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How to connect Apple TV to Wi-Fi without a remote

Misplaced your Apple TV® remote, or it ran out of charge right when you needed to stream? Don’t worry. You can still connect Apple TV to Wi-Fi without a remote.

At Asurion, we help millions of people get the most out of their tech. Whether you’re looking for phone protection or tech help, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Use the Apple TV remote in the iPhone control center

Using your iPhone® as an Apple TV remote is the simplest option. Here’s how to connect Apple TV to Wi-Fi without a remote:

  1. Connect your iPhone to the same Wi-Fi network your Apple TV was previously connected to.
  2. On your iPhone, open Control Center. For iPhone X or later, swipe down from the top-right corner. On iPhone SE, 8, or earlier, swipe up from the bottom.
  3. Tap the Apple TV Remote icon. If you don’t see it, tap + > Add a Control > Remote.
  4. Select your Apple TV from the list.
  5. A four-digit code may appear on your TV. Enter it on your iPhone to pair.
  6. Once paired, go to Settings > Network > Wi-Fi on your Apple TV using your iPhone remote.
  7. Select your Wi-Fi network and enter your password to connect.

Connect the Apple TV using an Ethernet cable

If your Apple TV is brand new or reset, the Control Center remote won’t work until setup. Try this method:

  1. Plug your Apple TV into your router with an Ethernet cable.
  2. Connect your iPhone or iPad to the same Wi-Fi network as the router.
  3. Open Control Center and add the Apple TV Remote if needed.
  4. Select your Apple TV from the list.
  5. Enter the 4-digit code that appears on your TV.
  6. Use your iPhone remote to navigate to Settings > Network > Wi-Fi.
  7. Select your Wi-Fi network, enter the password, and confirm.
  8. Unplug the Ethernet cable once Wi-Fi is connected.

Pair a Bluetooth keyboard or game controller

No iPhone or Ethernet cable? Pair your Apple TV with a Bluetooth® keyboard or game controller:

  1. Put the keyboard or controller into pairing mode (look for a flashing light).
  2. On a new or reset Apple TV, it will automatically search for devices.
  3. For keyboards, enter the PIN shown on the TV. Controllers connect without a PIN.
  4. Use arrow keys or controller buttons to navigate to Settings > Network > Wi-Fi.
  5. Select your Wi-Fi and enter the password.

Learn more about fixing pairing issues here: how to connect devices via Bluetooth.

Troubleshooting if you can’t connect

  • Restart your Apple TV and iPhone to refresh the connection.
  • Verify Bluetooth is enabled on all devices.
  • Update your iPhone and Apple TV software.
  • Reset Apple TV and set it up as new if problems persist.

FAQ

Can I use my iPhone or iPad as an Apple TV remote?

Yes. Open Control Center and select the Apple TV Remote icon to control your Apple TV.

How do I pair a Bluetooth keyboard with Apple TV for setup?

Put your keyboard in pairing mode. Select it on your Apple TV screen, then type the PIN to complete pairing.

How can I reset Apple TV if it won’t connect without a remote?

Connect Apple TV to a Mac® using Finder® or a Windows® PC via iTunes with a USB-C or micro USB cable. Select the device and choose Restore Apple TV.

The Asurion® trademarks and logos are the property of Asurion, LLC. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Asurion is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any of the respective owners of the other trademarks appearing herein.

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