Help Needed with APPLE TV

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MM4T2AM/A/apple-remote?fnode=aa

if it's truely the first generation appletv then it will not work with itunes versions newer than 12.5.5

and it no longer works with apples itunes store at all

If it is a small black box then it's at least a 2nd gen. However, you would need a physical remote in order to set it up. If this was an initial setup and you had a bluetooth keyboard then you could also use that.

Be aware that if it was a 2nd gen that is classified as obsolete so it is no longer being updates nor supported should any issues arise.

Unless its a white and silver slab, its not a first generation Apple TV.

If its a small black box and you used a silver remote with it, you cannot bypass the remote. You will even need the remote to setup the Remote App on an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.

You can always borrow one, to set up the Remote App, or buy a new one.