Apple TV has become a popular tool in streaming movies, shows, music and even fitness. Although it is smooth and simple to use, the most frequent problem that individuals encounter is the Apple TV remote. Assuming you have either the Siri Remote, Apple TV Remote, or an ancient one, some of them malfunction, lose control, or cease to work.
Most of the time the easiest workaround is to simply reboot the Apple TV remote. Such a step will resolve connectivity problems, amount challenges or slow-moving controls. You may be asking yourself how to re-set your Apple TV remote successfully, so that the following guide will take you through a step-by-step procedure on how to do it.
Types of Apple TV Remotes
It is worth being informed of the type of remote you possess before we get down to procedure on how to reset them. Apple has issued a number of versions:
- Siri Remote (2nd generation and above) -Thin-bodied, clickpad and voice assistant.
- Apple TV Remote (Europe and selected areas) – Almost the same as Siri Remote, but with new branding.
- Siri Remote (1 st generation) – Glass touchpad on top, compatible with Apple TV HD and first-generation Apple TV 4K models.
- Apple Remote (Aluminum) – This is a more basic remote that has physical buttons and is used with older Apple TV models.
- White Apple Remote (plastic) – It is the initial design that would have only basic functions.
It is good to know what type of remote you have since the procedure of reset may slightly differ.
The reason to reset your Apple TV Remote?
A number of issues can be resolved by resetting your Apple TV remote. Common reasons include:
- Slowness or failure of remote.
- The TV or receiver does not work with the volume control.
- Bluetooth problems.
- Unresponsive voice command or Siri.
- Remote often gets disconnected with Apple TV.
- Glitches on the software following a software update on an Apple TV.
A reset can be the most helpful step rather than calling the support or switching it off immediately, as a reset can help resolve the issue.
How to Restart Apple TV Remote (Siri remote or Apple TV Remote)
When you have the Siri Remote (1 st, 2 nd or 3 rd generation) or the Apple TV Remote, you have to follow these steps:
Restart the Remote
- These buttons should be pressed and held together (Volume Down button and Control Center (TV icon) button).
- Wait approximately 5 seconds when the status light of Apple TV goes dark and bright again.
- Un-Click the buttons and the remote will boot up.
- Unresponsive behavior can frequently be sorted out by this fast reboot.
Unpair, Re-Pair the Remote.
In case it is not fixed after restarting, you might need to reconnect the remote and the Apple TV.
- On your Apple TV, go to Settings.
- Select Remotes and Devices.
- Select Unpair Remote with your remote.
- Bring the remote to the Apple TV.
- Hold the Back button and Volume Up button together and press 5 seconds.
There is a message that should appear to confirm that the remote has been paired.
Complete Reset through Apple TV.
The next alternative is to re-set remote settings of your Apple TV.
- Open Settings on your TV on Apple.
- Go to System > Restart.
- After restoring the device, repeat the above steps when pairing the remote.
This basically re-boots the Apple TV and the remote connection.
Restoring the Older Apple Remotes (Aluminum or White Remote)
With an older type of Apple TV and the aluminum or white remote, it is slightly different when it comes to resetting.
To Unpair and Reset:
- To access the menu, press the Menu and Left button together, 6 seconds.
- On your Apple TV screen, find an unfixed icon (two ovals across each other with a slash).
- Now to match it once more, be sure to hold the Menu and Right button at least 6 seconds.
- There should be a link icon which indicates reconnectivity.
- This erases the pairing history of the remote and provides you with a new one.
How and When to Restart Apple TV Box and Remote.
In some cases, it is not only the remote that is to blame—but the Apple TV itself. In case changing the remote does not help, then:
- Select Settings System Restart on Apple TV.
- Instead, pull the plug of the Apple TV out of the socket and leave it out for 10 seconds and re-insert it.
- After re-booting, re-pair the remote.
- A combination of the two will guarantee that the remote does not have software glitches that cause it to work improperly.
Before and After reset Troubleshooting tips.
Restarting normally clears the issue, however, when it happens again, then use the following extra solutions:
- Charge the Remote – When the Siri Remote has a low battery, charging the device in 30 minutes with the help of Lightning or USB-C cable might solve the issue.
- Check Line of Sight (Older Remotes) – The white and aluminum remotes operate by infrared (IR), and therefore it is important to ensure nothing is in the line of sight between the remote and Apple TV.
- Update Software 2: Visiting the Settings menu then System and Software Updates, the latest referring version of the television should be operational.
- Try Another Remote- See whether you can borrow a different Apple TV remote to determine whether the problem is with the hardware.
Via the Apple TV Remote App, found in the Control Centre of the iPhone, the app has the potential to act as a second remote back up.
Issues that are common with resetting and solutions to fix them.
- Remote Still Not Pairing
- Get nearer to Apple TV (less than 10 feet).
- Restart the Apple TV device.
- Volume Buttons Not Working
- Visit Settings Remotes and Devices volume Control and set it up to operate with your TV or receiver.
- Siri Not Responding
- Make sure that there are microphone permissions.
- Switch on the Apple TV and the remote once again.
- Remote Keeps Disconnecting
- Look for Wi-Fi router or bluetooth devices interference.
What are the Apple TV reset settings?
When you have done everything to reset your remote and still it does not respond, then it could be a hardware problem. Symptoms that can indicate that you require a replacement include:
- Remote won’t charge at all.
- Buttons are literally clodded or broken.
- Remote does not show up even when reset several times.
- Delays (severe with software updates).
You can replace the remotes either with the help of Apple or authorized retailers and can also use your iPhone to act as a temporary replacement.
FAQs About Resetting Apple TV Remote
What do I know to know whether my remote control of an apple TV requires a reset?
In case it is not responsive, failing to pair, or the volume is problematic, then it should be reset.
Does resetting loss any Apple TV settings?
No. When you reset the remote, Apple TV settings and data are not lost.
How many seconds is it possible to reset a Siri Remote?
Just a few seconds. The average time to restart or re-pair is less than a minute.
Am I able to reset an Apple TV remote without an Apple TV box?
No. Apple TV requires the remote to be paired with.
I wonder whether my iPhone can be used as a substitute remote.
Yes. The Apple TV Remote is integrated with iOS Control Center and can work as an entire replacement.
The remote that comes with the Apple TV is tiny yet mighty, as it regulates both navigation and volume as well as Siri commands. Once it becomes ineffective frustration will soon follow. Luckily, in the majority of the instances the solution is as easy as resetting the remote.
You can use a Siri Remote, Apple TV Remote, or an older aluminum one, the process of resetting it is simple and requires several seconds. With software upgrades, charging and some infrequent reboots of the Apple TV, you will be able to address most of the problems of a remote home without a replacement.
The next time that your Apple TV remote malfunctions, the only thing you need to do is fall back, reset it, re-pair it and stream without any issues once more.