How to use your Apple TV remote to control TV volume, more
How to use your Apple TV remote to control TV volume, more
The days of fumbling around with multiple remotes could be over if you have an Apple TV streaming player.
Readers of a certain age will remember the days of juggling TV remotes all too well. There was a time when your TV and cable box were virtually guaranteed to have different remotes, and when universal remotes were expensive, difficult to program, and often barely functional.
These days, the compatibility of smart TV technology with modern streaming players allows many streaming device remotes to control TV sets and receivers as well. Apple TV is one of these; customers can use the Siri remote that comes with an Apple TV 4K streaming player to control their TV’s volume and other settings, and we’ll explain how below.
What you need to know about setting up TV controls on your Apple TV remote
What TV controls does the Apple TV remote support?
The Apple TV remote will allow you to adjust the volume of your TV, soundbar, or receiver if you set up the ability beforehand. This negates the need to use a different remote to navigate between streaming apps, control playback, and adjust the volume to your specifications.
Viewers can also use the Apple TV remote to power the TV on or off, making it much easier to shut down both the Apple TV streaming player and the screen it’s attached to with the push of just a single button.
What does your TV need to support Apple remote controls?
Apple TV remotes are designed to support TV controls from a wide range of popular TV brands. Your TV will need to support HDMI-CEC or have an accessible infrared sensor to be controlled by your Apple TV remote.
How to set up TV power controls on Apple TV remote
- Turn on your TV and Apple TV 4K.
- Go to Settings.
- Open Remotes and Devices.
- Find the Home Theater Control section.
- If you have a receiver, select Control TVs and Receivers.
- If you do not have a receiver, select Turn On Your TV with Your Remote.
How to set up TV volume controls on Apple TV remote
- Open Settings on your Apple TV 4K.
- Scroll to Remotes and Devices, then to Home Theater Control.
- Select Volume control, and choose from the following options:
| Option | Function |
|---|---|
| Auto | Picks the most compatible volume-control method by detecting the optimal settings for your device. |
| HDMI | Choose this option if your TV/receiver supports both HDMI-CEC and volume control over CEC. |
| Receiver via IR | Pick this if your receiver uses an infrared remote, but does not support HDMI-CEC. |
| TV via IR | Choose this if your TV uses an infrared remote, but does not support HDMI-CEC. |
| Off | Turn off support for volume control of devices besides your Apple TV. |
| Learn New Device | Choose this option if the choices above aren’t working. Follow the on-screen instructions to teach your Apple TV how to control your connected device. |
Does the Apple TV remote have programmable buttons?
No, the Apple TV remote does not include any programmable buttons. Some streaming device remotes have shortcut buttons that let the owner pick which app is opened when pressed, or switch inputs on the TV itself. Alas, the Siri remote does not offer this functionality yet.
Why you should control your TV with your Apple TV remote
You can always keep your power and volume controls on a separate remote if you wish, but why bother? Considering how many modern smart TVs can be operated using the Apple TV remote, there’s really no reason not to pair as many TV controls to the remote as you can.
Turning volume and power control over to your Apple TV remote means less fumbling with different remotes and far fewer remotes to keep track of. Power up your Apple TV and TV screen with the press of a single button, and take control of all aspects of playback with a single remote by pairing your Apple TV remote to your TV for volume and power controls.