How to reset your Apple TV remote when it stops working
💡 Need to know
- Remote frozen? A quick reset often fixes unresponsive buttons.
- Battery low? Charge newer Siri remotes or replace the coin cell in older models.
- Still stuck? Restart the Apple TV or use your iPhone as a backup remote.
You're winding down for the day and decide to catch up on your favorite Apple TV® show. You grab the Apple TV remote to turn on your device, but nothing happens. It's not responding to any input, and you're not sure why.
Asurion Experts keep your tech devices working smoothly. Whether you need to connect your Apple TV to Wi-Fi or experience an error connecting to the Apple ID server, count on us for an answer you can trust. Here's how to reset an Apple TV remote (and why you might want to).
Recognize when your remote needs a reset
Why would you want to reset your Apple TV remote? There are a few scenarios where doing so might make sense. They include:
- Intermittent connectivity
- Unresponsive buttons
- Pairing issues during setup
- Selling or gifting an Apple TV
An Apple TV remote may experience performance issues when it lacks sufficient power, suffers from signal loss, or encounters a Bluetooth pairing failure.
Check battery level:
- Open Settings > Remotes and Devices > Remote > Battery Level
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Reset and re-pair your Siri Remote
For Siri Remote (first-gen or later)
- Unplug Apple TV for 6 seconds
- Press TV and Volume Down for 5 seconds
- Wait for the disconnect message
- Press Back (or Menu) + Volume Up for 5 seconds to pair
For aluminum or white remote
- Point the remote at Apple TV
- Press Menu + Home for 6 seconds
- Wait for the status light to blink
- Press Menu + Right for 6 seconds to pair
Fix older Apple TV remotes
Replace the battery (CR2032 or BR2032):
- Open the battery compartment
- Aluminum: Turn the cover counterclockwise with a coin
- White: Use a paperclip in the battery hole
- Insert new battery (positive side up)
- Close the battery cover
Restart your Apple TV and test the connection
Restart options:
- Go to Settings > System > Restart
- Or unplug it and plug it back in
Still not working?
- Try a factory reset
- Check distance or interference
- Use your iPhone or iPad as a temporary remote
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