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User profile for user: moofmama
moofmama Author
User level: Level 1
25 points

Apple TV remote intermittent response

I have an ATV 4K that has an issue where the remote intermittently responds to button pushes and sometimes will display a "Remote lost connection" message on the screen.


Before you think the solution is simple, here is the list of the things I have done to troubleshoot the issue:


  1. Charged the remote fully, no change.
  2. Tested Apple TV with iPhone remote, works fine (yes, I know this does not use the same connection method)
  3. Restarted the Apple TV, problem came back after startup.
  4. Re-paired the remote, problem came back after a few minutes.
  5. Restored the Apple TV, problem returned before I could finish basic setup items.
  6. Purchase a new remote, problem returned after pairing the new one.
  7. Swapped remote that is working fine on another Apple TV, problem stays with original system.
  8. Swapped Apple TV from another room (that has no issue with remote), problem stays with original room.


I am not sure what else I can do to alleviate the problem. It does not appear to be an issue with the hardware or software but the location of the system. Besides selling the house and moving, any other ideas?

Apple TV HD, tvOS 13

Posted on Sep 3, 2021 4:36 PM

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User profile for user: Urquhart1244
Urquhart1244
Community+ 2024
User level: Level 10
142,992 points

Posted on Sep 4, 2021 5:02 AM

8. Swapped Apple TV from another room (that has no issue with remote), problem stays with original room.

It does not appear to be an issue with the hardware or software but the location of the system.

Likely there is some kind of interference in the bluetooth radio band.

Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference - Apple Support

  • Don’t enclose the Apple TV box in metal (Faraday cage). Not even partially.
  • Electrical wiring ‘spaghetti’ (curled up) with little shielding can cause electromagnetic interference.
  • Remove from close proximity other radio sources (transmitters) in the bluetooth band (2.400–2.4835 GHz), that may be overpowering the remote signal. That could possibly include Wi-Fi access points, cordless landline phones, microwave ovens, Zigbee wireless communication devices.


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User profile for user: Urquhart1244
Urquhart1244
Community+ 2024
User level: Level 10
142,992 points

Sep 4, 2021 5:02 AM in response to moofmama

8. Swapped Apple TV from another room (that has no issue with remote), problem stays with original room.

It does not appear to be an issue with the hardware or software but the location of the system.

Likely there is some kind of interference in the bluetooth radio band.

Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference - Apple Support

  • Don’t enclose the Apple TV box in metal (Faraday cage). Not even partially.
  • Electrical wiring ‘spaghetti’ (curled up) with little shielding can cause electromagnetic interference.
  • Remove from close proximity other radio sources (transmitters) in the bluetooth band (2.400–2.4835 GHz), that may be overpowering the remote signal. That could possibly include Wi-Fi access points, cordless landline phones, microwave ovens, Zigbee wireless communication devices.


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Apple TV remote intermittent response

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