How to Use iPhone as Remote for Apple TV? [4-step Guide]

How to use iPhone as Apple TV remote? Have you thought about this question? Although Apple TV has its real physical remote, the Siri remote will cost $59 and the situation that Apple TV remote not working might happen sometimes. Fortunately, there is a way to control your Apple TV remote without any cost: use your iPhone as the Apple TV remote. Now let’s explore the way to control your Apple TV without a remote. Plus, you can also learn how to use Android devices to control Apple TV through an Apple TV Remote app.

Use iPhone as Apple TV Remote

How to control Apple TV with iPhone? In fact, both the iPhone and iPad can be used as an Apple Remote. Here we take the iPhone as an example to show you how to turn your iPhone into an Apple TV remote.

Check iOS Version

For frequent iOS version upgrades, different versions have different operating ways, so you should check your iOS version first.

How to find your iOS version:

Step 1. Open the Settings app and tap General.

Step 2. Tap the About at the top of the General page.

Step 3. Check the current iOS version.

If you have an iPhone with iOS 12 or later, or an iPad with iPadOS 13 or later, Apple TV Remote will be automatically activated when connecting with Apple TV. However, if you have an older iOS mobile device, you need to activate the Apple TV Remote manually from Settings.

Add Apple TV Remote

You can find the Apple TV Remote feature in the Control Center of your iPhone. If you don’t see it there, you need to start by adding it.

How to add Apple TV Remote:

Step 1. Go to Settings and Control Center.

Step 2. Find the Apple TV Remote to add to your Control Center by tapping the green plus button.

Step 3. When it is added to the included controls successfully, the Apple TV Remote will be like this. Then you can find it in the Control Center.

Connect iPhone to Apple TV

After ensuring that Apple TV Remote is in the Control Center, you can swipe to open Control Center and tap the icon to connect your Apple TV.

How to connect to Apple TV:

Step 1. Open the Control Center by swiping down from the up-right corner screen. Or swipe up from the bottom of the screen if your iOS mobile device is iOS 11 or older.

Step 2. Tap the Apple TV Remote icon from the Control Center interface.

Step 3. Choose your Apple TV from the list and then enter a four-digit code shown on your Apple TV into your iPhone.

Control Apple TV With iPhone

When the steps above are finished, the connected interface will look like this. You can use iPhone as Apple TV Remote to control your Apple TV. Moreover, referring to this introduction image, you can control the buttons to stream what you want to enjoy.

Use Android as Apple TV Remote

Maybe you also have Android devices or your families are using Android devices, and you want to know how to control Apple TV through Android devices, then there is a way provided.

This app provided by BoostVision, is designed for Android users who have an Apple TV. Through a wireless connection, you can acquire a smooth control experience. Universal Apple TV Remote App not only offers a built-in touchpad, but it supplies universal compatibility to different Apple TV models, including Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K(1st/2nd/3rd Gen).

How to use Universal Apple TV Remote App:

Step 1. Download the App from the app store and install it, then allow its permissions.

Step 2. Make sure that your Android device is connected to the same Wi-Fi as the Apple TV, then find your Apple TV from the device list to connect to.

Step 3. When the steps above are finished, it means the TV Remote control is ready to use!

To Sum Up

It’s not difficult to use iPhone as Apple TV Remote, isn’t it? From the post, there is also a way for Android users to control Apple TV Remote without a real physical remote. Meanwhile, a virtual remote can help you when the physical remote might not work sometimes or you can’t find it. Consequently, no matter what operating system you use, the virtual remote is a wonderful way to control your Apple TV Remote. Hoping this blog can create a more easy-to-use visual experience for you.

How to Use iPhone as Apple TV Remote FAQ

Q: How do I control my Apple TV without the remote?

Besides the physical remote, you can control Apple TV through virtual remotes. If you are an iOS mobile device user, the Apple TV Remote feature in the Control Center is provided. If you are an Android mobile user, the Apple TV Remote app explored by BoostVision is provided.

Q: Why is my Apple TV remote not working?

The issue always involves the remote with no power or the version of your remote is old, so you are supposed to charge your remote for 30 minutes or update your remote and then try it again.

If the remote still does not work, please try to restart it by pressing the TV/ Control Center button and the Volume Down button together until the status light on Apple TV turns off and on again. Then release these buttons and wait for a Connection Lost notification to restart your remote.

Or try to repair your remote to Apple TV. Point your remote at the Apple TV and press the Back/Menu Button and Volume Up button to repair.