tvOS / Apple TV Media Remote Protocol
Apple TV remote on iPhone: pairing code setup
Select a compatible Apple TV in TVRemoteX while both devices are on the same home network, then enter the current code shown by the television when requested. Navigation, keyboard, wake and media casting are separate capabilities and may differ by device and software version. Exact support still depends on the TV model and software version; check the manual for your model if a step does not match.
Download TVRemoteX
Applicable scope
Brands and product families
Use another guide when the TV runs
Connection steps
Keep the TV awake, then select it in TVRemoteX
Leave the TV on its Home screen, open TVRemoteX, start discovery and choose the matching device name. Do not approve a request you did not initiate.
Enter Apple TV's current code
Start pairing in TVRemoteX and enter the fresh code shown by the television. Apple TV 4K/HD and older generations can present the code differently, so follow the prompt on the device in front of you.
Verify control before relying on advanced features
Test Home, Back and one volume command first. Keyboard, app launch, wake and casting are separate capabilities and may not be exposed by the selected route.
TV settings
Menu names and feature availability can vary by model, region and software version.
Settings > Remotes and Devices > Remote App and DevicesAppleOptional technical detailsProtocol names and software-generation differences are kept here for advanced troubleshooting. Most people can follow the connection steps above without using this section.
Differences by model and software
Menu names and feature availability can vary by model, region and software version.
TV-generated PIN; start a new session if it expires.
Follow the on-screen four-digit code flowOlder vendor protocol with narrower capabilities and model-specific setup.
Apple documents a different direction for entering the four-digit passcodeCast receiver route only; no D-pad remote is claimed.
Media destination is not a full Apple TV remote routeSymptoms and fixes
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| The TV does not appear | Local Network permission, guest Wi-Fi, VPN or client isolation is blocking discovery. | Enable iOS Local Network access, use the same non-guest LAN, pause the VPN and rescan with the TV awake. |
| The pairing code is rejected | The code expired, belongs to an earlier session or was entered incorrectly. | Close the old dialog, start pairing again and follow the current prompts exactly. |
| Connected, but buttons do nothing | The TV accepted discovery but blocks third-party control, selected a limited route, or is showing a protected screen. | Check the platform's network-control setting, return to Home and test basic navigation before advanced commands. |
| Power off works but wake does not | Deep standby disabled network wake, the TV lost Wi-Fi, or this connection method does not support wake. | If your model offers a network or mobile-device wake setting, enable it. Otherwise turn on the TV with its physical remote and reconnect. |
| Keyboard input is unavailable | The active route does not expose text input or the TV is not focused in an editable field. | Open a search or sign-in text field on the TV, then retry. Use the on-TV keyboard when the route remains unavailable. |
| An app shortcut is missing or will not open | The TV did not report that app, the app is not installed, or its identifier differs by model or region. | Install and open the app once on the TV, refresh the app list, and do not assume a shortcut exists on every region. |
| A photo works but a video does not | The receiver cannot fetch or decode that media format, or protected streaming content blocks redistribution. | Try a common local file on the same LAN. Use the streaming app's own AirPlay/Cast control for protected services. |
Manufacturer help
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