This article explains all you have to know about the Apple TV Remote and the Remote App for iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. There are a lot of gesture based functions that you may not already know.
Tips and tricks for the included Apple TV Remote
Different Models of the Apple TV Remote
For the beginning, let’s have a look at the different versions of the Apple Remote Control.
- The Siri Remote / Apple TV Remote (from the the 4K and HD generation; it’s called Siri Remote in the countries that support Siri)
- The silver Apple Remote (from the 2nd and 3rd generation)
- The white Apple Remote (from the 1st generation
The older Remote Control are compatible with others Apple TVs (with the lack of some options). The Sire Remote (Apple TV Remote) is exclusively for 4K/HD.
Quickly switch between open Apps
If you want to switch quickly between open apps, simply double-tap the home button and all open apps will appear. Now, you can swipe right and left between the apps.
You can also close an App, if you swipe up on the Remote.
Change the audio output
On the home screen, hold the Play/Pause button. A menu will appear, where you can select the device (for instance a HomePod).
Sleep mode
Press and hold the Home button for some seconds, the sleep option will appear on your screen and asks you “Sleep now?”.
Reboot your Apple TV
You can reboot your Apple TV holding the Menu Button and Home button at the same time (for at least 7 seconds).
Activate the Screensaver
To activate the Screensaver, double-tap the Menu Button from the Home screen.
Rearrange and delete Apps
Rearrange or delete Apps on your Apple TV should be also very familiar if your are an iPhone user: Simply long-press on the touch surface of the Remote, until the app starts to shake. Then you can move it around.
If you move an app above another, a folder is created.
If you press the Play/Pause Button, further options will appear (like deleting an app).
Text input: Quick Backspace
If you write something on your Apple (like a search term) and make an error, you don’t have to swipe all the way to the backspace button. There’s a shortcut: Long-press on the touch surface, until the alternate character menu appears. There you can swipe left to erase the previous character.
Text input: Lowercase and Uppercase
You can switch between uppercase and lowercase by pressing the Play/Pause Button.
The Remote App for iPhone and iPad
If you want to use the iOS App, here are the requirements:
- You need in iOS-Device with iOS 9.3.2 or newer
- Apple TV 4th generation with tvOS 9.2.1 or newer
- Apple TV 3rd generation with Apple TV Software 7.2.1
- Apple TV 2nd generation with Apple TV Software 6.2.1
