Controlling AppleTV volume with iPhone only works sometimes

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Level 1

16 points

Controlling AppleTV volume with iPhone only works sometimes

I asked this question a while ago but I continue to have the same issue…

I have noticed that sometimes i can control the volume of my TV using the iPhone remote app (while using my AppleTV 4k) and other times I cannot. This tells me that everything (my tv, atv, sound bar) is wired correctly and capable.

It seems that using the iPhone remote app to turn on the tv increases the likelihood of being able to control the volume but conversely turning off the tv using the iphone remote increases the likelihood that i will not be able to control the volume the next time the tv is on.

This continues to be extremely frustrating and i’m hoping someone has a new idea.

For unrelated reasons i replaced my router since the last time i posted this question but that didn’t seem to help.

Original post: controlling volume with ios remote only w… - Apple Community

Posted on Jul 4, 2023 6:38 PM

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Answer 1

vazandrew

Level 8

41,098 points

Jul 5, 2023 10:15 AM in response to bleen18

It is relying on HDMI CEC for the function to work and that is dependent on the TV, each manufacturer has their own implementation. You can try toggling off/on CEC on ATV and the TV, look at troubleshooting for the TV and if it persists contact the manufacture so they can investigate.

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Answer 2

vazandrew

Level 8

41,098 points

Jul 5, 2023 12:45 PM in response to bleen18

I was pointing out that that CEC is dependent on the TV implementation (which varies by manufacturer), and that TV acts as the hub. Unfortunately, due to the fragmentation of the protocol it can often lead to issues, and it's not necessarily all device that are effected.

In regards to troubleshooting it would mean consulting the manual to see if it details any specific steps for CEC, otherwise reaching out to the manufacturer. In the past there was an issue with LG TVs implementation of CEC, where many users were having issue with the TV not turning off or on, and after investigation LG had to issue an update to patch it.

It wouldn't be common for a device to be at fault, rather than the TV, and if that were the case then of course it would impact all (or a big percentage) users of that device.

I hope you are able to find a solution. Good luck.

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Answer 3

bleen18 Author

Level 1

16 points

Jul 5, 2023 1:31 PM in response to vazandrew

Thanks for quick reply ... I'm curious: If you're correct would you expect the iOS remote app to show the volume up and volume down buttons (the two vertical line indicators near the physical volume buttons on the phone; or the volume up/dn buttons that appear on the lock screen remote widget) but have them not function or would you expect the button indicators to be missing entirely?

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Answer 4

vazandrew

Level 8

41,098 points

Jul 5, 2023 2:26 PM in response to bleen18

The volume can only be controlled using the physical buttons on your iPhone, thus they will not be present within the virtual interface. Below is a screenshot from Apple, along with the corresponding support document for operating the remote on IOS.

Control Apple TV with IOS

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Answer 5

bleen18 Author

Level 1

16 points

Jul 5, 2023 3:41 PM in response to vazandrew

I understand that… when everything is working that is exactly what i do. my question is whether you would expect the on screen indicators showing the user to use those volume buttons to appear or not if the tv is the culprit?

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Answer 6

bleen18 Author

Level 1

16 points

Jul 5, 2023 10:49 AM in response to vazandrew

I understand that HDMI CEC is required, but the fact that it often works as expected tells me that the the TV(a Samsung Frame) and the soundbar (also samsung) are working correctly, wired correctly and configured correctly. Additionally, the CEC functionality on my setup works flawlessly 100% of the time with my Nintendo Switch - further evidence that everything is setup properly.

Why do you suspect troubleshooting the TV as opposed to the AppleTV4k (or iOS app)?

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Controlling AppleTV volume with iPhone only works sometimes

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