The Apple TV’s Siri Remote helps you to control your Apple TV using both touch and voice command. But losing your remote is really common and the cost of getting a new one is $59. So what can you do?
One way is to program a universal infrared remote to control your Apple TV. But an easier way is to put that iOS device to good use and learn to control your Apple TV through it. In iOS 11 you can add an Apple TV Remote interface that will help you to navigate your 4th generation Apple TV.
Requirements:
You require the following
- An iPhone, iPad or iPod running iOS 11 or up
- An Apple TV 4k or Apple TV (4th generation)
Both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for this project.
Navigate your Apple TV through Control Center:
IF your device used iOS 11 or higher then follow the following steps:
- Go to “Settings” on your device operating on iOS 11 and select “Control Center”.
- Next, tap on “Customize Controls”.
- Go to the “More Controls” section and tap on the “+” next to “Apple TV Remote”. Hold onto the control and drag to your desired position.
- Now, close Settings and open the Control Center overlay.
- Tap on the “Apple TV” button that appears in the Control Center grid.
- Next, if required enter the four-digit passcode that appears on your Apple TV’s display.
Now you can easily control your Apple TV via your iPhone.
For Device Operating on iOS 12:
Also, if your device is operating on iOS 12, it will automatically add the Apple TV Remote widget on the Control Center. With the available controls, you can perform a number of operations.
- Pause/Play: To pause or play your Apple TV
- Menu: Opens up the Menu button
- Home: Opens up the homepage
- Siri: Opens up the Siri button as it would on your Siri Remote
This also allows for text input on your device. You will first have to select a text field on your Apple TV. You will get a notification on your iOS device. Tap to open the notification and begin typing using your onscreen keyboard. Make sure that your notifications are on. For this go to “Setting” and tap on “Notifications”. Then tap on “Allow Notifications”.
For volume control, you can use the volume slider on your iPhone to adjust volume. You can also use Siri and iPhone’s gyroscope and accelerometer for tilt gaming.
Other ways to control your Apple TV:
If you have not yet upgraded to iOS 11. You can use Apple’s apps to navigate your Apple TV.
- Apple TV Remote: Can operate by touch. If you have a 4th generation Apple TV you can also use the Siri support, tilt gaming and more. Requirements include iOS 9 or up.
- ITunes Remote: Allows for basic navigation. Does not support Siri or tilt gaming. You can also remotely control iTunes on your Mac or Windows PC. Requirements include iOS 9.3.3 or up.
Is your Apple TV a fourth- or fifth-generation model? Download Apple TV Remote instead!
Watch Video