an older Apple TV remote and put it back in to turn it back on.
Unpair and Re-Pair Your Remote
If the previous steps didn’t resolve the issue, it’s possible that your remote has become unpaired from your Apple TV. To fix this, you’ll need to unpair and re-pair your remote manually. The process for unpairing and re-pairing your remote depends on the model you have:
- For the 1st gen Siri Remote (black with a large touchpad), press and hold the volume up button and the menu button for five seconds.
- For the 2nd gen Siri Remote (silver with a round directional control), press and hold the volume up button and the back button (“<“) for five seconds.
- For older Apple TV remotes, hold the menu button and the left arrow for six seconds to unlink the remote. Then, hold the menu button and the right arrow for six seconds to repair it.
- After successfully pairing your remote, you’ll see a message on the screen confirming the connection. Keep in mind that only one Siri Remote can be connected to an Apple TV at a time. If you connect a new Siri Remote, any previously connected remotes will be disconnected.
Check for Interference
Wireless change can also make your Apple TV remote not work right. If you have other electronics or a Wi-Fi router close to your Apple TV, make sure they don’t cause any confusion. Turning these devices off for a short time or moving them farther away can help get rid of disturbance and make the remote work better.
Update Your Apple TV Software
- If you want your Apple TV to work at its best, you must always use the most recent software version. Outdated software can cause compatibility issues and may be the reason why your remote is not working properly.
- To check for updates, go to the Settings menu on your Apple TV, select System, and then choose Software Updates. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it. After updating, check if your remote is functioning correctly.
Contact Apple Support
If you’ve done all of these things and your Apple TV remote still won’t work, you might need to get in touch with Apple Support. They may be able to help you more and walk you through more troubleshooting steps that are specific to your case. It’s possible to get more help from Apple Support or by calling their customer service.
Also Read: How to Mirror iPhone to TV: Everything You Need to Know
In Summary
It can be annoying when your Apple TV remote not working. If you follow the steps in this guide, you can usually fix the problem and get back control of your Apple TV. Before you call Apple Support, make sure you check the power level, restart your Apple TV and remote, unpair and re-pair the remote, look for interference, and update your Apple TV software. You’ll be able to watch your favorite shows and movies again in no time with these tips.
