4k Apple TV Remote suddenly not responding

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Level 1

18 points

4k Apple TV Remote suddenly not responding

I have two 4k apple TV remotes that suddenly stopped working - at the same time. When the first one stopped I tried recharging it. The next morning the second one stopped working on a different box/tv. Both are older 4k boxes and both have the touch pad. Both boxes are running tvOS 18.3. I tried pairing these to the boxes again but no response. Both boxes do work with alternate remotes or the remote app on the iPhone.

Conversely, I have another even older box (1080p) with an older touch pad remote - running tvOS 18.3. This box and remote seems to work fine.

Since autoupdate is on for all these boxes, I can’t tell if an update has recently been run to effect these remotes. Please help.

Apple TV 4K

Posted on Mar 15, 2025 06:34 AM

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Answer 1

Urquhart1244

Level 10

145,704 points

Mar 15, 2025 07:05 AM in response to Mr Art5

Could it be that the remotes may have been switched for the boxes? Each remote would only work for the box to which it is paired.

Try pairing the remotes again. That would bring a new pairing between the remote and the box, regardless of how it was before.

If your Siri Remote or Apple TV Remote isn't working - Apple Support

I tried pairing these to the boxes again but no response.

If you did the indicated button combination for pairing, at close range, then it should give a response, unless the battery is depleted or the remote is broken.

Try charging the remote for 30 mins. Then try pairing again.

Broken remotes may need to be replaced.

Worn out remote batteries may qualify for battery service.

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Answer 2

Mr Art5 Author

Level 1

18 points

Mar 15, 2025 07:18 PM in response to Urquhart1244

The bedroom remote charged all night, still doesn’t work. I’ll try pairing again on Sunday, 3/16. Battery failure is possible, we bought these within 6 months of each other 5+ years ago. Seems odd that they both failed almost simultaneously.

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Answer 3

Mr Art5 Author

Level 1

18 points

Mar 15, 2025 07:37 PM in response to Urquhart1244

Okay, I tried pairing these remotes and boxes a second time. It worked. Thank you. My question still is what would make 2 different boxes connected to 2 different brands of TVs suddenly unpair from their remotes almost simultaneously?

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Answer 4

Urquhart1244

Level 10

145,704 points

Mar 15, 2025 08:02 PM in response to Mr Art5

I tried pairing these remotes and boxes a second time. It worked. Thank you.

Awesome! Enjoy being able to operate the devices again.

My question still is what would make 2 different boxes connected to 2 different brands of TVs suddenly unpair from their remotes almost simultaneously?

A depleted battery could be cause for unpairing. Do recharge when a low level is indicated on screen, at wake time.

A mixup of remotes could get both remotes out of range for their paired boxes.

Else I don’t know 🤷‍♂️. There may be more possibilities that I haven’t encountered or heard of.

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4k Apple TV Remote suddenly not responding

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