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User profile for user: JayMustin
JayMustin Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

Apple TV 4K Remote Menu and Home Button Not working

Why does my Apple TV 4K Remote “Menu and Home Button” stop working? Recently, I upgraded to the new Apple TV 4K from the previous model. Mostly, for the remote functionality because the OLD remote’s Menu and Home/TV button would stop working requiring a power disconnect to reset. Unfortunately, I’m having the same problem with the NEW Apple TV 4K remote. I tried turning off with the HDMI-CEC function on my Samsung TV and through Apple TV. I’m starting to think it’s the Samsung TV causing the issue because when I use the Old Apple 4K and the New Apple TV 4K on my old 1080p Toshiba, no issues.

Posted on Jun 13, 2021 10:21 AM

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User profile for user: JSLATV
JSLATV
User level: Level 1
118 points

Posted on Jun 13, 2021 1:23 PM

The Menu and TV/Home button always use Bluetooth to communicate with Apple TV.


When a poorly shielded HDMI cable moves 4K data at 60Hz, it can actually act like an antenna and broadcast electromagnetic interference, that interferes with Wi-fi and Bluetooth.


So while your HDMI cable might be doing just fine from a bandwidth standpoint (pixels aren't a problem), it's leaking EMF and causing the Bluetooth-based remote to have problems.


The fix is to replace your cable with a well shielded HDMI cable, try the cable Apple recommends.


New Apple Siri Remote 2021 Owner’s Thread + FAQs + User Guides + News.




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User profile for user: JSLATV
JSLATV
User level: Level 1
118 points

Jun 13, 2021 1:23 PM in response to JayMustin

The Menu and TV/Home button always use Bluetooth to communicate with Apple TV.


When a poorly shielded HDMI cable moves 4K data at 60Hz, it can actually act like an antenna and broadcast electromagnetic interference, that interferes with Wi-fi and Bluetooth.


So while your HDMI cable might be doing just fine from a bandwidth standpoint (pixels aren't a problem), it's leaking EMF and causing the Bluetooth-based remote to have problems.


The fix is to replace your cable with a well shielded HDMI cable, try the cable Apple recommends.


New Apple Siri Remote 2021 Owner’s Thread + FAQs + User Guides + News.




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User profile for user: JSLATV
JSLATV
User level: Level 1
118 points

Jun 13, 2021 1:48 PM in response to JayMustin

P.S. Before ordering a new HDMI cable you can temporarily set the output of Apple TV to 1080p instead of 4K and see if the Menu and TV/Home buttons work. If the buttons work at 1080p but not at 4K it means you need a better shielded HDMI cable. At 1080p Apple TV is sending less data on the HDMI cable then at 4K.


New Apple Siri Remote 2021 Owner’s Thread + FAQs + User Guides + News.


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User profile for user: JayMustin
JayMustin Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

Jun 14, 2021 7:59 AM in response to JSLATV

Last night I tried switching to 1080p and all buttons were working fine. But when I tried to use the remote this morning the same issues persist. Power button failed to turn On TV. The menu and home buttons don’t work again. Trackpad has always worked. I’ve noticed the only resolution is to unplug from power, wait six seconds and reconnect. Then no issues until I power off Samsung TV and Apple TV for an extended period of time.


Any other ideas?

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User profile for user: JayMustin
JayMustin Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

Jun 14, 2021 6:10 PM in response to JSLATV

I’m using 14.6 and remote firmware is 0x0060.


Home and Menu Button remains unresponsive when I get closer to Apple TV. Ive also noticed in the Remote app on my iPhone and watch the Home and Menu buttons don’t work as well.


in the mean time I did order another HDMI that has better shielding. I’m waiting for it to come in.

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User profile for user: JSLATV
JSLATV
User level: Level 1
118 points

Jun 14, 2021 7:32 PM in response to JayMustin

Ive also noticed in the Remote app on my iPhone and watch the Home and Menu buttons don’t work as well.

So it's not the remote, something in Apple TV. Does the TV/Home and Menu Button remain unresponsive in a specific App or all Apps including the Settings App?


Are you using WIFI for Apple TV or ethernet?


You are using the latest tvOS and remote firmware.


I've seen some very strange problems from HDMI cables, go away with better HDMI cables.


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Apple TV 4K Remote Menu and Home Button Not working

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