Hey there and welcome to Apple Support Communities poozbt,
We can certainly understand your concern and are here to help.
We recommend checking out these steps for more information on what to do if you have issues controlling your Apple TV with your home theater or universal remote.
" If you can't control your Apple TV with your home theater or universal remote
Get help using a home theater or universal remote to control your Apple TV.
Set up your home theater remote
To set up your home theater remote to control your Apple TV:
- Add your Apple TV to the Home app and make sure that you assign it to a room.
- Add the remote to the Home app on your iPhone or iPad and make sure that you assign it to a room.
After you add the remote to the Home app, you can use it to control any Apple TV that you have in your home.
If you have issues with your remote or want to learn more about using your remote to control Apple TV, contact the manufacturer or visit their website.
Get help with your infrared remote
To use an infrared remote (commonly known as a universal remote), you need to let it learn the signals that the Siri Remote generates. Open Settings on your Apple TV. Then go to Remotes and Devices > Learn Remote, and follow the onscreen instructions.
If volume control doesn’t work automatically, you can manually program your remote to control volume on your TV. Open Settings on your Apple TV. Then go to Remotes and Devices > Volume Control > Learn New Device, and follow the onscreen instructions.
Clear the path between your remote and the front of your TV or receiver. Volume control normally works using the IR sensor* on the front of your equipment.
Make sure that HDMI-CEC is on
If your TV or receiver supports HDMI-CEC, Apple TV uses the HDMI connection to allow it to be controlled by your TV or receiver remote.
If some features don't work:
- Make sure that your TV or receiver offers HDMI-CEC support. For help, ask the TV manufacturer or check the manual.
- Check that your Apple TV is connected to an HDMI port that supports HDMI-CEC. Check the TV manual to confirm which ports support HDMI-CEC.
- Check that HDMI-CEC is turned on in the menu of your TV or receiver. Use the remote that came with your equipment. Because manufacturers often have different names for HDMI-CEC, look for a setting that ends in "Link" or "Sync." Here are some examples:
- LG: SimpLink
- Philips: EasyLink
- Samsung: Anynet+
- Sharp: Aquos Link
- Sony: BRAVIA Sync
* While volume control normally works using the IR sensor on the front of your TV or receiver, some receivers use HDMI-CEC instead. With volume through HDMI-CEC, you don’t need a clear path between your remote and the front of your receiver. "
For additional information, check out this link for more information: If you can't control your Apple TV with your home theater or universal remote - Apple Support
These steps will help ensure your device is working with ease and can fix common issues like the ones you’re experiencing.
Kindest regards!
