The battery in your Apple TV remote slides out from the back

The Apple TV remote uses a single AA battery that you can replace in about 30 seconds. The battery compartment is on the back of the remote, held closed by a small door that slides down. You do not need any tools — just your fingers and a fresh AA battery.

Apple TV remotes come in two versions: the older aluminum remote with a clickpad, and the newer Siri Remote with a touch surface. Both use the same battery replacement method. The steps are identical whether you have the first-generation Siri Remote or the newer model released in 2021.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple TV remotes use a single AA battery located in a sliding compartment on the back.
  • To replace the battery, slide the compartment door downward and pull out the old battery.
  • Insert a fresh AA battery with the positive end facing upward, then slide the door back up to close it.
  • If your remote still does not respond after replacing the battery, try unpairing and re-pairing it with your Apple TV.

Step-by-step battery replacement

Step 1: Hold the remote with the back facing you. The battery compartment is a rectangular slot on the back of the remote. You will see a small door covering it.

Step 2: Slide the compartment door downward. Use your fingernail or a plastic tool to gently push the door down. It slides about half an inch and then stops. Do not force it — it should move smoothly.

Step 3: Remove the old battery. The battery will either fall out or you can gently pull it out with your fingers. Note which end was facing up so you insert the new battery the same way.

Step 4: Insert the new AA battery. Place a fresh AA battery into the compartment with the positive end (the flat end marked with a plus sign) facing upward. The negative end (the bumpy end) should face downward toward the spring inside the compartment.

Step 5: Slide the door back up. Push the compartment door upward until it clicks or sits flush with the back of the remote. The door should close smoothly without resistance.

What type of battery to buy

Use a standard AA alkaline battery. Brands like Duracell, Energizer, or store-brand alkaline batteries all work equally well. Do not use rechargeable AA batteries or lithium batteries unless your remote specifically says it supports them — most Apple TV remotes work best with standard alkaline.

A single AA battery typically lasts three to six months with normal use. If you use your remote heavily every day, you may need to replace it sooner. If you rarely use your Apple TV, the battery may last longer.

Your remote is not responding after changing the battery

If you replaced the battery and the remote still does not work, the battery may be inserted backward. Open the compartment again and check that the positive end (the flat side with the plus sign) is facing upward. This is the most common reason a remote stops working after a battery change.

If the battery is in the correct direction and the remote still does not respond, try unpairing and re-pairing it with your Apple TV. Hold down the Menu and Back buttons together for about six seconds until the light on your Apple TV blinks. Then hold down the Select button for three seconds. The remote should reconnect automatically.

If re-pairing does not work, try a different AA battery to rule out a defective battery. Sometimes a battery from a new pack can be faulty. If a different battery also does not work, the remote itself may need replacement.

Troubleshooting a remote that drains batteries quickly

If you are replacing the battery every few weeks instead of every few months, something is draining it faster than normal. The most common cause is that the remote is paired with multiple Apple TV devices at once. Each pairing uses battery power even when you are not actively using the remote.

Check your Apple TV settings to see if the remote is paired with more than one device. If it is, unpair it from the devices you do not use regularly. You can also try moving the remote away from your Apple TV and other wireless devices — interference from WiFi routers or other remotes can cause the remote to work harder and drain the battery faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a AAA battery instead of an AA battery?

No. The Apple TV remote is designed specifically for AA batteries. A AAA battery is smaller and will not make proper contact with the battery compartment. Using the wrong size battery can damage the remote or cause it to malfunction.

What should I do with the old battery?

Take used AA batteries to a recycling center or an electronics retailer that accepts batteries. Many stores like Best Buy and Home Depot have battery recycling programs at the customer service desk. Do not throw batteries in the trash — they contain materials that should be recycled.

Does the remote work while the battery is being replaced?

No. Once you remove the battery, the remote will not function until you insert a new one and close the compartment door. This usually takes less than a minute, so your Apple TV will be unresponsive for only a very short time.

Why is my remote not pairing after I changed the battery?

A new battery should not affect pairing. If your remote will not pair after a battery change, the battery may be inserted backward or the remote may have lost its pairing during the battery removal. Try re-pairing by holding Menu and Back for six seconds, then Select for three seconds. If that does not work, try a different battery.