How do I pair a remote with my new Apple TV?

Question

Level 1

22 points

How do I pair a remote with my new Apple TV?

I have a Mac Mini that I control with an infrared Harmony remote control. Next to it, I have a brand new (4th gen) Apple TV that came with a fancy new Apple Bluetooth remote.

The problem is that the Apple TV responds to BOTH remotes - the new Bluetooth one that came with it, as well as the infrared Harmony I already had. The latter is unexpected or at least unwanted in this scenario.

How do I set up my new Apple TV to ONLY respond to the new Bluetooth remote? Is there a remote pairing procedure on the Apple TV? Is there a way to turn off the IR port on the Apple TV?

-Ron.

Posted on Dec 28, 2015 3:27 AM

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Answer 1

Ron Pieket Author

Level 1

22 points

Dec 28, 2015 7:57 AM in response to Ron Pieket

I solved the problem by sticking electrical tape over the front of the Apple TV. It now responds to the Siri Bluetooth remote and ignores the old IR remote.

It should be possible to fix this with a setting, no?

-Ron.

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Answer 2

Protodd

Level 4

2,092 points

Dec 28, 2015 8:05 AM in response to Ron Pieket

IF you pair the remote to the devices it should stop controlling the other. I have multiple ATVs in a single room and don't have any "cross control"

Charge your Siri Remote or Apple TV Remote - Apple Support

Put your Siri Remote within three inches of your Apple TV, and point it at the front of your Apple TV. Then press and hold the Menu and Volume Up buttons for five seconds.

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Answer 3

Ron Pieket Author

Level 1

22 points

Dec 28, 2015 9:02 AM in response to Protodd

Thanks for replying, but I'm having no luck with that procedure.

When you say you experience "no cross control," does that cover the use of an older IR remote?

The effect I'm seeing is that the ATV is monogamously paired with one Siri Remote, but still responds to any and all IR remotes.

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Answer 4

Protodd

Level 4

2,092 points

Dec 28, 2015 9:09 AM in response to Ron Pieket

Well, yes and no. 😝

I Don't have any IR remotes in the room. I have each of the ATVs paired with their own silver remote and then I have a harmony remote but it uses RF rather than IR. I guess I missed that in your original post. But I do know that my Samsung tv remote will also control my Samsung Bluray player too. So it doesn't surprise me that a programmable IR remote programmed for the Mac would have the same IR codes that the ATV uses...

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