[Solved] Apple TV Remote Not Turning on TV in 2024

Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD remotes can be configured to control TV power, which enables you not to switch remotes. However, many people reported that Apple TV remotes didn’t turn on or off their TVs. Why is the Apple TV remote not turning on TV? How to turn on TV with Apple TV remote again? Follow the troubleshooting guide to find the reasons and solutions.

Before applying the following solutions to Apple TV remote not controlling TV power, make sure that your Apple TV remote has enough power to send commands. If its battery almost drains out, charge your Apple TV remote at once.

Fix 1. Enable CEC

Through a round investigation, we found that the Apple TV remote power button not working might be down to an issue within the CEC function on Apple TV and TV.

CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) is a feature that enables devices (like Apple TV and Samsung TV) connected via HDMI to communicate with each other.

On Apple TV, HDMI-CEC lets you control your TV using the Apple TV remote. This means you can turn on your TV and switch to the Apple TV input automatically when you start using the Apple TV, as well as control the volume and power of your TV without needing to use multiple remotes.

As stated, you need to ensure that CEC is enabled on your Apple TV and TV:

On Apple TV:

Step 1. Choose the Settings app on your Apple TV.

Step 2. Go to Remotes and Devices.

Step 3. Navigate down to the Home Theater Control section and select Control TVs and Receivers (if you have a receiver) or Turn On Your TV with Your Remote (if you don’t have a receiver.)

On the TV:

Refer to your TV manual to enable CEC on your TV. The CEC has different names on TVs of different brands. Here are some examples:

• LG: SimpLink
• Philips: EasyLink
• Samsung: Anynet+
• Sharp: Aquos Link
• Sony: BRAVIA Sync

Fix 2. Switch HDMI Port

“I know this is old but I just wanted to add that this also worked for me on a Sony TV and changed to HMDI 3 instead of HDMI 1.”

If your Apple TV remote doesn’t turn on TV after enabling CEC on both devices, make sure that the HDMI port your Apple TV is connected to supports CEC. Not all HDMI ports on a smart TV may support CEC. It’s best to consult your TV’s manual to confirm which ports on your TV support CEC functionality.

Fix 3. Replug the Devices

When the issue of Apple remote not turning on TV happens, unplug and replug your Apple TV and TV. During the restarting process, temporary glitches that cause the issue will be removed.

Step 1. Unplug the power cord from your Apple TV remote for a few minutes and re-plug it back.

Step 2. Unplug your TV from the outlet and keep it unplugged for a few seconds.

Fix 4. Update Firmware

Outdated firmware can affect Apple TV’s ability to control your TV’s power and other functions. Hence, keeping your devices’ firmware updated ensures compatibility with features like HDMI-CEC.

Follow your TV manual to update your TV’s firmware to the latest version. To update firmware on Apple TV, you can perform the steps listed below.

Step 1. Navigate to Settings > System > Software Updates and choose Update Software.

Step 2. Choose Download and Install.

Step 3. Wait for your Apple TV to complete the update, during which keep the device connected and plugged into power.

Fix 5. Turn Off the TV by Apple TV Remote

You can control your TV power without a remote if you have the Universal TV Remote app designed by BoostVision. Once you connect the app to your Apple TV, tap the power button provided by the app; then, your TV will power off.

The End

Apple TV remote won’t turn on TV if the CEC feature is set improperly. So first check if CEC is enabled on your Apple TV and TV. Plus, you need to ensure that the HDMI port your Apple TV is connected to supports CEC. Then, try to unplug and replug the two devices and update their firmware to sort out the issue. If none of the above solutions restore the TV power control from your Apple TV remote, consult your TV manufacturer for more help.

Apple TV Remote Not Turning on TV FAQ

Q: How do I get my Apple TV Remote to control my TV volume?

1. On Apple TV, go to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Home Theater Control > Volume Control.
2. Choose Auto (choose this option to automatically pick the most compatible volume-control method based on your devices), HDMI (choose this option if your TV supports both HDMI-CEC and volume control over CEC), or TV via IR (choose this option if your TV uses an IR remote but doesn’t support HDMI-CEC).

Q: Why is my Apple TV Remote no longer working?

• Low battery
• Interference from other devices
• Pairing issues
• Temporary glitches on the Apple TV and remote
• Software issues on the Apple TV