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Q: How do I pair multiple apple remotes with the same apple TV

I have one apple TV but it is is access on multiple screens via a matrix system. I therefore need an apple remote in each room so I am not having to carry the same one from room to room. Please can someone let me know how this is achieved . . .

Apple TV (3rd generation)

Posted on Aug 18, 2012 8:39 AM

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Q: How do I pair multiple apple remotes with the same apple TV

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  • by erict43,

    erict43 erict43 Aug 18, 2012 8:43 AM in response to tlog
    Level 2 (165 points)
    Aug 18, 2012 8:43 AM in response to tlog

    This article suggests that it is not possible to pair more than one remote.

    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1555

     

    Have you considered using the remote app instead?

    http://www.apple.com/itunes/remote/

  • by Alley_Cat,

    Alley_Cat Alley_Cat Aug 18, 2012 8:44 AM in response to tlog
    Level 6 (19,583 points)
    Aug 18, 2012 8:44 AM in response to tlog

    They are infra-red remotes and won't work through walls.

     

    Not planning to cart the AppleTV from room to room are you?

     

    AC

  • by Alley_Cat,

    Alley_Cat Alley_Cat Aug 18, 2012 8:46 AM in response to erict43
    Level 6 (19,583 points)
    Aug 18, 2012 8:46 AM in response to erict43

    Yes Remote app would be the ideal solution.

     

    There is however no need at all to pair an AppleTV at all - by default it will just work with any remote.

     

    Pairing is only really useful if you have a Mac in teh room with the AppleTV and want to pair separate remotes to each.

     

    AC

  • by sfeite,

    sfeite sfeite Feb 16, 2013 11:47 AM in response to tlog
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 16, 2013 11:47 AM in response to tlog

    It's almost counter-intuitive the way this works. You have to actually "unpair" the remote that it is paired to - then once no specific Apple TV remote is paired, all remotes (any remote, including standard TV remotes) will work!

     

    The step-by-step would be:

     

    Using a remote that is currently paired navigate to General under settings.

     

    Go to Remotes.

     

    Select "Unpair Apple Remote"

     

    Once unpaired, simply back out of all the menus using the menu button to see that it does work. Then try on your other remote(s). It/they will now also work.

     

    You can even use the Learn Remote feature to use a standard TV remote. I use my Directv remote and it works great.

     

    The ONLY thing you need pairing for is if you want only one remote to be capable of controlling the ATV. So therefore unpair any remote that's paired, and you'll be golden.

  • by Fletch6617,

    Fletch6617 Fletch6617 Mar 15, 2015 12:53 PM in response to sfeite
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 15, 2015 12:53 PM in response to sfeite

    Thanks for posting. I have only had one remote working for a year. I used to have multiples and could never figure out why they stopped. It doesn't make sense that they do it that way!