Are you looking into why is Apple TV remote not working? There are two types of Apple TV remotes- the black remote and the silver remote. It depends upon the Apple TV streaming device model. Black remotes remote to 2nd and 3rd Generation Apple TV and have batteries. While silver remotes are part of advanced models that you can charge with a USB cable. If your Apple TV remote not working, try out the following tricks to solve the issue.
There are times when Apple TV remote does not work properly. There can be many obvious reasons like battery drainage, physical damage to the remote, or using old software. So, you can check your Apple TV remote at home easily and solve the problem by using the following tricks. In this case, you can also connect Apple TV to wifi without using the remote. So, read till the end to know everything related to Apple TV remote not working.
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Apple TV Remote Not Working? How To Fix It When An Apple TV Remote Isn’t Working
Apple TV remote connects with streaming devices easily. All you need is to press the Power Button on the remote to get it started. However, if you have an old TV model or an old remote, it can take a longer time. Currently, we have touchpad remotes with sophisticated sensors and high-functional features.
Despite having so much advanced technology, you might face issues with Apple TV remotes. Many users of Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K models have raised questions about the remote issues. The following section covers possible reasons why Apple TV remote is not working and how you can resolve the issue.
#1 Give A Few Minutes To Start The Remote Properly
If your Apple TV remote is not responding properly, there might be some technical glitch in the network. Usually, it gets connected in a few seconds. So, give your remote some extra time. You can long press the power button on the remote multiple times to get it started. Also, read about how to cancel an Apple TV subscription.
#2 Bring The Remote Closer To The Television
Make sure that your Apple TV and Apple remote are not very far from each other. This may lead to connectivity problems. 1st and 2nd-generation remotes have low sensors. They have a range of up to 10 meters only. However, if you are using new models, they have good sensor reach. They can fetch signals up to a 40-meter range.
#3 Change The Remote Battery Or Charge Them By Using A USB
This is one of the basic reasons for remote malfunction. So, whenever, your remote does not respond, make sure to check for its batteries. You can check the battery percentage on your tvOS setting. Follow these steps to check your Apple TV remote battery-
- Open your iPhone.
- Open the Settings option.
- Tap on the Control Center option.
- Click on the Apple TV Remote option.
- Click on Apple TV settings.
- Click on the Remotes and Devices option.
- Click on the Remote option. It will open a new window containing the remote details including battery percentage.
So, change batteries by replacing the old ones with new ones. If you have a Siri remote, you can charge it electrically by using a USB Type-C cable.
#4 Check For Hardware Damage In Your Apple TV Remote | Apple TV Remote Not Working!
Sometimes, we drop the remote or damage it unintentionally. So, make sure that your Apple TV remote is physically in good condition, without any scratches. Otherwise, it will damage the sensors. If you find a physical breakage, order a new remote. Till then, you can use your iPhone or iPad to navigate channels on Apple TV.
#5 Remove Electronic Devices Near The Remote | Apple TV Remote Not Working!
Apple TV remotes have good sensors. So, if they come in contact with other electrical applications, their sensors get affected. This might result in the malfunctioning of the remote.
So, make sure that your remote is not lurking around home electronic devices and appliances while using the remote.
#6 Update Your Apple TV | Apple TV Remote Not Working!
Apple TV keeps updating its software for better functioning. So, if you have not updated your Apple TV on a regular basis, it might interrupt Apple TV functions.
It is important to update tvOS to fix bugs. So, whenever, your Apple TV remote fails to work, check for the latest updates.
#7 Connect To The Correct HDMI Port | Apple TV Remote Not Working!
It is also a very common mistake made by Apple TV users. Apple TV has allotted HDMI ports that support Apple TV remote. So, if you are connected with the wrong HDMI port, your remote will not respond to the signals. So, keep an eye before plugging it into the HDMI port.
#8 Restart Your Apple TV Remote
Sometimes, all you need to do is to restart the Apple TV remote to clear the error. After restarting the remote, pair it again with the television. It will clear the technical glitches. You can restart Apple TV remote by following these steps-
- Switch on your Apple TV.
- Point your Apple TV remote toward the screen and long-press the Control Center and volume down buttons on the remote.
- It will pop-up notification on the screen reading as ‘Connection Lost.’
- Now, again press the Control Center and volume down buttons on the remote.
- A new pop-up notification will flash on the screen reading as ‘Remote Connected.’
#9 Use Siri To Navigate Channels On TV
You can use your iPhone or Siri to activate Apple TV remote to the television. Long-press the Siri button. Ask her to navigate the channels. You can use Siri if you have a Siri-enabled Apple TV remote. You can complete this action by enabling the Remote Control option in Settings.
#10 Remove Items That Block Connection Between Remote And TV
Make sure that you have no big objects between Apple TV remote and the Apple television. Otherwise, it will hinder the connection. So, remove such objects to experience seamless entertainment.
Final Words
The article on why is Apple TV remote not working ends here. You can use the above-mentioned tricks to resolve issues with your Apple TV remote. If you know more solutions, do share them with us in the comments.