Apple TV doesn’t have physical buttons, so you need a remote to turn the device on or off. If the Apple TV remote is lost or broken unexpectedly, you are supposed to know how to control the device using other methods. This guide showcases the guidelines for switching on your Apple TV using remote alternatives.
Do I Need to Turn On Apple TV Every Time?
No. If you connect your Apple TV to your TV for the first time using an HDMI cable, the Apple TV will turn on by itself. In case you press the Power button on the Apple TV remote while it runs, the device will switch off and run in standby mode. During this time, you must turn on your Apple TV manually by pressing the Power button again.
Use the IR Remote App to Turn On Apple TV
If your Apple TV does not turn on automatically when it is connected to a power supply and if you don’t have a remote, you can use IR remote apps. These IR remote apps can work only on Android smartphones having a built-in IR blaster. Unlike the official Apple TV Remote app, these apps don’t require WiFi. Some of the IR remote apps to control your Apple TV are as follows.
- Remote for Apple TV (Technoskip) – Get the app from the Play Store.
- Remote for Apple TV (WeWish) – Get the app from the Play Store.
- TV (Apple) Remote Control – Get the app from the Play Store.
After the installation, run the IR remote app on your phone and choose a remote. Then, you can turn on your Apple TV by pressing the Power icon in the app.
Power On Apple TV Using Apple TV Remote App
If you are an iPhone or iPad user, you can power up your Apple TV using the remote app only when it is in sleep mode. However, to turn on your Apple TV using the app, your Apple TV should be already paired with the remote app.
To make this work, connect your Apple TV to WiFi, which must be on the same network as your iPhone. Then, swipe down the control center on your iPhone and tap Remote. If the remote is unavailable in the Control Center, go to Settings → Control Center → Add Apple TV Remote.
Once you launch the remote app, choose your Apple TV. A passcode will appear on the Apple TV screen. You need to enter the code on your iPhone to pair your Apple TV. Head to Settings on Apple TV → Remotes → Tap iPhone → Enter the Passcode → Tap Done. Now, the remote interface will appear on your iPhone. Press the Power icon in the remote interface to switch on your Apple TV.
Turn On Apple TV Using the HDMI-CEC Feature
In addition to using remote apps, you can turn on your Apple TV using TV. For this to work, enable the HDMI-CEC feature on your TV by checking the user manual. Similarly, turn on HDMI-CEC on your Apple TV. To do this, head to Settings → select Remotes and Devices → Turn on Control TVs and Receivers.
After turning on the HDMI-CEC feature on both devices, connect your Apple TV to the HDMI-CEC-enabled port on your TV via the HDMI cable. Now, when you turn on your TV, your Apple TV box will also turn on by matching the power state.
FAQ
If your Apple TV is not powering on, it might be due to a loose connection. Unplug the power cord and HDMI cable and plug them firmly to fix the issue.