Set up Apple TV without Remote

I lost my Apple TV remote, so I tried looking up other ways to control my Apple TV. I found the Apple Remote app, but I can't get it to work. The setup information I found indicates that you have to turn on home sharing on the Apple TV, but that can't be done without a remote. Obviously I don't have a remote right now, so I'm trying to find out if there's another way to get my Remote app to work on my Apple TV without the original remote. Can anyone help?

[Re-Titled by Host]

Apple TV

Posted on Jan 3, 2014 10:27 AM

Top-ranking reply

cndfromwoodland

Level 1

16 points

Posted on Jun 15, 2014 7:23 PM

I had a similar problem and just figured out a solution which I hope helps others. After losing two Apple remotes, I had been using Apple Remote app successfully for a couple years. Unfortunately, a few days ago, I was changing some settings and somehow messed up my connection with my Remote app. The Remote app would not recognize my Apple TV. After looking everywhere online, I finally decided to restore my Apple TV to factory settings by connecting it to my iMac via a micro USB cable. After restoring it, I connected it back up to my TV as normal. The first thing it asks is if you would like to connect to a wireless keyboard, so I connected my Apple keyboard which then gained me control of the Apple TV so that I could go into Settings and reconnect my Apple Remote app. Let me know if this helps anyone else.

View in context

37 replies

diesel vdub

Level 7

22,184 points

Jan 3, 2014 12:08 PM in response to jcallin

No, it is not possible. A replacement remote can be obtained from Apple for less than $30US.

Jan 3, 2014 12:32 PM in response to jcallin

The remote app is not a replacement for the physical remote. It does not handle any set up or settings function and can only access limited content. You'll need to break down and replace the remote.

Aug 22, 2016 10:55 PM in response to cndfromwoodland

You are a genius! I was going crazy! Thank you!

gcgallia

Level 1

4 points

Oct 21, 2016 11:19 PM in response to cndfromwoodland

u rock! worked excellent

Feltras

Level 1

4 points

Dec 29, 2016 3:45 AM in response to jcallin

PUT NET CABLE. You need to conecta Apple TV in your ethernet cable and trem use App remoto and make Apple TV learn a new remote control where you are. Solved.

Sep 1, 2017 1:17 PM in response to jcallin

Get an Ethernet, connect it from your wifi to your Apple TV, then down load the Apple remote on your other iOS device, and you can pair them.

Dec 9, 2017 8:47 AM in response to jcallin

I list my remote after having the same one since 1st Apple TV box and can NOT find it’sboxfor seriel #& nothing seems to be working from my iPhones me 7Plus?! Can you help wen you get a chnc?

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Set up Apple TV without Remote