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How to Pair Your Apple TV Remote

Did you just buy a new Apple TV remote? Or are you having trouble with your existing remote? We’ll show you how to pair your remote to your Apple TV.

How to Reset Your Remote

If you have an existing remote, locate the button with the TV icon and the volume down button. Press and hold both buttons for two seconds.

When you do this, it breaks the pair between the remote and the Apple TV.

Importantly, you can only pair your remote to one Apple TV. When you pair a remote to an Apple TV, it breaks the connection with any prior remotes.

How to Pair a New or Reset Remote

Make sure your Apple TV is on. If it’s not, unplug it and plug it in again.

Next, physically move your remote so it’s within 3-4 inches of the Apple TV box. The remote should be pointing at the front of the Apple TV.

If you have a 2nd generation (or later) Siri remote, press and hold the back button and volume up for two seconds.

If you have a 1st generation Siri remote, press and hold the menu button and the volume up button for two seconds.

With either remote, you must hold both buttons at the same time.

When the remote is paired, you’ll see a message on your screen and you’re ready to go!

Other Troubleshooting Tips

If your remote has stopped working, it may just have a dead battery. Consider plugging it in for a recharge before you get frustrated.

If you need to check your remote’s battery level, go to the main menu, then Settings > Remotes and Devices > Remote. This will tell you your battery’s percentage.

Because the Apple TV remote battery lasts so long, it’s easy to forget it needs a recharge every now and then.

Apple TV

Apple TV is a streaming device that can be used to watch Live TV Streaming Services and On Demand Streaming Services.

Limited Warranty

Your Apple TV probably isn’t covered against mishaps and malfunctions. We’ve partnered with 5Devices to give The Streamable readers a protection plan for any internet-connected device, including your Apple TV, iPhone, etc starting at $2.67 per device per month. And the good news is that it covers devices you already use (ie. no need for proof of new purchase).


Ben Bowman was the Content Director of The Streamable. He cut the cord in 2009. He roots for all Detroit sports and is a fan of Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Edgar Wright, Paul Thomas Anderson, Billy Wilder, Buster Keaton, and the Coen Brothers. Ben streams on an Apple TV.

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