Apple TV home button does not change input of TV

Every other remote I own when you press the home button it changes the input on my TV to the device's HDMI. Except my Apple Siri Remote. I have tried everything, every tip, trick, update, beta update, forum idea. It's driving me mad. SKY, Google TV, Xbox, Firestick, Samsung, all of them - you click home and it will change the input regardless of what other HDMI input I'm on to it so I can use it.


I'm on a Samsung Smart TV top of the line. I really want to make Apple TV my main TV usage because I am bedridden and severely disabled with a lot of chronic pain and weakness and although the remote could still be a lot more pain free; it's still the least painful remote to use out of all remotes I've ever owned. But I can't swap to Apple TV because it will not change the input from pressing the home button or any button.


I've tried turning it off and on again, I've tried turning it on and off via voice command. I've tried turning off all the other devices and swapped it to every HDMI port to try to get it to work as a fallback at least with the other HDMI devices turned off. It will not change the input. Yet every other device I own can do this. It's such a simple function that is built into every other device. Crazy.


Can anyone please help me? It's driving me nuts.

Apple TV 4K (2nd generation)

Posted on Dec 22, 2025 4:39 PM

Reply
2 replies

Dec 22, 2025 8:17 PM in response to Gem_S

Please verify that CEC is turned on for the Apple TV box as well. Then either of two Siri Remote buttons (④ Back/Menu and ⑤ TV/Home) should wake the Apple TV box and signal over HDMI to have the TV (or receiver) focus the input to the Apple TV box.

  • Settings﹥Remotes and Devices﹥Control TVs and Receivers﹥On.


Overview of buttons on the Apple TV 4K remote - Apple Support


Dec 22, 2025 8:40 PM in response to Urquhart1244

Thanks yes that was the first thing I tried. Made no difference. I have both Siri Remotes, old and new. I've tried every button; back/menu and home and more. The option I have in the menu is under Home Cinema Control and the option 'Turn On Your TV with Your Remote' which is switched on. There is no such option 'Control TVs and Receivers'


I've been into the CEC in my Samsung TV and Apple settings many times, I've tried to turn it off and on, reset it etc etc many times. Nothing fixes it.


Apple TV home button does not change input of TV

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