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How to Restart Your Apple TV Remote

Ben Bowman
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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Ben Bowman

If your Apple TV remote is giving you trouble, it may be time to restart it. Thankfully, Apple makes it pretty easy to get back up and running.

Troubleshooting Tip

Apple recommends charging your remote for at least 30 minutes if you’re having problems. Since the battery lasts so long, it’s easy to forget it needs a charge.

Method 1: Try Resetting the Apple TV

Sometimes a problem with the remote is actually a problem with the Apple TV device. Unplug the Apple TV box and wait at least six seconds.

Then plug the Apple TV power cord back into the wall and wait for the home screen to appear. Try your remote now. Did that solve the problem?

If not, we’ll try something else.

Method 2: Try a Manual Restart of Your Remote

Press and hold the button with the TV icon and the Volume Down at the same time. Hold those buttons down for about five seconds, or until the status light on your Apple TV turns off and on again.

Let go of the buttons. In 5-10 seconds, you should see a “Connection Lost” message on your TV screen.

Don’t worry; your remote is restarting during this time. When you see a “Connected” notification, you should be able to use your remote.

Method 3: Try Re-Pairing the Remote

Move the remote close to your Apple TV - about three inches away.

You’ll need to press Volume Up and Menu (or the Back button, depending on your remote). Hold those for five seconds.

You may be asked to put your remote on top of the Apple TV box.

If you’re still having problems after all of that, it’s possible your remote is broken. Thankfully, replacements aren’t expensive.

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
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.
Read full bio ›
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DIRECTV STREAM Cash Back

Let us know your e-mail address to send your $50 Amazon Gift Card when you sign up for DIRECTV STREAM.

You will receive it ~2 weeks after you complete your first month of service.

Offer Terms

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  • Only valid once per household.
  • You must pay and maintain service for at least one month to be eligible.
  • Purchase must be completed on the DIRECTV STREAM website.
  • You’ll receive gift card 4-6 weeks after purchase (~2 weeks after your first month).
  • Cannot be combined with any other promotion and won’t be eligible if you try to use a coupon code or cash back from another site.

Sling TV Cash Back

Let us know your e-mail address to send your $25 Uber Eats Gift Card when you sign up for Sling TV.

You will receive it ~2 weeks after you complete your first month of service.

Offer Terms

  • Only valid for new Sling TV subscribers to Sling Orange, Blue, or Sling Orange + Blue.
  • Only valid once per household.
  • You must pay and maintain service for at least one month to be eligible.
  • You must click from The Streamable and complete your purchase on the Sling TV website.
  • You’ll receive gift card 4-6 weeks after purchase (~2 weeks after your first month).
  • Cannot be combined with any other promotion and won’t be eligible if you try to use a coupon code or cash back from another site.

Hulu Live TV Cash Back

Let us know your e-mail address to send your $35 Amazon Gift Card when you sign up for Hulu Live TV.

You will receive it ~2 weeks after you complete your first month of service.

Offer Terms

  • Only valid for new Hulu Live TV subscribers.
  • Only valid once per household.
  • You must pay and maintain service for at least one month to be eligible.
  • You must click from The Streamable and complete your purchase on the Hulu Live TV website.
  • You’ll receive gift card 4-6 weeks after purchase (~2 weeks after your first month).
  • Cannot be combined with any other promotion and won’t be eligible if you try to use a coupon code or cash back from another site.