Have you misplaced your Apple TV remote? Is your Siri Remote damaged, out of battery, or simply out of reach? You don’t have to get up and search for it every time you want to change a channel, pause a movie, or open an app.

You can use your iPhone or iPad as an Apple TV remote and control your TV directly from your device.

Apple provides a built-in Apple TV Remote in Control Center on supported iPhones and iPads. You can use it to navigate Apple TV, play and pause videos, adjust supported audio equipment, and access Siri or dictation features.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to use your iPhone or iPad as an Apple TV remote, how to set it up, how to add the remote to Control Center, and what to do if your iPhone cannot connect to your Apple TV.

Can I Use My iPhone as an Apple TV Remote?

Yes. You can use your iPhone or iPad as a remote control for compatible Apple TV devices. The feature is called Apple TV Remote and is available through Control Center on supported versions of iOS and iPadOS.

You can use it with:

Apple TV 4K.
Apple TV HD.
Compatible AirPlay-enabled smart TVs, when configured as required.

The Apple TV Remote allows you to control your TV without needing the physical Siri Remote.

Do I Need to Download an Apple TV Remote App?

Usually, no.

The Apple TV Remote is built into supported iPhones and iPads. You can access it through Control Center.

On some devices or software versions, the Remote app may also appear in the App Library or on the Home Screen. If it isn’t available, you can add it to Control Center.

Note: The old standalone Apple TV Remote app was discontinued as a separate App Store download years ago. You should not need to search the App Store for a separate remote app to use the built-in feature.

How to Use Your iPhone as an Apple TV Remote

The following steps explain how to set up and use your iPhone or iPad as a remote for your Apple TV.

Step 1: Make Sure Your iPhone and Apple TV Are Connected

Before you begin, make sure your iPhone or iPad and Apple TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

For example:

Your iPhone is connected to your home Wi-Fi.
Your Apple TV is connected to that same Wi-Fi network.

This is important because the Apple TV Remote uses your network connection to communicate with the Apple TV.

Check Wi-Fi on iPhone

Open Settings.
Tap Wi-Fi.
Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on.
Connect to your home Wi-Fi network.

Check Wi-Fi on Apple TV

Open Settings on your Apple TV.
Go to Network.
Check the connected Wi-Fi network.

If the two devices are connected to different networks, connect them to the same network before proceeding.

Step 2: Open Control Center on Your iPhon

The way you open Control Center depends on your iPhone model.

iPhone X and newer models

This includes iPhone X, XS, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and newer models.

Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen.
Look for the Apple TV Remote icon.

iPhone 8 and older models

Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen.
Look for the Apple TV Remote icon.

On iPad

Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to open Control Center.

The exact appearance of Control Center can vary depending on your iOS or iPadOS version.

Step 3: Tap the Apple TV Remote

Once Control Center is open:

Tap the Apple TV Remote icon.
Select your Apple TV from the list of available devices.
If prompted, enter the four-digit passcode displayed on your TV screen.

Once the pairing is complete, your iPhone or iPad will function as a remote control for your Apple TV.

You can now navigate menus, select apps, play videos, and control playback.

How to Add Apple TV Remote to Control Center

What if you open Control Center but cannot find the Apple TV Remote?

You may need to add it manually.

On newer iOS versions

Open Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner.
Tap the Add Controls button.
Tap Add a Control.
Search for Remote.
Select the Remote control to add it to Control Center.

On older iOS versions

If you’re using an older iOS version, the process may be:

Open Settings.
Tap Control Center.
Find Apple TV Remote under More Controls.
Tap the Add button next to it.

After adding the control, open Control Center again and tap the Apple TV Remote icon.

Tip: If you cannot find the exact menu described above, check your iOS version. Apple has changed the Control Center layout and customization options over time.

How to Control Apple TV With Your iPhone

After pairing your iPhone or iPad with Apple TV, you can use the touchscreen as a virtual remote.

Here are some of the things you can do.

Navigate the Apple TV Menu

Use the touch area on your iPhone or iPad to move around the Apple TV interface.

Swipe left to move left.
Swipe right to move right.
Swipe up or down to navigate menus.
Tap the touch area to select an item.

This works similarly to the touch surface on the physical Siri Remote.

