The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →You can control Apple TV from the Apple TV Remote in Control Center on your iPhone or iPad. Open Control Center, tap Apple TV Remote, choose your TV, and enter the four-digit code shown on the screen if prompted. No separate remote app or replacement purchase is needed for this setup.
Open Apple TV Remote from Control Center
On an iPhone without a Home button, swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center. On iPhone 8 or earlier, swipe up from the bottom edge. On iPad, swipe down from the top-right corner.
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Tap Apple TV Remote. If you do not see it, add the control first:
- In Control Center, tap Add Controls.
- Tap Add a Control, then select or search for Remote.
- Return to Control Center and tap Apple TV Remote.
On iOS 17 and earlier, Apple’s documented path is Settings > Control Center; add Apple TV Remote there. Apple’s current setup instructions are at Use your iPhone or iPad as a remote for your Apple TV.
#1 Best Overall
- The Siri Remote (3rd generation) brings precise control to your Apple TV 4K.
- Its touch-enabled clickpad lets you select titles, swipe through playlists, and use a circular gesture on the outer ring to find just the scene you’re looking for.
- With Siri, you can find what you want to watch using your voice.
- Includes a USB-C port to quickly recharge.
- Compatible with Apple TV 4K (3rd generation), Apple TV 4K (2nd generation), Apple TV 4K (1st generation), and Apple TV HD
Connect to your Apple TV or smart TV
- Tap the device list in Apple TV Remote and select the Apple TV or compatible smart TV you want to control.
- If a four-digit code appears on the TV, enter it on your iPhone or iPad.
- Once connected, use the touch area to swipe through menus and tap to select.
Apple lists Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, and AirPlay-compatible smart TVs as supported. For a compatible smart TV, add it to the Home app and assign it to a room before trying to control it. Apple’s Apple TV 4K User Guide also says remote controls activate automatically when a device connects to Apple TV 4K if the iPhone runs iOS 12 or later or the iPad runs iPadOS 13 or later.
What you can do with the iPhone or iPad remote
The touch area handles directional swipes, scrolling, and selection. On-screen controls can provide Back, Home, playback, captions, and text entry or dictation when supported by the current app or screen. For more on the available controls, see Apple’s Apple TV 4K User Guide: Control Apple TV with iPhone or iPad.
Rank #2
- Replacement Remote Control for All Apple TV Remote - 2 Year Warranty
Do not assume the iPhone’s physical volume buttons will control every setup. Apple says they work with supported audio/video receivers; otherwise, use the television’s physical remote to adjust volume.
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Fix a missing device or failed connection
If the Apple TV or smart TV does not appear, or the code pairing does not complete, work through these checks:
Rank #3
- 【Compatible Apple TV models】 Compatible with All Apple TV Remote, Replacement for Apple TV 4K/ Gen 1 2 3 4/ HD A2169 A1842 A1625 A1427 A1469 A1378 A1218 with TV Control Function, App Swich Function
- 【Easy Pairing】Press and hold the Back and Left button for 6 seconds,until the LED light flashes,Then it works!(Note: Battery not included)
- [IR remote (NOT BT/RF)]-line-of-sight required. NO Siri,NO Voice control,NO Touchpad function. Not for A-Pod/H-Pod. [For those you will need to use the original remote with BT]
- [with TV Control Function Buttons]- Power/Volume+/Volume-/Mute keys design for TV Brand:for Samsung,for LG,for Sony,for Westinghouse,for Insignia,for Vizio,for Toshiba,not for any ROKU TV
- [Slim Design]- Slim body design,for an elegant feel
- Make sure the iPhone or iPad and Apple TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Install available iOS or iPadOS and tvOS updates.
- Restart the Apple TV or smart TV, then restart the iPhone or iPad.
- For an AirPlay-compatible smart TV, check that it is in the Home app and assigned to a room.
Apple’s connection troubleshooting steps are included in its remote setup guide.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If your physical remote is lost
The Control Center remote is the first option to try because it does not require buying a replacement. If you still need a physical remote, Apple says Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD can use a Siri Remote (1st generation or later) as a replacement. Check the exact Apple TV model and remote compatibility before choosing one; Apple’s remote setup guide links to further remote information. Apple also documents other home-control options, including supported TV or receiver controls, network-based control, and infrared universal remotes, but these are separate from controlling Apple TV with an iPhone or iPad.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Note】NOT Siri Remote, NO Voice Function! The power/volume/mute buttons could only works for samsung/LG/Vizio/Hisense/Sony/Amz Firre/Toshiba/Insignia Firre TVs. Please "UNLOCK" your old device with remote before using our remote, or our remote will not connect to your device!!!
- 【Compatible Models】 Replacement for Apple TV Remote: For Apple TV A1218(1st Gen), for Apple TV A1378(2nd Gen), for Apple TV A1427/A1469(3rd Gen). For Apple TV HD A1625(4th gen), for Apple TV HD MHY93LL/A(5th gen). For Apple TV 4K A1842(1st Gen), for Apple TV 4K A2169(2nd Gen), for Apple TV 4K A2737/A2843(3rd Gen)
- 【Remote Compatibility】Replacement IR remote compatible with Apple TV Remote (white) A1156 MA128LL/A, for Apple TV Remote (aluminum) MM4T2AM/A. For Siri Remote (1st Gen)/Apple TV Remote (1st Gen) MQGD2LL/A, for Siri Remote (2nd Gen)/Apple TV Remote (2nd Gen) MJFM3LL/A, for Siri Remote(3rd Gen) /Apple TV Remote (3rd Gen) MNC73AM/A
- 【Packing Included】Comes with user manual. NO more worry on pairing. Just need to insert 2*AAA remote and it's ready for use. (Package includes 1*Replacement and 1*User Manual. Batteries are NOT included)
- 【Note】If you TV brand is not what we listed in our detail page, please do not take this remote home, or it will not be compatible! Please "UNLOCK" your old device with remote before using our remote, or our remote will not connect to your device!!!
Rank #4
- Newest Universal Remote Control for All Apple TV Remote, Replacement Compatible with Apple TV/Apple TV HD/4K A1218 A1378 A1427 A1469 A1625 A1842 A2169 A2737 A2843 with TV Control Function, App Swich Function(not an original Apple remote control)
- This is an IR remote (NOT Bluetooth/RF), line-of-sight required. NOT Siri remote, NO Voice control, NO Touchpad function. Not for A-Pod/H-Pod. [For those you will need to use the original remote with Bluetooth, not IR remote!
- [Easy to Pair]- Just Press the Back and Left buttons at the same time for 6s,until the LED light flashes,If you still have problem, please read the user manual!(Battery not included)
- Power key works for TV Brand:for Samsung,for LG,for Sony,for Westinghouse,for Insignia,for Vizio,for Toshiba,not for any ROKU TV
- Compatible with Apple TV 4K (3rd generation), Apple TV 4K (2nd generation), Apple TV 4K (1st generation), and Apple TV HD
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