How to Connect Apple TV to Wi-Fi Without a Remote

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posted on 2 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

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Did you lose your Apple TV remote? If you need to connect your Apple TV to Wi-Fi—or use the Apple TV in general—there are ways to operate your Apple TV without the remote. You can easily use the Apple TV Remote on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch to browse, navigate, or complete the set up. You can also use a Bluetooth device or universal remote to control your Apple TV, though you must use your iOS device to pair it. This wikiHow will show you how to connect your Apple TV to Wi-Fi using your iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Bluetooth device, or universal remote.

Things You Should Know

If you don't have an Apple TV Remote, use the Apple TV remote on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch, or pair a compatible Bluetooth device.
To use the Apple TV remote on your iOS device, open Control Center and tap the remote icon.
To connect to Wi-Fi, use your new remote to go to "Settings", "General", then "Network" to choose your Wi-Fi network.

Pairing an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch

Turn on your Apple TV. The Apple TV will turn on automatically when it's plugged in. If your Apple TV is in sleep mode, you can unplug the device and plug it back in. You will need your TV screen on to successfully pair your devices.

Open your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. Even if you don't have the original Apple TV remote, you can use the built-in remote control on your Apple mobile device to connect your Apple TV to Wi-Fi. To ensure this works properly, make sure to update iOS on your device. Apple TV Remote in Control Center will only work with Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, Apple TV (3rd generation), and AirPlay 2-compatible smart TVs.

Swipe down on your screen to open the Control Center. On iPhone 8 or iOS 11 or earlier, swipe up from the bottom of the screen. If you have the latest iOS version, Apple TV Remote will be automatically added to your Control Center. If you have an older version of iOS, you'll need to manually add Apple TV Remote to your Control Center. Go to Settings → Control Center. Tap the + next to Apple TV Remote to add the feature to your Control Center.

Tap the remote control icon. This opens the Apple TV remote on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch.

Select the Apple TV you want to control. If you have multiple Apple TV devices, you'll need to tap the down arrow to expand the drop-down menu and select your device. If you are setting up your Apple TV for the first time, you can follow the on-screen instructions to do so now.

Enter the code into your device. The code will appear on your TV screen. You must enter the code correctly to authenticate the remote pairing process. Your device is now paired to your Apple TV and can function just like a normal Apple TV remote. Now that your remote is ready, you can use it to connect to Wi-Fi.

Pairing a Bluetooth Device

Put your Bluetooth device into pairing mode. You'll be able to use a Bluetooth device such as a Bluetooth keyboard or controller. This method requires you to pair an iOS device beforehand to use as a remote.

On your Apple TV, click Settings. Use Apple TV Remote on your iOS device.

Click Remotes and Devices, then Bluetooth. This will prompt your Apple TV to search for Bluetooth devices.

Choose your Bluetooth device from the selection. Your device should appear underneath My Devices. You may be prompted to enter a code. Use the Bluetooth device to enter the code on your Apple TV screen. You can now use your Bluetooth device to navigate and connect to Wi-Fi.

Pairing a Universal Remote

On your Apple TV, click Settings. Use Apple TV Remote on your iOS device. This method requires you to pair an iOS device beforehand to use as a remote. Your Apple TV can learn the InfraRed code from any IR/universal remote.

Click Remotes and Devices.

Click Learn remote, then Start.

Press and hold the specified keys on your remote. You will need to hold Up, Down, Left, Right, Select, and Menu. Continue to hold each button separately until the progress bar is full.

Name your remote. You'll be able name your remote to differentiate it from other devices.

Click Submit.

Click OK. Your remote is now ready to use with your Apple TV, including for connecting to Wi-Fi. You can also choose Set Up Playback Buttons to set up additional buttons.

Connecting Apple TV to Wi-Fi

On your Apple TV, click Settings. Use any remote from the methods listed above.

Click Network. For Apple TV (3rd generation), go to Settings → General → Network.

Choose your Wi-Fi network. You'll see a list of compatible Wi-Fi networks to join. Make sure you don't have an Ethernet cable connected to your Apple TV. You won't see the option to connect to Wi-Fi if you do.

Enter your Wi-Fi password. If you forgot your Wi-Fi password, you can always change your password. You will now be connected to your Wi-Fi network. To change your Wi-Fi network, select your current network. Click Forget Network, then press the Back or Menu button. Click Network and select a new Wi-Fi network.

Troubleshooting Wi-Fi

Forget your network to reconnect. On the menu, go to Settings → Network → Wi-Fi. Select your current Wi-Fi network and click Forget Network. Press the Back button on your Apple TV remote, then select Network again. Click your Wi-Fi network to reconnect.

Restart your Apple TV. Go to Settings → System → Restart. On Apple TV (3rd generation) go to Settings → General → Restart.

Restart your router. Unplug your router. Wait a few minutes. Plug it back in. This may fix your internet connection.

Check for software updates. Use an Ethernet cable to connect your Apple TV directly to your router. Plug in your Ethernet cable. If you're unsure if your cable works, you can test your Ethernet cable. Go to Settings → System → Software Updates. On Apple TV (3rd generation) go to Settings → General → Update Software. If there is an update available, install it. Once installed, unplug your Ethernet cable and rejoin your Wi-Fi network.