3 Ways to Set up Apple TV Without remote

Apple TV boasts many functionalities, including its Siri remote. The Siri remote enables you to navigate your streaming device and allows you to perform other tasks like selecting titles, scrolling through playlists, among others.

As a portable and small-sized device, the remote makes for easy handling. Sometimes, it can get lost within the home, leaving you stranded and controlling your Apple TV a hard chore. So, how can you control your Apple TV without a remote? No worries! We’ve got you covered! Below are ways to set up Apple TV without a remote.

Setting up your Apple TV

While there are different ways to set up your Apple TV, you have to make sure your Apple TV is connected to your television via an HDMI cable or other supporting cord. Furthermore, your Apple TV must be switched on. Let’s consider the setting up options.

How to set up your Apple TV using a Bluetooth Keyboard 

After a factory reset or Apple TV set up for the first time, allow the TV to boot before setting up your Bluetooth device. Once the screen loads, proceed to pair your Bluetooth with your Apple TV.

To support the pairing mode and aid visibility of the device, let the Bluetooth keyboard be within close range with the Apple TV. Once Apple TV finds your Bluetooth, a pairing code will be shown on the TV. Enter the code on your keyword to complete the pairing process.

Check your TV screen for a keyboard symbol. This symbol indicates that both devices are paired, and you can now use the keyboard to navigate through the menu. 

Press the enter button to select and the arrow keys for navigation. During the setup, you might be required to select a country and language. Furthermore, you’re given an option of choosing Siri and dictation like the regular Siri remote.

Set up your WiFi and Apple ID. You can use your keyboard or Apple phone to set up your ID and network. Preferably, if you have an ioS device, it’s best you use it since it will save you the hassle of typing a long WiFi password and Apple ID.

The setup process may require you to enter some passwords, analytics, etc. Once the setup is completed, you’ll be redirected to the home screen. You’ll see all your apps on the home screen. Proceed to log into your accounts using the keyboard.

How to set up your Apple TV using your iPhone

A control centre widget for iOS 12 and newer models will be activated automatically once the device is connected to a WiFi network. The control center widget enables you to control Apple TV. Older Apple versions don’t have Apple Remote; hence you’ll need to add the control widget manually. 

  • Go to settings and select Control Centre. Navigate to Control Menu. 
  • Select the + button close to the Apple TV. This adds the TV remote control to the Centre. 
  • Scroll through the Control Centre and tap on the remote icon. This opens the remote panel, and you can begin the setup.
  • If you’re using the Apple TV for the first time and multiple Apple TVs are connected to the same network, scroll through the list of devices and select your Apple TV.
  • Enter a 4-digit code shown on the screen. This confirms that your Apple TV has been set up.

Here’s how to set up your Apple TV on WiFi.

  • Connect Apple TV to the internet using an Ethernet cable. Ensure your Apple TV and cable is within close range.
  • Go to Settings and select Network.
  • Then choose WiFi.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

When connecting your Apple TV to WiFi, ensure:

  • Your iPhone is updated to the latest version.
  • You have signed in to iCloud. Also, make sure you have set your two-factor authentication for your Apple ID.
  • Your Bluetooth is turned on and connected to WiFi.

How to Setup Apple TV using a remote app

Like the Siri remote, the remote app offers many functionalities, from touch-based navigation to the play/pause buttons. The remote app doubles as a digital keyboard and gamepad. Here’s how to pair your Apple TV with the remote app.

  • Download the Apple TV remote app to your phone.
  • Switch on your Apple TV
  • Open the Apple TV remote app
  • Click on Add Apple TV 
  • Enter the pairing code shown on your TV screen, and your remote is all ready for navigation.
  • Consider adding your Remote app to the control centre. To add the app to your control panel, go to settings and select Control Centre.
  • Click + button to add Remote app to the Control Centre

Understanding the Apple TV remote interface

The Apple TV remote interface has a large touch area for easy navigation to the left, right, up and down. This area allows you to scroll through apps, lists and content on Apple TV. Extra features get displayed within the touch area when watching a movie or show.

Other additional controls include the microphone button, search button, keyboard button, menu button, play/pause button, etc. Located within the left corner of the interface is the play/pause button, which allows you to pause and resume content on Apple TV.

With the microphone button, you can activate Siri and control your Apple TV through voice commands. If you’re looking for content, you can press the Search button, which in turn activates the Keyboard button to enter your search query in the provided space.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I connect my Apple TV to WiFi without a remote?

Switch on your Bluetooth and WiFi on your Apple device. Swipe down to display the control center. Scroll through and select the remote icon to activate the Apple TV remote. To connect to WiFi, go to Settings and click on General. Select Network, then WiFi.

Can I control my Apple TV without the remote?

Yes, you can. You can control your Apple TV with your iPad, remote app and iPhone.