Methods To Fix Apple TV Remote Not Working Problem

Last updated on 2022-09-19
By Finn

Is your Apple TV remote not working? Apple TV remotes are fun to use. These remotes come in several versions and capabilities. The newer ones are integrated with Siri and they also offer voice controls and browsing mechanisms.

They are relatively sturdy too but sometimes they can have issues connecting with the Apple TV. Is your Apple TV box also not responding to your remote presses?

The Apple TV remote connection utilizes Bluetooth which is pretty reliable but sometimes the Bluetooth can malfunction. In that case, you have to reset the remote. In this article, we will discuss more issues related to Apple TV remote not working and how you can fix this issue.

Causes of Apple TV Remote Not Working

Common issue that you will find in the Apple TV remote are that the inputs you press on the remote are not being reflected on the screen, or if the touchpad is unresponsive.

Other issues might be due to hardware faults. You have to contact Apple Support to see if they can provide hardware or software repair.

One prominent issue that many Apple TV users are currently facing is after the Apple TV top box update to the new OS version tvOS 15. These issues include pairing warnings and not pairing the remote at all. The best solution to this issue is to leave the problem for a while and reconnect after a day or two.

How to Fix Apple TV Remote not Working

Let’s explore the methods to fix the Apple TV remote not working.

Charge the Remote:

The first thing that you must do when your Apple TV remote app isn’t working is to do the most obvious thing. Charge your Apple TV remote till it gets full or for at least 30 minutes using the dedicated Lightning to USB cable.

Keep the Remote in the range:

Another thing to fix your Apple TV Remote not working is to ensure that there is no blocking between the path of your Apple TV remote and the TV. If you get in the way of the IR sensor, it wouldn’t work.

The reason is that infrared rays need a line of sight to be clear to send the signal to the TV meanwhile RF signals don’t need it. If they equip these remotes with RF signals then this issue can be resolved.

Clean the Remote:

If your Apple TV remote volume isn’t working properly or gets stuck, try cleaning your TV remote with a Qtip and isopropyl acid.

You can also use lint-free clothes if cotton or cotton buds aren’t available. Put a little amount of alcohol on the cloth, apply a circular motion then do a forward motion and then backward.

Also, ensure that you clean the edges of your buttons as well. If your button is stuck or extra sticky, try to use a can of compressed air to remove anything that’s been messing with the buttons.

You can also use a clean toothbrush instead of compressed air. Gently brush the edges and it will help get the dirt out of your Apple TV remote.

Reset the Remote Connection

You can also reset the remote connection. Unplug your Apple TV and shut it down. Wait for more than six seconds, then plug it back.

Now try the remote again. Link your Apple TV remote to the Apple TV again and complete pairing. On the remote, hold down both the Menu and right side buttons for more than six seconds.

On the TV side, watch out for the link symbol above the icon for the remote. When you press your Apple TV remote, check the light response on the Apple TV unit. If you see that it flashes three times successfully then it means that your Apple TV remote is already paired with a different remote.

You should try pairing your Apple TV with your TV remote. Go to the remote settings on your TV and seek to get it paired with your Apple TV remote. If you see that even after plugging out the power and resetting your remote isn’t working then you can try replacing the batteries.

If the light on your Apple TV is not flashing and you see a big exclamation mark inside a triangle on your TV screen then it is time to replace the batteries. All of this will reset your remote.

Additional Tips to Fix Apple TV Remote Application Not Working

Here are some more tips that you can follow to fix Apple TV remote not working.

Tip 1: Use the Same Wi-Fi

One important keynote to remember is that you have to ensure that your home sharing setup and you are using the same Wi-Fi network.

Connect your iPhone or iPad running that remote application with your Wi-Fi network at home.
Ensure that your Apple TV is also attached to the same Wi-Fi network. It is crucial to have it connected with the same network as that of the remote app.
On your Apple TV, go to the Settings, access “General”, tap on Remotes and Devices, and then on the Remote app.
Enter your Apple ID and password that you have used for home-sharing.
It is time to open the remote app on your iOS device.
Go to the settings and choose the Apple TV.
It will take a few minutes to pair both the app and Apple TV but it will allow you to use your iOS device to take control of your Apple TV.

Tip 2: Use Apple TV Remote App on different iOS devices

If you are using iOS 12 or above on your iOS devices then the Apple TV remote app is already integrated into the Control Center for easy access. This app will work just like a remote and allow you to quickly navigate/control your Apple TV.

If you’re using iOS 11 or lower:

Download the Apple TV Remote app.
Connect your iOS device and Apple TV on the same network.
Open the Apple TV remote app on your iOS device.
Tap “Add Apple TV” and then select your Apple TV.
Wait for a four-digit code to appear on your Apple TV.
Enter the code on the iOS device to pair.
It will be connected.

Conclusion

Why is my Apple TV remote not working? If your Apple TV remote has stopped working then it might be due to poor batteries, a weak line of sight signals, or a software update.

With Apple TV working well, if you are a fan of anime and drama, we recommend trying this streaming platform to enjoy your favorite animation and manga shows, which is supported on Apple TV.