When you first plug in your fourth-generation Apple TV, your Siri Remote should automatically pair to your device, allowing you to begin the setup process. But what if your Siri Remote's battery dies, or you need to pair a new remote? Here's how to re-pair a remote to the Apple TV.
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How to pair a new remote to Apple TV
When you first click a button on your new Siri Remote, you'll see a dialog box pop up in the upper right corner of your TV screen. It'll either say Remote Paired, at which point you should be able to use your new Siri Remote, or Pairing Remote, and request that you move your new remote closer to the Apple TV.
Remember: You can't currently pair two simultaneous Siri Remotes to the same Apple TV; if you currently have a Siri Remote connected to your Apple TV, you'll have to reset it or move it out of Bluetooth range before you can pair a new remote.
How to reset your Siri Remote
If your remote is out of battery, misbehaving, or you want to move it to a new Apple TV, you can reset it by doing the following:
- Simultaneously press the Menu and Volume Up buttons.
- Hold for 2-3 seconds.
- Your remote should reset and return to pairing mode.
How to pair an older remote (Apple TV Remote)
You can't officially pair a third-generation Apple TV remote with a fourth-generation Apple TV, though I've been able to use my old remote on my new Apple TV — with limited functionality, of course. (There's no Siri button, for instance.)
If you have an older silver Apple TV remote that you'd like to pair with a third-generation Apple TV, you can do so as follows:
- With your current remote, select the Settings app on your third-generation Apple TV.
- Select General > Remotes.
- With the new silver remote you'd like to pair, click on Pair Remote.
- You'll see a small remote icon in the upper left showing the pairing progress. Once you're finished, Pair Remote will turn into Unpair Remote.
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