Sony Bravia TV remote stopped working with Apple TV

Update - I found threads on other websites where people were discussing this issue from just this week - some said after the most recent software push 17.4. People were reporting the same thing on other brand TV remotes...Samsung, Panasonic you name it. Some of them sent a bug report to Apple. So I'm sure it'll get fixed. Good thing is it's not just us with the Sony remotes - kind of relieving, because was starting to wonder about my TV.

My Sony Bravia TV remote isn’t working with my Apple TV menus either. I, like others , it’s due to the newest update. Fingers crossed Apple fixes the issue with new update. That’s assuming that is the cause.

I’m going through the same issue. Out of the blue it wasn’t working. I reprogrammed the Sony remote and realized one thing interesting. The remote can not control the apple device unless it’s directly pointed to the device. My apple device is behind the screen and it appears the Sony remotes IR signal isn’t able to penetrate the screen. I will make an attempt contact apple support to see if there’s a work around for this issue.

Anyone have a fix for this which doesn't require turning bluetooth off and learning remote through apple tv?

im having this same issue. started to experience this Saturday (march 16th). in my room i have a sony a80j and 1st gen 4k atv model which is where i am experiencing this issue. in my living room, i have the sony a80j as well but with a 2nd gen model atv with no issues. both atv and tvs are up to the latest firmware updates. i hard reset my bedroom atv (the one with the issues) and still the same thing. also checked bravia sync settings and still nothing. i even tried another remote. super annoying. i hope apple fixes this. i dont want to buy the newer for my bedroom just for this to work

I had the same issue, starting March 20, after updating my ATV to 17.4 ; the sony bravia remote is no longer connect to the ATV, must used 2 remote instead of 1, quite annoying. Do everything recommend on web, factory reset, learning remote, still can't.

I wonder when Apple Support will fixed this issue, and why the supporting team never comment anything on any thread, are they noticed?

man...what a disaster. Went thru the reprograming remote and still the original Sony will not work and a replacement has to have direct sight to Apple TV box. WTH happened here?

Update: under the Apple TV settings, I went through the learn remote steps and so far so good

I tried to do this but when I went remote and devices, it only showed my phone. I tried to reset my Apple Remote by holding the tv button and volume down for 5-10 seconds. Still nothing. Thanks for the recommendation though

I believe Apple broke this, so I am counting on the Cupertino gurus to unbreak this. It seems to occur only on certain of my Sony TVs — 3 out of 5 — and yet it still works fine on 2 others. I ordered a new OE Sony remote for one of the affected ATV4 units, but after finding this thread, I am convinced it is Apple’s problem to fix. Get to it, boys!

I was having a similar issue with my Sony Bravia Television remote no longer controlling my Apple TV all of a sudden but I have found a temporary solution that’s worked for myself. The Sony remote can work via both Bluetooth or IR. To fix I followed these steps on the Tv itself. Settings - Remotes and Accessories- Bluetooth Settings - Toggle Bluetooth to Off. This will force the Sony TV remote to Use IR and allows it to be picked up by the Apple TV. You may have to relearn the remote in the Apple TVs settings but It worked straight away for me.

Only slight issue is that now when you try to control the TV itself e.g. change brightness settings it is also controlling the screen of the Apple TV as inputs at the same time. However not an issue most of the time.

Hopefully Apple Fix the issue so that I can use my Sony remote to control the TV the way it used to but this solution will suffice for now.

Hopefully this is helpful.

hello same problem in France no more compatibility with my sony remote control and I'm not going to cut the bluetooth or tamper with it to make it work. I'm waiting for your fix, thank you!

can confirm

you can still use the learning remote option if you disable the bluetooth on the Sony TV

but this will cause the TV and Apple device to receive the button press at the same time, which is far from ideal

March 24 Update: I had hoped that "Learn New Remote" might work, but it does not.

First I forgot the remote, then disconnected the battery every single time I had to press a button.

The biggest problem is that the Sony remote Model RMF-TX500U does not most of the buttons the set-up program was asking for, such as fast forward, rewind, stop, next track, etc.

After going through the entire set up, disconnecting the battery and reconnecting it for every single click, I gave the remote a new name, then selected it and clicked. It asked me to set it up all over again.

Total failure.

Hello,

same issue with Panasonic TV remote control (2 Apple TV and 2 Panasonic RC).

no way to use the learning process!

Waiting for the hf , hope this not Wishful thinking 😁

regards from France.

Cyrille.