Volume control Issue with Apple TV 4k (2021 Edition)

I’m having issues getting volume control to work on a Samsung Soundbar with my Apple TV 4K Siri Remote. I have the Apple TV connected to my tv via HDMI and the Soundbar is connected to my tv via an optical cable. I have attempted to get volume control to work by enabling it in the Apple TV settings and then learning a new IR remote (Soundbar remote) but it won’t work. I go through the prompts (holding volume up, then down, and then mute) and it says it has been successfully learned but after selecting the newly learned IR remote for volume control nothing…. I’m not sure what is going on as I have been able to pair an Amazon fire stick remote with no issues. I’m really hoping that I can find a solution to this. Thanks for your help.

Apple TV 4K, tvOS 16

Posted on Dec 9, 2022 08:42 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 12, 2022 02:43 PM

Hello theodros112,


Let's start off by checking the helpful steps in this article which can help with this issue: If you can't control your Apple TV with your home theater or universal remote - Apple Support. While not the exact issue you are facing, these steps may still help with this behavior. Follow this guidance:


"Set up your home theater remote

To set up your home theater remote to control your Apple TV:

      1. Add your Apple TV to the Home app and make sure that you assign it to a room.
      2. Add the remote to the Home app on your iPhone or iPad and make sure that you assign it to a room.

After you add the remote to the Home app, you can use it to control any Apple TV that you have in your home.

If you have issues with your remote or want to learn more about using your remote to control Apple TV, contact the manufacturer or visit their website.


Get help with your infrared remote

To use an infrared remote (commonly known as a universal remote), you need to let it learn the signals that the Siri Remote generates. Open Settings on your Apple TV. Then go to Remotes and Devices > Learn Remote, and follow the onscreen instructions.

If volume control doesn’t work automatically, you can manually program your remote to control volume on your TV. Open Settings on your Apple TV. Then go to Remotes and Devices > Volume Control > Learn New Device, and follow the onscreen instructions.

Clear the path between your remote and the front of your TV or receiver. Volume control normally works using the IR sensor* on the front of your equipment.


Make sure that HDMI-CEC is on

If your TV or receiver supports HDMI-CEC, Apple TV uses the HDMI connection to allow it to be controlled by your TV or receiver remote.

If some features don't work:

      1. Make sure that your TV or receiver offers HDMI-CEC support. For help, ask the TV manufacturer or check the manual.
      2. Check that your Apple TV is connected to an HDMI port that supports HDMI-CEC. Check the TV manual to confirm which ports support HDMI-CEC.
      3. Check that HDMI-CEC is turned on in the menu of your TV or receiver. Use the remote that came with your equipment. Because manufacturers often have different names for HDMI-CEC, look for a setting that ends in "Link" or "Sync." Here are some examples:
      • LG: SimpLink
      • Philips: EasyLink
      • Samsung: Anynet+
      • Sharp: Aquos Link
      • Sony: BRAVIA Sync


* While volume control normally works using the IR sensor on the front of your TV or receiver, some receivers use HDMI-CEC instead. With volume through HDMI-CEC, you don’t need a clear path between your remote and the front of your receiver."


Let us know if we can help with anything else at all or if this doesn't settle your issue so we can look into this further with you. Thanks and have a fabulous day!

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1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 12, 2022 02:43 PM in response to theodros112

Hello theodros112,


Let's start off by checking the helpful steps in this article which can help with this issue: If you can't control your Apple TV with your home theater or universal remote - Apple Support. While not the exact issue you are facing, these steps may still help with this behavior. Follow this guidance:


"Set up your home theater remote

To set up your home theater remote to control your Apple TV:

      1. Add your Apple TV to the Home app and make sure that you assign it to a room.
      2. Add the remote to the Home app on your iPhone or iPad and make sure that you assign it to a room.

After you add the remote to the Home app, you can use it to control any Apple TV that you have in your home.

If you have issues with your remote or want to learn more about using your remote to control Apple TV, contact the manufacturer or visit their website.


Get help with your infrared remote

To use an infrared remote (commonly known as a universal remote), you need to let it learn the signals that the Siri Remote generates. Open Settings on your Apple TV. Then go to Remotes and Devices > Learn Remote, and follow the onscreen instructions.

If volume control doesn’t work automatically, you can manually program your remote to control volume on your TV. Open Settings on your Apple TV. Then go to Remotes and Devices > Volume Control > Learn New Device, and follow the onscreen instructions.

Clear the path between your remote and the front of your TV or receiver. Volume control normally works using the IR sensor* on the front of your equipment.


Make sure that HDMI-CEC is on

If your TV or receiver supports HDMI-CEC, Apple TV uses the HDMI connection to allow it to be controlled by your TV or receiver remote.

If some features don't work:

      1. Make sure that your TV or receiver offers HDMI-CEC support. For help, ask the TV manufacturer or check the manual.
      2. Check that your Apple TV is connected to an HDMI port that supports HDMI-CEC. Check the TV manual to confirm which ports support HDMI-CEC.
      3. Check that HDMI-CEC is turned on in the menu of your TV or receiver. Use the remote that came with your equipment. Because manufacturers often have different names for HDMI-CEC, look for a setting that ends in "Link" or "Sync." Here are some examples:
      • LG: SimpLink
      • Philips: EasyLink
      • Samsung: Anynet+
      • Sharp: Aquos Link
      • Sony: BRAVIA Sync


* While volume control normally works using the IR sensor on the front of your TV or receiver, some receivers use HDMI-CEC instead. With volume through HDMI-CEC, you don’t need a clear path between your remote and the front of your receiver."


Let us know if we can help with anything else at all or if this doesn't settle your issue so we can look into this further with you. Thanks and have a fabulous day!

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Volume control Issue with Apple TV 4k (2021 Edition)

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