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Osnivo Fix

Siri Remote or Apple TV Remote isn't working

Apple: “If your remote isn't working as expected, first try pairing your remote to your Apple TV. If your remote still isn't working as expected, trying restarting your remote, or check your remote signal strength.”

TV · 4 steps, in Apple's order

Step of 4

Fixed at step

You've tried every step

  1. 1

    Pair your remote

    Didn't fix it

    • Point your remote at your Apple TV. Make sure that the remote is about three inches from your Apple TV.
    • Press and hold the Back button (or the Menu button) and the Volume Up button for five seconds.
    • If asked, place your remote on top of Apple TV to complete pairing.
    • If your remote doesn't pair, unplug your Apple TV, wait six seconds, and plug your Apple TV back into power. Then try pairing your remote again.

    Apple: If your Siri Remote or Apple TV Remote isn't working ↗

    Did this fix it?
  2. 2

    Restart your remote

    Didn't fix it

    • Press and hold the TV/Control Center button and the Volume Down button at the same time. Hold the buttons down for about 5 seconds, or until the status light on your Apple TV turns off and on again.
    • Release the buttons, then wait 5 to 10 seconds.
    • Press any button on your remote. If a Remote Connected notification appears, you can use your remote. If a Remote Connected notification doesn't appear, try the steps to pair your remote again.

    Apple: If your Siri Remote or Apple TV Remote isn't working ↗

    Did this fix it?
  3. 3

    Check the signal strength

    Didn't fix it

    • On your Apple TV using tvOS 18.0 or later, go to Settings and tap Remotes and Devices, then select Remote.
    • Check the remote signal strength indicator (Bluetooth RSSI) on the screen.
    • If the indicator says your signal is weak, or if you don't have an indicator, move to within 20 feet (about 6 meters) of your Apple TV. Move anything that blocks the path between your remote and the front of your Apple TV, television, receiver, and sound bar.

    Apple: If your Siri Remote or Apple TV Remote isn't working ↗

    Did this fix it?

Glad it's fixed

We've added one to this step's “fixed it” count — anonymously, nothing about you or your device is stored. It helps the next reader start with what works.