There might be some situations where due to forgetfulness or a technical problem, you need to configure Apple TV and connect it to WiFi without the Apple Remote. The good news is that not only is it possible, but the solution has always been in your hands, here’s how to solve it in a few moments. Check out this guide on how to set up Wifi on Apple TV without using a remote in detail below.
How to Connect Apple TV to WiFi Without a Remote (2023)
Apple remotes are convenient and simple to use, but also terribly easy to lose, and a similar problem also happens to those who always use Apple TV on the go, perhaps to make presentations on the fly. How to configure the set-top box with the Apple TV and connect it to the local wireless network, if you are temporarily without a remote control? Well, there are several solutions you can adopt, depending on the resources available. Here are all the most probable cases.
Connect Apple TV to Wifi with iPhones and iPads
In order for the trick to work, however, it is essential that there is at least one Ethernet connection to the router:
- Connect Apple TV with an Ethernet cable.
- Use the Apple TV Remote on iPhone and iPad to control Apple TV.
Every Apple smartphone and tablet can control Apple TV (and any AirPlay 2 compatible smart TV), with or without additional applications. With newer versions of iOS or iPadOS, the Apple TV Remote widget is automatically added to Control Center as soon as a compatible device is found:
- Open Control Center. To do this on iPhone X or later, or on an iPad with the latest version of iPadOS, swipe down from the upper-right corner of the screen. While on iPhone 8 or earlier, or on iOS 11 or earlier, swipe upwards from the bottom edge of the screen.
- Tap the Apple TV Remote.
- Select the Apple TV to select it in the list.
- Follow the onscreen instructions to enter a four-digit passcode on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
If this doesn’t appear in the Apple TV Remote Control Center, add it manually:
- On your iOS or iPadOS device, open Settings > Control Center, then tap “Customize controls”.
- Tap the “+” button next to Apple TV Remote in the “More Controls” list to add it to Control Center.
At this point you have gained control of the device, you can configure the WiFi as usual, then disconnect the Ethernet cable. You can even configure non-Apple remote controls if you wish.
Other Remotes
Although the latest generation Apple Remote uses Bluetooth to communicate with the base unit, both the remote control and the base itself support Infrared (IR) communication, and therefore also traditional remote controls. Thanks to this technical possibility, you can program Apple TV to learn how to use any remote control, even for other devices.
- Open Settings > Remotes and devices.
- Select Program Remote, then follow the on-screen instructions.
If available, you can also use other Apple remote controls, even if they are very old or dedicated to Mac, with some exceptions listed below:
- Apple TV 4K: You can use a Siri Remote (1st and 2nd generation), Apple TV Remote (1st and 2nd generation), or Apple Remote.
- Apple TV HD: You can use a Siri Remote (1st and 2nd generation), Apple TV Remote (1st and 2nd generation), or Apple Remote.
- Apple TV (3rd generation): Works only with the Apple Remote.
That is all you need to know about how to connect Apple TV to Wifi without a Remote. In the meantime, do not forget to check our similar types of Apple TV Guides here: Cancel Apple Arcade on Mac, iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV, and Get Apple TV+ for Free.
