New Apple TV remote will not pair with previous-generation Apple TV 4K

Hi,

I have tried multiple times over the last few hours to pair a new Apple TV remote bought from the Apple Store with my existing previous gen Apple TV 4K. No matter what I do, the Apple TV just tells me to bring the remote closer to complete pairing. I tried leaving the remote sitting on top of the Apple TV with absolutely no luck. I have charged the new remote. I have physically power cycled the Apple TV many times. I've put the old siri remote as far away in the house as I can. I am absolutely stumped. Do I need to do a complete factory reset on the Apple TV? Is my new remote broken? Is there seriously no way to remove the old siri remote? I am at my wit's end right now. Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you!