Go Back to the Previous Screen

Tap the Back button on the Apple TV Remote.

This takes you back to the previous screen in supported apps and menus.

Return to the Apple TV Home Screen

Touch and hold the Back button to return to the Home Screen on supported Apple TV models.

Play or Pause a Video

When watching a movie or TV show:

Tap the Play/Pause button.
Tap it again to resume playback.

You can also use the other playback controls available on the virtual remote.

Fast Forward or Rewind

During playback, use the skip controls to move forward or backward.

The available skip functions depend on the app and content you’re watching.

Use Siri on Apple TV

The Apple TV Remote can also provide access to Siri or dictation features on supported devices and in supported regions.

Press and hold the Side button on your iPhone or iPad remote interface to use Siri or dictation when available.

For example, you may be able to search for movies, actors, or TV shows using your voice.

Siri availability and supported functions vary by country, language, device, and software version.

How to Control Your TV Volume With Your iPhone

You may be able to use the volume buttons on your iPhone or iPad to control the audio.

However, this depends on your Apple TV audio setup.

When volume control works

Apple says volume controls can work when Apple TV is set up with supported audio equipment such as:

HomePod.
Compatible soundbar.
AirPlay-compatible speakers.
Supported audio/video receivers.

When volume control may not work

If your Apple TV is connected to a TV or receiver that isn’t supported for volume control through the iPhone Remote, you may need to use the physical TV remote.

Important: The Apple TV Remote on your iPhone does not guarantee universal volume control for every television.

Can I Use My iPhone as an Apple TV Remote Without Wi-Fi?

The Apple TV Remote normally requires your iPhone or iPad and Apple TV to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

If you don’t have Wi-Fi, the remote may not work as expected.

For example, simply turning on Bluetooth on your iPhone does not guarantee that it will control your Apple TV.

If your Apple TV is not connected to a network, you may need the physical remote or another supported setup method to configure it.

What If My Apple TV Is Not Connected to Wi-Fi?

If you have no physical remote and your Apple TV is not connected to Wi-Fi, the iPhone Remote may not be able to discover it.

In that case, you may need to:

Use the original Siri Remote if available.
Use a compatible replacement remote.
Connect the Apple TV to a network using another supported method.
Contact Apple Support if you’re unable to complete setup.

How to Fix Apple TV Remote Not Working on iPhone

If your iPhone cannot connect to your Apple TV, don’t panic. There are several troubleshooting steps you can try.

1. Check That Both Devices Use the Same Wi-Fi

This is one of the most common reasons the remote fails to connect. Check your iPhone and Apple TV network settings and make sure they are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

If one device is on a guest network and the other is on your main network, they may not be able to communicate.

2. Restart Your iPhone or iPad

A temporary software issue may prevent the remote from connecting. Restart your iPhone or iPad and try again.

3. Restart Your Apple TV

Restarting the Apple TV may resolve temporary connection problems.You can restart your Apple TV through its Settings menu if you have access to the physical remote.

If you don’t have the physical remote, you may need to troubleshoot the network or use another supported method.

4. Update Your Devices

Make sure your iPhone or iPad and Apple TV are running supported, up-to-date software.

On iPhone:

Settings → General → Software Update.

On Apple TV:

Settings → System → Software Updates.

The exact menu names may vary by tvOS version.

5. Remove and Reconnect the Remote

If the Apple TV appears in the remote list but refuses to connect, try selecting another device and then selecting your Apple TV again.

If prompted, enter the passcode displayed on your television.

6. Check Your Network

Some Wi-Fi networks restrict communication between devices.

This can happen with:

Guest Wi-Fi networks.
Public Wi-Fi.
Some office networks.
Certain router configurations.

If possible, try connecting both devices to a normal home Wi-Fi network.

How to Use Your iPhone as a Remote for an AirPlay Smart TV

The Apple TV Remote in Control Center can also work with compatible AirPlay-enabled smart TVs.However, the setup differs from controlling an Apple TV box.

Apple says that to use the Remote with an AirPlay-compatible smart TV, you need to add the TV to the Home app and assign it to a room.

Basic setup

Make sure your iPhone and smart TV are compatible.
Connect both to the same Wi-Fi network.
Open the Home app on your iPhone.
Add your AirPlay-compatible TV.
Assign it to a room.
Open Control Center.
Tap the Apple TV Remote.
Select the smart TV.

