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Apple TV remote volume buttons not working: Quick Fix

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There are a lot of streaming devices out there for all different kinds of needs, however, if you’re locked into the Apple ecosystem, you might want to pick an Apple TV. That said, as good as the user experience of the Apple TV is, it isn’t perfect and can run into occasional problems.

In this article, we’re talking about Apple TV volume not working, the reasons behind it and what you can do to fix the problem.


What causes this error?

There are a number of reasons why you might not be able to control the volume on your Apple TV via the given remote. Some common causes include:

  • The remote has dead or low batteries.ย 
  • Connectivity problems with Apple TV.
  • Hardware defects in the remote. 

Also read: Apple TV blinking light: 6 Fixes


How to fix this?

Here are nine fixes you can try out. 

Restart Apple TV

One of the first things you should do when diagnosing issues like these is to try and restart your device. Restarting your Apple TV requires heading into the settings, selecting System and then the Restart option within. This can fix seemingly random issues on your device, including any sound issues. 


Charge your remote

Low batteries on your Apple TV remote can also cause such problems. You can check your remote’s battery level by going to Settings and then selecting Remotes and Devices. If the battery is low, plug in your remote and leave it charging for at least 30 minutes before trying again.


Check for a blocked signal

TV remotes use IR signals that require a clear line of sight between the remote and the device itโ€™s operating. If thereโ€™s something like a wall or a piece of furniture between the TV and the remote, the remote isnโ€™t going to work. 

Check to see if there are any obstructions in between and that youโ€™re in the remoteโ€™s recommended range. If youโ€™re too far away, the remote wonโ€™t work either. 


Enable HDMI-CEC on your TV

If your TV supports HDMI-CEC, you should enable it to allow the Apple TV to talk to your TV over HDMI. This also bypasses any IR issues that might be interfering with your remote or Apple TV device. 


Re-pair the remote

Pairing issues between the remote and the TV can also cause problems. To re-pair your Apple TV and remote, press and hold the Menu and Volume Up button for at least five seconds. You might be asked to place your TV on top of the Apple TV. Proceed to do so and it should pair the remote. 


Update Apple TV

If your Apple TV is running an outdated OS version, that can also cause problems with other peripherals. Try updating it to the latest version to see if that fixes the problem. 

Step 1: Head over to Settings followed by System.

Step 2: Open Software Updates to check for any pending updates.

If an update is available, install it right away and restart your Apple TV to see if that fixed the problem. 


Reset Apple TV

Resetting your Apple TV to its factory default settings can also fix a bunch of issues. Hereโ€™s how.

Step 1: Power off the Apple TV and connect it to your PC using a USB cable before turning it back on again. 

Step 2: Once iTunes opens on your computer, click the Restore Apple TV option.

Step 3: Confirm the action by selecting Restore and Update.

Now wait for the process to complete and your Apple TV should be up and running in no time.


Use an iPhone or iPad instead

If you have an iPhone or iPad on the same WiFi network as the Apple TV, you can open the Control Center and tap the APple TV remote icon to use your device as an Apple TV remote. This doesn’t fix the problem with your remote, but works rather well as a temporary workaround. 


Contact Apple Support

If nothing else works, your best bet is to take the Apple TV device to an authorised Apple repair centre and have them fix the issue for you. You might also want to contact Apple TV support before turning your device in to see if they can fix the issue remotely. 

Also read: How to fix Apple TV no sound issue?  

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Yadullah Abidi

Yadullah is a Computer Science graduate who writes/edits/shoots/codes all things cybersecurity, gaming, and tech hardware. When he's not, he streams himself racing virtual cars. He's been writing and reporting on tech and cybersecurity with websites like Candid.Technology and MakeUseOf since 2018. You can contact him here: [email protected]

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