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Remote control not working with reset Apple TV (black model)

Today my Apple TV remote control (the thin, silver one) suddenly stopped working with my Apple TV (black model). If I press the menu button the "bong" sound plays ok, but no other button makes any reaction.


The remote app on my iPad2 did work, however, so I used the remote app to totally reset my Apple TV, hoping that this would solve the problem.


Now the Apple TV starts up and shows the initial "Select language" screen, but still the remote control does not work, and because of the reset procedure the iPad2 has no connection to the Apple TV anymore.


Tried to hold down MENU and "left" ring on the remote control for 6 seconds, but nothing happens. Tried to replace battery, but same result - don't think the battery is the problem.


Observation: When I insert the battery into the remote control while the Apple TV is turned on, the white LED on the Apple TV immediately turns off. Hence the remote control must be transmitting something. The LED stays off until I press the MENU button on the remote control. Then the white LED turns on again and stays on. But still the remote control does not work with my Apple TV.


It is the original remote control that has always worked with the device.


Now, what do I do???

AppleTV 2

Posted on Feb 18, 2014 1:26 PM

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Posted on Sep 6, 2018 1:32 AM

I’m so glad I found this! My remote hasn’t worked in 6months and my phone decided to stop working as the remote so I thought it was bin time. Followed steps 1 and 2 and hey presto. Thanks for your detailed instructions:)

82 replies

May 3, 2014 2:10 PM in response to Martin-Skejby

After spending hours over the past few weeks reading forum posts and trying to resolve the same issue that you are facing, Martin, I finally just got over it.


Bought a new Roku 3 (love my Roku 2 in my bedroom) to replace the Apple TV, and a Bluetooth Adapter for my Bose Radio that will let me stream my iTunes music.


I know this isn't the solution that you were probably looking for, but after using the Apple TV (and remotes) successfully for a year, the iOS 7 upgrades were too much stress for me.


Actually, I prefer the content on Roku more than ATV since I can get my Amazon Prime and other channels not offered on ATV.


Best of luck to you finding the right solution for you.


ATV + Remote going on Craig's list tomorrow.

Jul 19, 2014 10:16 AM in response to Martin-Skejby

I had to go through this process when an iCloud shared photostream would not display on the Apple TV screensaver.



Two easy solutions.


When you press the Menu button, does the Apple TV light blink? If not, go to the Second option below.


If yes, begin with the First option below.



First option:

Reboot Apple TV. Hold down the Menu button and the Down button at the same time until the light blinks, then unplug the device for six seconds, and plug it back in.


After the Apple TV reboots, see if your remote is working. If not, continue to the second option.



Second option:

Un-pair the remote, then re-pair the remote.


To un-pair it, hold down the Menu button and the Left button at the same time until an icon appears on the screen showing a remote with two cloud-like icons. That means the remote is un-paired.


To re-pair the remote - or to pair it with the Apple TV for the first time - hold down the Menu button and the Right button at the same time. It should pair with the Apple TV almost immediately.



Both options have worked for me, when occasional Apple TV issues happen.

Mar 1, 2015 8:02 PM in response to Sdamma

I am having the same problem. 3 hours ago, Apple TV and remote were working with zero issues. Now, I am unable to do anything. ATV blinking 3 times, unresponsive to any remote commands and I cannot unpair, pair again, or anything whatsoever. I have unplugged everything 5 times and nothing. The home screen comes up & I cannot navigate to any part of the screen. Just 3 blinking lights. Super frustrating.

Mar 21, 2015 12:45 PM in response to SeaBrzJo

Amen, SeaBrzJo. Apple is oblivious to its problems, but some people say Apple support is great. I'd like to drink what they are drinking. My Apple TV died, none of the solutions I've been able to find work. I'm not even getting a signal from the Apple TV device any more. Holding down all the remote button combinations accomplished nothing. I did not realize Roku has Amazon Prime. That's great, because the browser built into my Samsung LED tv doesn't work streaming Amazon Prime video when I navigate to that page, and Samsung does not have an Amazon Prime app. On my way to the store now to purchase Roku. The only Apple product I have now is iTunes, and I use that only begrudgingly for reasons I won't go into here.

Apr 17, 2015 9:01 PM in response to cupertino_alert

Thank you step two worked for me after step one failed to resolve the issue. What annoys me about Apple, is that these solutions appear to live in the forums, published by users as opposed to Apple providing solutions to bugs in their software. Because of the largely unstructured nature of the forums, often useful solutions are difficult to find.


But thank you cupertino_alert, you have saved me this time. :-)


Ken

Remote control not working with reset Apple TV (black model)

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