Apple TV remote app won't connect

How are you supposed to "Verify that both devices are on the same home network" when you can't navigate around the Apple TV because you don't have a remote? The solution needs to present something where the Apple TV connects to your iPhone in some other fashion. Very suspicious and like Apple to make us all buy new remotes when we could have used the old app that used to work just fine.

Sounds like Apple is up to another diabolical business ploy where your iPhone gets a new update, resulting in the Apple TV remote moving to the command center (with no ability to use the old Remote app) and not functioning. Apple will wait a few months intentionally to resolve the fix but make money in the meanwhile with all the people buying $60 remote controls.

Note: The Apple solution up top asks you to ensure the Apple TV is on the same WiFi network as your iPhone. But how can you change the WiFi settings of your AppleTV when you don't have a remote!... consumers are getting nickled and dimed here.

1. If you have an apple remote go to step 2. If not; you must have a remote or a friends phone to go to step 2.
2. go to remotes / devices under Apple TV settings.
3. remove your phone and or all devices (besides the phone or remote your are using to navigate)
4. restart your phone and apple tv
5. Go to remotes / devices once again.
6. turn on Bluetooth and WiFi on your phone.
7. hokd your phone within 1 inch of the apple tv
8. hot "pair" on your phone
9. enter the code that appears on the screen.

How did you connect an iPhone 13 pro and an apple TV4 via bluetooth?

I have same issue here not able to use my remote app.

All are updated using same iOS, connected to the same wifi, restarted multiple times,..

we have an iPhone 6 and an iPhone SE, both were easily connected to the asple tv4 and remote app is working but no connection to apple tv4 with my new iPhone 13 so far!

I’ve been having the same problem. Spent hours on the phone with Apple Care and they couldn’t figure out what was wrong. This started when they moved Remote App to control center. I lost the remote that came with the ATV so it’s basically just a worthless piece of trash until Apple fixes this.

Set up the Apple TV Remote on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

Verify that both devices are on the same home network. Same as with the old app.

Verify that both devices have up-to-date system software.

Try restarting both the iPhone and Apple TV.

If you still can't set up the Apple TV Remote, contact Apple Support.

QuintNYC wrote:

If anyone at apple is reading this PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE BRING BACK OLD APP which I personally put in control center BUT IT ALWAYS WORKED PERFECTLY I used it for 3 years never a hiccup, now the remote has worked since it was permanently move to control center.

No, Apple doesn't read here for feedback or suggestions. You can, however, let them know your thoughts here:

Product Feedback - Apple

yes this fixed the issue!

I have the same issue too! Restarted the Apple TV and my iPhone and it just attempts to connect, then just shows my Apple TV as a drop down to choose again, and when chosen attempts to connect again and doesn’t. Never ending cycle, so frustrating!!!

Same thing. It’s paired with Apple TV, and I can send video to the Apple TV, but it will not let me use the remote. Apple TV doesn’t show up in the remote app. Neither does my iTunes and I can’t pair it with my Mac (older model) at all. It also doesn’t pick up my airport, so I can’t send music to that either. Incredibly frustrating. Can someone just fix it for me please?

Same thing here since Apple disabled the phone app an moved it to control center my phone looses connection to the Apple TV after about a min. If I don’t select a show quickly to watch I’m back to recycle the power on the Apple TV. So annoying. I have 5 Apple TV’s…. With remotes that all have gone bad. Phone remote was nice and readily available…not anymore :(

Apple will simply not fix the issue. If your physical remote is broken, forcing you to use their "broken" Apple TV "phone remote" do the following:

1. go to apple store
2. buy new remote
3. return the old broken one.
4. "I don't want an exchange, give me my money back"

you have a new remote now. No need to deal with apples BS

Same here, so annoying.

Literally tried everything recommended by apple and nothing works, remote says go to settings yet settings gives no ability to use my iPhone the way the remote app works. Everything is connected on same WiFi…Dear Apple…WHY JUST WHY WTF…Apple has reverted to their updates not working for months on end 🤦🏻‍♀️

This happens to me consistently now, too. The remote will work for a little while and then disconnect when I want to restart something after pausing or whatever and then will refuse to reconnect. The original remote app worked fine. And the physical remote works fine. Frustrating.