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Apple TV Not Responding (Remote, Mac, HomeKit, iPhone)

As a frustrated Apple TV owner, I know all too well the feelings of helplessness when your Apple TV isn’t responding to your Remote, Mac, HomeKit or iPhone. After a few days of researching and testing, I’m excited to share my experiences and the solutions I’ve discovered to help others with the same issue. In this blog post, I’ll be discussing the various ways in which you can get your Apple TV back up and running.

In many cases, a quick restart and software update can make Apple TV respond to other devices. For iPhones and MacBooks, you need to ensure they’re connected to the same network as Apple TV. As for HomeKit, common solutions are related to fixing iCloud account issues on the TV.

This article will lead you through troubleshooting steps when your Apple TV isn’t responding to the remote, Mac, iPhone, or HomeKit.

IssuePossible CausesSolutions
Apple TV not responding to remoteLimited remote range, connection issues, low batteryMove closer to the TV, disconnect and reconnect remote, restart the remote
Apple TV not responding to MacWiFi connection issues, Firewall settings, outdated softwareTurn WiFi on and off, check Firewall settings, update software
Apple TV not responding to HomeKitiCloud account issues, iMessage and Apple ID problemsRestart Apple TV, log out and log in to iCloud account, change Apple ID from @me.com to @icloud.com, delete and add HomeKit accessories
Apple TV not responding to iPhoneWiFi connection issues, outdated softwareCheck WiFi connection, update software, restart devices

How to Fix Apple TV Not Responding to Remote?

Apple TV can be controlled from other devices or through its dedicated remote. Here’s how to make your Apple TV respond to the remote again:

  1. Move Closer to the TV

Although the latest Apple remote has up to 40 feet of connection range, some older versions have a limited range of as low as 16 feet. So, try to move the remote closer and remove any items that might block the signal, like surge protectors.

  1. Disconnect Remote and Apple TV

You can reset the connection between the TV and remote by disconnecting them and pairing them again. The process would be slightly different for Apple or Siri remotes.

Reconnect Apple remotes that don’t support Siri through the following steps.

  1. To disconnect the TV and remote, press and hold the Left and Menu buttons simultaneously.
  2. Release the buttons when the screen shows a remote control symbol with a broken chain on top.
  3. Press and hold the Right button and the Menu button at the same time.

Alternatively, here’s how to reconnect Siri Remote.

  1. Place the Siri remote on the Apple TV box, or keep it within three inches of distance.
  2. For first-generation Siri remotes, press and hold the Volume Up and Menu buttons together. As for second-generation Siri remotes, you need to press the Volume Up and the Back button at the same time.
  3. Release the buttons when the screen shows a message saying the TV and remote have been successfully paired.
  4. Restart Apple TV’s Remote

First, make sure your remote is charged. Then press and hold the Down button and the Control Center button at the same time. Wait until the TV’s status light flashes, then release the buttons. 

Then, check your Apple TV screen for a notification in the top-right corner. It should indicate that the remote connection is lost. After a few seconds, another message should pop up, indicating that the remote has been reconnected.

Read more: How to connect Apple TV to a computer monitor

How to Fix Apple TV Not Responding to Mac?

You can cast content from your Mac to Apple TV’s screen using AirPlay. However, Apple TV might not respond on some occasions.

After restarting both devices and updating their software, try the following solutions.

  1. Turn the WiFi on and off on both devices.
  2. Check that both devices are using the same WiFi connection.
  3. From System Preferences on Apple TV, go to Security and Privacy,  then select Firewall.  Make sure that it’s not blocking incoming connections, then check “Automatically allow signed software to receive incoming connections.”

How to Fix Apple TV Not Responding to HomeKit?

If your Home app has indicated that your Apple TV isn’t responding, try an initial simple restart by unplugging the TV and plugging it in again. If this doesn’t fix the problem, log out and log in again to your iCloud account on Apple TV.

Another solution is to check if Apple TV has a default user account. If not, delete your account and then add it again as a default user.

Finally, there might be a problem related to iMessage and Apple ID. To fix this issue, try the following steps:

  1. Go to appleid.apple.com and change your Apple ID from @me.com to @icloud.com.
  2. Delete your Home from the Home app on all associated devices.
  3. Sign out from iCloud on all devices and sign in again on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac only.
  4. Create a new Home and add your HomeKit accessories.
  5. Sign in to iCloud on your Apple TV.
  6. Invite other members to the Home.

How to Fix Apple TV Not Responding to iPhone?

Read more: Apple TV disconnecting from AirPlay

You can use your iPhone to control your Apple TV using the Apple TV Remote in Control Center. Additionally, you can connect your iPhone via AirPlay to cast its media on Apple TV.

If Apple TV isn’t responding to your iPhone, try the following steps. 

  1. Make sure that your Apple TV and iPhone are connected to the same WiFi network. You can adjust the connection from the settings menu for both devices.
  2. Update your iPhone and Apple TV to the latest software version.
  3. Restart your iPhone and Apple TV.

Wrap Up

So, how to fix Apple TV not responding to other devices and apps? 

Most often, a simple restart and software update goes a long way. Still, you may need to take further steps for Apple TV to respond, especially to the remote and HomeKit.

Overall, Apple TV is one of the most reliable smart TV options in terms of performance and response. Yet, you need to be forgiving on a few days when it needs some repair.