You can only pair one Siri remote at a time. To get over that limit, you’ll need to pair a Bluetooth, IR, or HomeKit remote.
Bluetooth is preferable for secondary remotes as it is easy to set up and does not require a line of sight.
Many Apple TV owners will only need the Siri remote that comes included with the streaming box.
The latest version of the remote control not only has a sturdy aluminum casing to protect it but also a USB-C port instead of Lightning, making it more convenient to recharge.
However, any remote control can be lost or broken, and in some circumstances, it is possible to use multiple remote controls with one Apple TV, as long as the second one is not another Siri remote control. Keep reading.
For this article, we assume that you have an Apple TV from 2015 or later and that you have updated to at least tvOS 17.
To make sure you are using the latest version of tvOS, go to Settings -> System -> Software Updates -> Update Software then click Download and install if a newer version is available. You’ll have to wait a few minutes while the installation process completes, possibly longer if you have a slower Internet connection.
No remote control? No problem: you can easily control your Apple TV or other AirPlay-enabled TV through your iPhone.
How to Pair a Siri Remote with an Apple TV
The Siri Remote included with your Apple TV should pair automatically right out of the box, so don’t worry about anything in this guide during the initial setup. Follow the steps below only if you need to pair a replacement Siri remote or reset the one you have. You can only pair one Siri remote at a time; If you try to link a second one, the first one will be automatically deleted.
Here’s what you should do:
- If you want to reset an existing Siri remote, you can do so by holding down the button TELEVISION and Lower volume buttons simultaneously for two seconds. Skip this step if it is a new model.
- Place your unpaired remote control about 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 centimeters) from the Apple TV.
- If it’s a 2nd or 3rd generation Siri remote (silver/all aluminum), press and hold the button Back (<) and Turn up the volume buttons for two seconds.
- If this is a 1st generation Siri remote (black), press and hold the button Menu and Turn up the volume buttons for two seconds.
- A pop-up message on the screen should confirm a successful pairing.
You may be prompted to place the remote directly on top of the Apple TV to complete the process. If pairing fails for any reason, try repeating the process while holding down the button combinations for a little longer. You could be counting too fast. If that still doesn’t help, try charging the remote for at least five minutes.
How to pair a Bluetooth remote with an Apple TV
If you want to use a more conventional remote with an Apple TV, it’s easy to find universal Bluetooth remotes for sale at places like Amazon and Best Buy. If possible, just check for compatibility with Apple TV and remember that most of the buttons on these remotes won’t apply to your situation – you’ll mostly be able to scroll through menus, click on things, and adjust the volume up or down. down.
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Still, that’s all that matters to some people, and it can be useful to have two remotes on the couch in case one gets lost or you’re not a fan of the Siri remote’s design.
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Follow these steps to pair any third-party Bluetooth remote:
- Put the remote control in pairing mode. This might be automatic if it hasn’t been paired before, but you’ll probably need to hold down one or more buttons. See included instructions.
- On your Apple TV, go to Remote Controls and Devices -> Bluetooth.
- After a moment, your remote control should appear below Other devices. Select it to complete pairing.
How to pair an infrared remote control with an Apple TV
You can also control Apple TVs with universal IR (infrared) remotes, but we’d avoid going this route unless you want to reuse one you already have. You need to “teach” an IR remote to control an Apple TV, and of course, it won’t work unless you point it directly at the set-top box. An Apple TV’s infrared receiver is hidden in the same panel as its white status light; Make sure it is easily visible from anywhere in your room.
Once you’re ready, here’s how to get started:
- Open the Settings application.
- Select Remote controls and devices -> Learn remote control.
- Follow the instructions on the screen. The IR remote control should be blank or unused, and you will be prompted to associate button presses with specific commands.
When you’re done, the remote should remain permanently “paired” with your Apple TV, even if it’s capable of controlling other devices as well. It can even work with other Apple TVs you have without any effort, but you’ll have to test it to know for sure.
How to pair a HomeKit remote with an Apple TV
It’s unlikely you’ll find one, but HomeKit remotes exist. Apple simply refers to them as “network-based,” but you’ll need the Home app on your iPhone or iPad. You can’t use the Home apps for Mac or Apple Watch.
This pairing workflow is a little more complex:
- Make sure the remote control is turned on and connected to your Wi-Fi network. There should be instructions for this included with the remote or its associated iPhone/iPad app.
- Open the Apple Home app on your iPhone or iPad.
- At the top of the Home tab tap on the Add (+) icon.
- Choose Add Accessory in the pop-up menu.
- Depending on which remote you have, you may be able to pair it by scanning a QR code or holding it near an iPhone.
- If none of those options apply, tap More Options. It may appear in Nearby Devices or Matter, but you’ll most likely have to tap My accessory is not shown here. If so, enter the eight-digit HomeKit pairing code found on the remote, its box, or its manual.
- Finish the setup by giving the remote a name in Home and assigning it to the same room as your Apple TV.
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