If you’re using iOS 12 or later the Apple TV Remote is automatically added to the Control Center of your iOS device. This version works with Apple TV 4th generation or Apple TV 4K. If you’re hanging on to an older Apple TV, download the free iTunes Remote app in the App Store and manually add it, which requires the Apple TV remote control. Download the app and pair it with your Apple TV before your remote is lost or runs out of battery.
Preparing to Use the iTunes Remote App
Before pairing your Apple TV with the iTunes Remote app make sure that both your Apple TV and your mobile device are running the most current version of their respective software.
Pairing iTunes Remote App With iOS Devices
If your iOS device runs iOS 11 or earlier, download the iTunes Remote app from the App Store on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Then you’re ready to set up your Apple TV to work with your device.
Make sure both your Apple TV and your iOS device using the iTunes Remote app are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Use the Apple TV remote control to turn on your Apple TV. Open the iTunes Remote app on your device and select Add Apple TV. Tap the name of the Apple TV that you want to add to the iTunes Remote app. Apple TVs on your network appear by name, which was assigned at setup. Your Apple TV displays a four-digit code on your television, which you enter into the screen that automatically appears on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch, to pair the devices.
Using the Apple TV Remote App
Now that your Apple TV is paired to your mobile device you’re ready to use the Remote app to control access to your Apple TV content.
Launch the iTunes Remote app (iOS 11 and earlier) or the Apple Remote app in the Control Center (iOS 12 and later). Select the Apple TV that you want to control from the iTunes Remote app screen. Use your touch screen to navigate to some content and use the Menu and Play/Pause buttons to play it. Select the ? (question mark) icon at the top right for help using the navigation screen. Select Done in the top right corner to access the More menu and navigate to your iTunes content. In the More menu you can select from shortcuts at the bottom to access your Playlists, Artists, Albums or return to the Control touch screen of the app.
Using the black Control screen is essentially the same as using the latest Apple TV remotes that come with the 4K version. The Remote app is an upgrade from older Apple TV remotes, allowing quicker scrolling and easier navigation.
Benefits of the Apple TV Remote App
The remote that comes with an Apple TV is, as most Apple products are, sleek and attractive. It is also prone to sliding between couch cushions or being misplaced due to its small size. Having the Remote app on at least one Apple iOS device means that when your normal remote is missing, you’ll still have a way to use your Apple TV.
Older Apple TV remotes use small button batteries, which are easily replaced but not something most people keep on hand. A dead remote means no Apple TV, so owners of older versions can really benefit from the app. The more recent Remote app doesn’t require line-of-sight visibility to your Apple TV box, which older Apple TV remotes need. This is great if your media is stored in a cabinet or behind your TV. It’s also super handy for parents to be able to pause or start a show for their kids from another room.
The Remote App has one more huge benefit over the physical remotes that come with your Apple TV: When you need to enter text, the app provides a keyboard. No more scrolling across to select letters one at a time when you’re trying to sign into a streaming app!
