I must admit, I’ve lost my Siri Remote more times than I can count. It was gone for a whole month at one point, forcing me to resort to using my iPhone as a remote. I later found it in my garage, collecting dust. I still have no idea how it got there.
That made me wonder: can you use Spectrum remote with Apple TV? Will Spectrum replace my Apple TV remote?
After a bit of fiddling around, I’ve found that, to my pleasant surprise, the Spectrum Remote is compatible with Apple TV and can be used as a Siri Remote replacement. There’s just one caveat: it only works with Apple TV devices that are 4th generation and above.
| Tips |
|---|
| The Spectrum Remote is compatible with 4th gen+ Apple TV |
| Get device code from Spectrum website to pair the remote |
| Use the Spectrum Remote to enter the device code |
| Spectrum sells a dedicated Apple TV remote |
| To pair Spectrum Apple TV Remote: |
| 1. Turn on Apple TV |
| 2. Point remote 3-4 inches away and press Power button |
| 3. Press TV icon and Pair |
Table of Contents
Is Spectrum Remote Compatible With Apple TV?
If you’ve misplaced or accidentally damaged your Siri remote, fret not: you can use the Spectrum Remote in its place.
The Spectrum Remote is a remote that controls Spectrum receivers. It comes free with the receiver, but it can be purchased separately for an affordable price. It costs between $15 to $25, much cheaper than Apple’s $60 Siri Remote.
But before you go digging out your old Spectrum Remote, it’s important to note that only the Universal CLIKR-5 Spectrum Remote can be used to control your Apple TV.
Moreover, the Spectrum Remote only works with 4th generation Apple TV devices and above.
So if you’ve got an outdated Spectrum Remote or an older generation Apple TV, you can’t use the Spectrum Remote as a replacement.
You’ll instead have to use the Remote app on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch to control your Apple TV.
Read more: Can you connect Apple TV to Sonos One?
How to Pair Universal Spectrum Remote With Apple TV
In order to use your Spectrum Remote with your Apple TV, you’ll first have to program the remote to your TV.
- Go to the Spectrum website and select the remote under the title Universal CLIKR-5: UR5U-8780L/8790L.
- Once selected, you’ll be redirected to a programming page. In the middle of the page, you’ll find a drop-down option that says Choose Device.
- Click on Choose Device and select AUX-Media PCs.
- Then, press on the Choose Manufacturer dropdown menu and select Apple TV.
- Click Get Device Codes. From there, you’ll be given a list of codes. You’ll use one of these codes to program the Spectrum Remote with your Apple TV.
- Take the remote and press the TV button. You’ll find it between the DVD and CBL buttons, below the Power button.
- Press and hold the Set Up button on the remote for three seconds or until the TV button blinks twice.
- Using the remote, enter the code you were given on the TV.
- Once the TV button blinks twice, aim the remote to your TV and press the Power button. This should turn off your TV. If it doesn’t work, repeat steps 6, 7, and 8 and enter another code until the TV turns off.
- Turn on the remote by pressing the Power button. And that’s it—you’ve successfully programmed your remote to your Apple TV.
How to Pair Dedicated Spectrum Apple TV Remote to Your Apple TV
If you don’t have a Universal Spectrum Remote, Spectrum also sells a dedicated Spectrum Apple TV remote that works specifically on the Apple TV.
It has a much simpler mechanic than the Siri Remote, but it works just as well. It features backlit keys, channels up and down buttons, a Siri button, and a guide button so you can use it with Spectrum’s “Spectrum TV” app.
Unfortunately, you can only order this remote by calling Spectrum directly or visiting the store. If you don’t want to talk to a representative, you can get your hands on a second-hand remote from eBay.
To pair the Spectrum Apple TV remote to your Apple TV, follow these steps:
- Turn your Apple TV on.
- Point the remote about three to four inches away from the TV and press the Power button.
- Once the removal is active, press the TV icon on the bottom right corner of the remote. Then, press Pair.
Read more: Does LG Magic Remote work with Apple TV?
Conclusion
If you’ve got a universal Spectrum remote lying around, you can use it to place your Apple TV after a bit of programming.
The programming process may seem a bit lengthy, but it’s really just a bunch of button pressing!
If you don’t have a universal Spectrum remote already, consider getting the Spectrum Apple TV Remote by contacting Spectrum or visiting the Spectrum store.
The Spectrum Apple TV Remote pairs seamlessly with Apple TV, plus it’s much cheaper than the Siri Remote!
