siri remote (Gen2) will not pair with Apple TV 4K with an exisiting Gen1 remote

Is your Apple TV system software up-to-date? How to update your Apple TV - Apple Support

Did you do a described on: If your Apple TV remote isn't working - Apple Support

If you think that other bluetooth devices may interfere with the process:

Keep you other paired remote far way (or in a Faraday cage).

Keep your phone (also a bluetooth device) elsewhere, or turn off bluetooth temporarily.

Sorry to hear you are having problems with your new Siri remote.

How to Pair your new Siri remote with your Apple TV.

How do I pair a new Siri Remote with my existing Apple TV?

1. Turn on Apple TV and position the Siri Remote so it’s within 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 cm) and pointing at the front of the Apple TV 4K/HD.

2. Press and hold the Back button (“<“) and Volume Up button ("+") buttons for 3 seconds.

3. When the Siri Remote is successfully paired, an onscreen message appears.

When you pair a remote, any other previously paired remote is automatically unpaired. 

Sometimes, you may be asked to place the remote on top of the Apple TV while pairing, but the process is otherwise automatic. If your Apple TV isn’t detecting the remote, try charging the remote for 10 minutes and try again. If your Siri remote still isn't working.

software update was my issue. After the update paired right away.

Having same issue. I have the new remote as close as i can get and then on top and still will not pair.

Going to charge for 10 mins and do a software update and then try

hjh3-1981 wrote:

software update was my issue. After the update paired right away.

Glad to hear you got it working.