If your television isn’t compatible with the Apple TV Remote, you may need to use the manufacturer’s remote app instead.

Can I Use My iPad as an Apple TV Remote?

Yes. A compatible iPad can also function as an Apple TV Remote.

The process is similar to the iPhone setup:

Connect your iPad and Apple TV to the same Wi-Fi.
Open Control Center on your iPad.
Tap the Apple TV Remote.
Select your Apple TV.
Enter the passcode if prompted.

You can then use the iPad’s touchscreen to control Apple TV.This is particularly useful if you prefer a larger screen or already have your iPad in your hands.

How to Find Your Lost Apple TV Remote Using Your iPhone

If you have lost your physical Siri Remote, your iPhone may be able to help you locate it. On supported Apple TV 4K models and compatible remotes, Apple provides a Find feature.

Requirements

An iPhone running iOS 17 or later.
A compatible Apple TV 4K.
A compatible Siri Remote, generally 2nd generation or later.

How to find the remote

Open Control Center on your iPhone.
Tap the Apple TV Remote.
Tap the name of your Apple TV at the top of the screen.
Tap Find.
Follow the onscreen directions.

You may need to move around to establish a connection with the remote.When the remote is located, the iPhone can show a proximity indicator to help you find it.

Note: The Find feature is not available for every Apple TV model or Siri Remote.

Apple TV Remote vs Physical Siri Remote

Feature	iPhone Apple TV Remote	Physical Siri Remote
Navigate Apple TV	Yes	Yes
Play and pause content	Yes	Yes
Use Siri or dictation	Supported devices and regions	Supported devices and regions
Requires charging	iPhone battery	Remote battery
Requires Wi-Fi setup	Generally yes	No Wi-Fi required for normal remote control
Find lost remote	Can find supported remotes	Depends on supported features
Volume control	Depends on audio setup	Depends on TV/receiver setup

Both options can be useful. Your iPhone is a convenient backup, while the physical Siri Remote is designed specifically for Apple TV.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use my iPhone as an Apple TV remote?

Open Control Center, tap Apple TV Remote, select your Apple TV, and enter the passcode displayed on your TV if prompted.

Do I need to download an Apple TV Remote app?

Usually not. The Apple TV Remote is built into supported iPhones and iPads through Control Center. Some devices may also show it in the App Library or Home Screen.

Why can’t I find Apple TV Remote on my iPhone?

You may need to add it to Control Center. On newer iOS versions, open Control Center, tap Add Controls, choose Add a Control, and search for Remote.

Can I use my iPhone as a remote for Apple TV without Wi-Fi?

The Apple TV Remote normally requires both devices to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Bluetooth alone does not guarantee that it will work.

Can I use my iPhone to control a normal smart TV?

Only if the television is compatible with Apple’s supported AirPlay setup. Otherwise, use the TV manufacturer’s remote app.

Can I control Apple TV volume with my iPhone?

Sometimes. Volume control depends on your Apple TV audio setup and whether your TV, receiver, or speakers are supported.

Can I use my iPad as an Apple TV remote?

Yes. Compatible iPads can use the Apple TV Remote through Control Center.

Can I use my iPhone to find my lost Siri Remote?

Yes, if you have a compatible Apple TV 4K and supported Siri Remote. The Find feature requires compatible devices and iOS 17 or later on iPhone.

Why is my iPhone Apple TV Remote not connecting?

Check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi, restart them, update the software, and try pairing again using the passcode on the TV.

Conclusion

Using your iPhone or iPad as an Apple TV remote is a convenient way to control your television without relying on the physical Siri Remote.

Whether you’ve misplaced your remote, the battery is dead, or you simply don’t want to get up from the sofa, the built-in Apple TV Remote makes it easy to navigate your Apple TV, control playback, and use supported voice features.

The setup is simple: connect your devices to the same Wi-Fi network, open Control Center, select Apple TV Remote, and pair your iPhone or iPad with the Apple TV.

Once connected, you have a virtual Apple TV remote right in your hands.

How to Use Your iPhone or iPad as an Apple TV Remote (2026 Guide)