Unable to pair Apple TV 3rd generation remote

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Level 1

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Unable to pair Apple TV 3rd generation remote

i know this device is almost an antique but i would still like to continue to use it. i haven't used it for a couple of years and i don't seem to be able to get the remote to work. i put in a new battery and tried to pair it with the box but all i get is the light blinking 3 times. i have 2 remotes and neither one wants to pair. i found an article on how to reset the box with my mac but the instructions don't match the connections on the back of the box. there is no thunderbolt jack, only a mini HDMI and it is unclear how i use that to connect to my mac. i have a model A1427 manufactured in 2012

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Apple TV 4K (3rd generation)

Posted on Feb 10, 2025 11:28 AM

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Answer 1

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Urquhart1244

Level 10

150,358 points

Feb 10, 2025 12:57 PM in response to KatDeB

The old style Apple Remote (aluminum) A1294 needs to be linked to the legacy model Apple TV box A1427; both for after a battery change, and when used as replacement/a different Apple TV box.

If your Apple TV remote isn't working (2nd half of the page) - Apple Support - Internet Archive

Do both steps, first the unlinking and then the linking.

(For the legacy models and legacy remotes, Apple calls it “linking” instead of “pairing”; while using the latter term mostly for bluetooth pairing.)

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