The basic pairing process

To connect an Apple Remote to Apple TV, hold the remote within a few inches of your Apple TV and press and hold both the Menu and Volume Up buttons together for about three seconds. Your Apple TV will display a pairing message on screen, and the remote will vibrate when the connection is complete. This usually takes less than a minute.

The remote and Apple TV communicate over Bluetooth, so they need to be close enough during pairing — typically within arm's reach. Once paired, you can use the remote from across the room during normal operation. If pairing fails, restart both devices and try again.

Key Takeaways

  • Press and hold Menu and Volume Up together for three seconds while the remote is close to your Apple TV to start pairing.
  • Your Apple TV will show a pairing confirmation on screen, and the remote will vibrate when successfully connected.
  • If pairing fails, unpair the remote first by going to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Remote on your Apple TV, then try pairing again.
  • A single Apple Remote can be paired to multiple Apple TV devices, but it will only control one at a time.

What to do if pairing doesn't work

If the remote doesn't pair after holding Menu and Volume Up, first check that your Apple TV is powered on and not in sleep mode. Move closer to the Apple TV and try again. If it still doesn't work, unpair the remote by going to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Remote on your Apple TV, select your remote from the list, and choose Remove.

After removing the remote, restart your Apple TV by going to Settings > System > Restart. Wait for it to fully boot up, then attempt pairing again with the Menu and Volume Up button combination. If you're still having trouble, try restarting the remote itself by holding Menu and the Back button (the left-pointing arrow) for about ten seconds.

Pairing a second remote to the same Apple TV

You can pair multiple Apple Remotes to a single Apple TV — useful if you have one in the living room and another in a bedroom. Each remote pairs independently using the same Menu and Volume Up button hold. Your Apple TV will recognize both remotes and either can control the device.

If you want to use a specific remote as the primary one, go to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Remote and select which remote you prefer. This doesn't prevent the other remote from working, but it sets which one the system prioritizes for certain functions.

Using one remote with multiple Apple TVs

A single Apple Remote can be paired to more than one Apple TV, but it will only actively control whichever device it was most recently used with. To switch control to a different Apple TV, hold Menu and Volume Up again near that device for three seconds. The remote will unpair from the previous Apple TV and pair with the new one.

This is different from having multiple remotes on one TV — here you're moving one remote between devices. If you frequently switch between Apple TVs, having a separate remote for each one is more convenient than re-pairing every time.

Checking battery status and charging

The Apple Remote has a built-in rechargeable battery. To check how much charge remains, go to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Remote on your Apple TV and look at the battery percentage shown next to your remote's name. You can also see battery status in Control Center on an iPhone or iPad that's on the same Wi-Fi network as your Apple TV.

Charge the remote by connecting it to a USB-C power adapter using the included cable. Most Apple Remotes charge fully in about two hours. A low battery won't prevent pairing, but the remote may become unresponsive if it drains completely. Charge it when you see the battery percentage drop below 20 percent.

Troubleshooting a remote that was previously paired

If you're setting up a used Apple Remote or one that was paired to a different Apple TV, you may need to unpair it from its previous device first. You can do this without access to that old Apple TV by holding Menu and the Back button together for about ten seconds until the remote vibrates twice. This clears the pairing information from the remote itself.

After clearing the remote, you can pair it to your Apple TV using the standard Menu and Volume Up hold. If the remote still won't pair after clearing, try restarting your Apple TV and attempting pairing again while holding the remote very close to the device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an older Apple Remote with a newer Apple TV?

It depends on which models you have. The Siri Remote (2nd generation) and newer work with all recent Apple TV models. Older Apple Remotes may not be compatible with the latest Apple TV 4K. Check Apple's support page for your specific Apple TV model to see which remotes are supported.

What if my remote is lost or damaged?

You can still control your Apple TV using the Remote app on your iPhone or iPad, or by using a third-party Bluetooth remote. To get a replacement Apple Remote, you can purchase one directly from Apple or an authorized retailer. When you get the new remote, pair it using the Menu and Volume Up button hold.

Why does my remote keep disconnecting?

Bluetooth interference from other devices, a low battery, or distance from the Apple TV can cause disconnections. Try moving closer to your Apple TV, charging the remote, and moving other wireless devices away. If disconnections continue, unpair the remote, restart both devices, and pair again.

Can I use my Apple Remote to control other devices?

The Apple Remote is designed specifically for Apple TV and cannot control other brands of televisions or devices. However, you can use it to control some HomeKit devices through your Apple TV if it's set up as a home hub.