julian KAYE

Q: Apple TV 4 remote inconsistent

Sometimes it works ok but often it's choppy, doesnt respond then suddenly jumps forward. Restarting Apple tv doesn't help. Any suggestions?

Posted on Jan 21, 2016 10:06 PM

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Q: Apple TV 4 remote inconsistent

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  • by Vinceassociate,

    Vinceassociate Vinceassociate Jan 22, 2016 1:15 AM in response to julian KAYE
    Level 4 (1,745 points)
    Jan 22, 2016 1:15 AM in response to julian KAYE

    Watch the light on the ATV when pressing the remote and if it instantly blinks then the ATV is getting the remote commands but is delaying reacting.  If that is the case, rule out the remote as the issue.

    In that case, double tap the TV icon button and check how many apps may be running in the background.  Swipe up to close each one until none are left then launch the one you want.  This makes sure the ATV is not lagging because of too many apps running.

    Finally consider the app you are using and it may appear slow due to network traffic.  It may be waiting for something to download.

  • by julian KAYE,

    julian KAYE julian KAYE Jan 22, 2016 6:31 AM in response to Vinceassociate
    Level 1 (20 points)
    iPhone
    Jan 22, 2016 6:31 AM in response to Vinceassociate

    Thanks for the response, the problem occurs when I am trying to use the trackpad part of the remote for navigation etc. sometimes it doesnt detect my movement, lags and then surges. Pressing on any of the buttons works without problems.

  • by Vinceassociate,

    Vinceassociate Vinceassociate Jan 22, 2016 7:48 AM in response to julian KAYE
    Level 4 (1,745 points)
    Jan 22, 2016 7:48 AM in response to julian KAYE

    Sounds like a bad trackpad.  I would return the ATV for another.

    If you want to try everything else first, I would

    1. Charge remote for 3 hours

    2. Run software update on the ATV to make sure you are up to date

    3. Restore the ATV.

    My bet is the trackpad part of the remote is bad.  Mine is always responsive.

  • by Protodd,

    Protodd Protodd Jan 22, 2016 8:13 AM in response to julian KAYE
    Level 4 (2,074 points)
    Jan 22, 2016 8:13 AM in response to julian KAYE

    You can also try adjusting the trackpad speed...

     

    How to adjust Touch surface sensitivity on Siri Remote

    Step 1: Go to Settings → Remotes and Devices → Touch Surface Tracking.

    Step 2: You can now choose between two modes of tracking: Fast and Slow. Setting tracking to Fast will require smaller thumb movements to move farther on the Apple TV screen. If you choose Slow, you’ll make larger movements to move a smaller distance.

  • by Winston Churchill,

    Winston Churchill Winston Churchill Jan 22, 2016 8:18 AM in response to julian KAYE
    Level 10 (104,538 points)
    Apple TV
    Jan 22, 2016 8:18 AM in response to julian KAYE

    I'm inclined to think this is a result of interference of some kind, either on wifi, bluetooth or perhaps even HDMI. Whilst I might be wrong, if I'm not it means that returning the Apple TV for another won't likely make any difference. You might be better testing the remote in another location first.

  • by bostonbanana,

    bostonbanana bostonbanana May 23, 2016 7:33 PM in response to Vinceassociate
    Level 1 (4 points)
    May 23, 2016 7:33 PM in response to Vinceassociate

    Interesting. Killing all the apps fixed it for me. Thanks.

  • by Giabella1,

    Giabella1 Giabella1 Oct 3, 2016 6:33 PM in response to julian KAYE
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Oct 3, 2016 6:33 PM in response to julian KAYE

    I didn't know the open apps stayed in memory. I had many open after closing them my remote work fine. Thank you.