To add the Apple TV Remote to Control Center on iPhone, open Control Center (swipe down from the top-right corner), touch and hold an empty area, tap Add a Control, and choose Apple TV Remote. That’s the method on iOS 18 and later. On iOS 17 and earlier, go to Settings > Control Center and tap the green + next to Apple TV Remote. Then tap the remote button in Control Center, pick your Apple TV or compatible smart TV, and enter the code shown on the TV the first time.
Here are the steps for each iOS version, what the remote can do, and fixes if your TV doesn’t show up.
How to add the Apple TV Remote on iOS 18 and later
- Swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center. On an iPhone with a Home button, swipe up from the bottom.
- Touch and hold an empty spot, or tap the + in the top-left corner.
- Tap Add a Control.
- Search for or scroll to Apple TV Remote and tap it.
- Drag it where you want, then tap an empty area to finish.
How to add it on iOS 17 and earlier
- Open Settings > Control Center.
- Under More Controls, tap the green + next to Apple TV Remote.
- Drag the handle to change its position.
How to connect to your TV
- Make sure your iPhone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open Control Center and tap the Apple TV Remote button.
- Tap the device name at the top and choose your Apple TV or smart TV.
- If asked, enter the four-digit code shown on the TV.
Which TVs work?
- Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD: Full support.
- Older Apple TV (3rd generation): Limited support, depending on software.
- AirPlay 2–compatible smart TVs from brands like Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio: Many work with the remote for basic controls. Support varies by model.
How to use the remote
- Swipe on the touch area to move, and tap to select.
- Use the on-screen buttons for Back, TV/Home, Play/Pause, and Siri (hold the Siri button).
- Use your iPhone’s volume buttons to change the TV or speaker volume, if your setup supports it.
- Use your iPhone’s keyboard to type in search boxes on the TV. A notification appears automatically when a text field is active.
- Tap the power icon (on newer versions) to put the Apple TV to sleep.
Remote not working?
- TV not listed: Check both devices are on the same Wi-Fi, not a guest network. Restart the Apple TV and your iPhone.
- Signed-in accounts: On Apple TV, the remote works best when both devices use the same Apple Account, but it isn’t required once paired.
- Update software: Update iOS in Settings > General > Software Update, and tvOS in the Apple TV’s Settings.
- Volume buttons don’t work: They control volume only if the Apple TV is set to control your TV or receiver via HDMI-CEC or IR.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an Apple TV Remote app?
Apple removed the standalone Apple TV Remote app from the App Store. The remote is now built into iOS and iPadOS through Control Center.
Can I use the remote on iPad?
Yes. The same steps work on iPad.
Can I control Apple TV from the Lock Screen?
Yes. Control Center works from the Lock Screen unless you’ve turned off Control Center under Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Allow Access When Locked.
How do I remove it from Control Center?
Touch and hold Control Center and tap the minus sign on the remote button (iOS 18), or tap the red minus in Settings > Control Center (iOS 17 and earlier).
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.