My latest version Apple TV stopped working with the remote. It wants to re-pair with it. So, I charged it, and set the remote on top of the Apple TV. It never recognizes the remote. I bought a new remote thinking the remote was bad. I charged the new remote, set it on top of the Apple TV (since it's still asking to pair with the remote), but it still never finds the remote. How do I get this fixed?
Apple TV 4K, tvOS 26
To pair the Siri Remote, press the < Back button (or Menu button) and Volume Up button simultaneously for a few (2–5) seconds, until you see the on-screen notification about pairing. Start out somewhat close already (Apple suggests at 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 cm) distance from the box). Bring the remote (slowly) closer if asked to do so in a new notification. Laying it on top of the box would be the ultimate closeness, but it will likely pair before that, if the battery is fully charged.
* Did you get this notification?
Apple TV 4K, tvOS 26
You chose to run pre-release beta software voluntarily. We have no idea if that might play a role here with this issue. Due to the terms of the Apple beta software agreement, and those of the Apple Support Communities, we can provide no assistance for any Apple beta product. If you are a paying developer, then there is an exclusive support forum to be used for beta issues. If you are a consumer public beta user, there is no support, but you are asked to give feedback using the designated methods (Feedback Assistant).
To pair the Siri Remote, press the < Back button (or Menu button) and Volume Up button simultaneously for a few (2–5) seconds, until you see the on-screen notification about pairing. Start out somewhat close already (Apple suggests at 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 cm) distance from the box). Bring the remote (slowly) closer if asked to do so in a new notification. Laying it on top of the box would be the ultimate closeness, but it will likely pair before that, if the battery is fully charged.
* Did you get this notification?
Apple TV 4K, tvOS 26
You chose to run pre-release beta software voluntarily. We have no idea if that might play a role here with this issue. Due to the terms of the Apple beta software agreement, and those of the Apple Support Communities, we can provide no assistance for any Apple beta product. If you are a paying developer, then there is an exclusive support forum to be used for beta issues. If you are a consumer public beta user, there is no support, but you are asked to give feedback using the designated methods (Feedback Assistant).
It's difficult to use the Feedback Assistant on the device since I can't get past the pairing process, but I could use the Feedback Assistant on my Mac.
I think the Feedback Assistant would (ask to) include device details, so it should be fine to use the Assistant on a different device.
Is there a way to downgrade the Apple TV?
Yes, from beta to non-beta only, but it requires resetting to factory settings, which requires a functional remote.
[Only Apple Watch and AirPods cannot downgrade to release version, but have to wait out until the next non-beta software release.]
FAQ: Support - Apple Beta Program - Apple
If you know someone with an old-style Apple Remote (aluminum) A1294, then you could use that temporarily for some basic interaction. It wouldn’t require pairing or linking with the modern Apple TV box models.
Did you try all that is described in: If your Siri Remote or Apple TV Remote isn't working - Apple Support ?
Is the Apple TV box status light glowing continuously (not flashing or off)?
If one particular app is misbehaving, then:
Is there a way to downgrade the Apple TV? Or is that something I need to refer to the Feedback Assistant, too? It's difficult to use the Feedback Assistant on the device since I can't get past the pairing process, but I could use the Feedback Assistant on my Mac.
Our Apple TV is frozen! We want to watch Bell and it won’t do anything when we touch Bell TV
Apple TV won't connect to remote
