How to Use a Remote to Control an Apple TV

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

We'll will walk you through the basics of using the remote on your Apple TV.

There are 3 different ways to control your Apple TV:

Apple RemoteSiri RemoteiOS App

2. Basic Functions

Moving through the menu optionsUse the Up, Down, Left, and Right buttons.Select an optionPress the Select button at the center of the ring.Return to the previous menuPress Menu once.Pause or resume current playbackPush the Play/Pause button.Return to the main menuPush and hold the Menu button.Reset the Apple TVHold Menu and Down until the light on your Apple TV blinks rapidly.

3. Pair Remote

1. Point the remote directly at the Apple TV.
2. Push and hold Menu and Right for 6 seconds.
   

4. Basic Functions

Moving through the menu optionsSwipe Up, Down, Left, and Right on the Glass Touch surface.Select an optionTap the Glass Touch surface.Return to the previous menuPress Menu once.Pause or resume current playbackPush the Play/Pause button.Return to the main menuPush and hold the Menu button.Switch open appsPush TV/Home twice.Jump to TV appIf your Apple TV has the TV app, push TV/Home once to jump to it, or jump back to the Apple TV.Use SiriTo control your Apple TV with your voice, push and hold the Siri button, and speak to the microphone on the remote.Adjust volumeUse the Volume up/down buttons.Reset the Apple TVHold Menu and TV/Home until the light on your Apple TV blinks rapidly.

5. Pair Remote

1. Point the remote directly at the Apple TV, about 3" away.
2. Push and hold Menu and Volume Up for 2 seconds.
   

6. Basic Functions

Moving through the menu optionsSwipe Up, Down, Left, and Right on the large gray area at the top.Select an optionTap the large gray area at the top.Return to the previous menuTouch Menu once.Pause or resume current playbackTouch the Play/Pausebutton.Return to the main menuTouch and hold the Menu button.Switch open appsPush TV/Hometwice.Jump to TV appIf your Apple TV has the TV app, push TV/Home once to jump to it, or jump back to the Apple TV.Use SiriTo control your Apple TV with your voice, touch and hold the Siri button, and speak to the microphone on your phone.

7. Connect App

1. Make sure your iPhone or iPad, and your Apple TV are on the same home network.
2. Make sure your Apple TV is turned on and displayed on your television.
3. Open the Apple TV app on your device.
   

1. Select Add Apple TV.
2. Select your Apple TV from the list.
3. A 4-digit code will appear on your television screen.
4. Enter that 4-digit code on your device.