How To Use Apple TV Remote On iPhone

Ah, technology! It never ceases to amaze me how we can simplify the tasks that once seemed cumbersome. One such magic trick? Transforming your iPhone into an Apple TV remote. And trust me, once you do it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.

Why Use Your iPhone as a Remote?

Before we dive into the ‘how,’ let’s understand the ‘why.’

• Convenience: Misplaced your Apple TV remote? No worries, your iPhone’s got your back.
• Intuitive Typing: Typing with the Apple TV remote can be… let’s just say, a test of patience. Your iPhone’s keyboard? A breeze.
• Gesture Control: Swipe, tap, and play with more finesse.

Setting It Up: Getting Started

To truly appreciate the iPhone’s capability as an Apple TV remote, ensure you’ve laid the groundwork.

1. Ensure Compatibility: Your iPhone must run iOS 12 or later.
2. Wi-Fi Connection: Both your iPhone and Apple TV should be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Enabled: These should be active on your iPhone.
4. Apple ID Consistency: Ensure the same Apple ID is logged in on both devices.

Activating the Remote

You’re set up, so let’s get that remote running:

1. Swipe to Control Center: On an iPhone X or later, swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen. On an iPhone 8 or earlier, swipe up from the bottom edge.
2. Locate the Remote Icon: Find the Apple TV remote icon and tap on it.
3. Choose your Apple TV: If it’s your first time, tap on ‘Apple TV’ or the name of your device, and enter the 4-digit code that appears on your TV screen into your iPhone.
4. Voila! You’re now controlling your Apple TV with your iPhone.

Navigating with Your iPhone

Here’s where things get fun:

• Swipe: Just as you’d swipe on your physical remote, do so on your iPhone to navigate the Apple TV interface.
• Tap: To select an app or option, simply tap.
• Play/Pause: On the remote interface, tap the play/pause button to do so.
• Menu & Home: To access the menu, tap the menu button. Need to head to the main screen? Press and hold the menu button.

Note: If your iPhone locks, simply unlock it and head back to the Control Center to access the remote.

Advanced Features and Tips for the Apple TV Remote on iPhone

Using the Keyboard on Your iPhone

One of the truly marvelous features when using your iPhone as a remote is the ability to type using your iPhone’s keyboard. This is especially useful for searching titles or inputting passwords.

• When a text field appears on the Apple TV, your iPhone will automatically prompt you to use its keyboard.
• If you’re like me, and you find the Apple TV’s on-screen keyboard tedious, I recommend using the iPhone’s keyboard to cut down on search time significantly.

Using 3D Touch or Haptic Touch

On iPhones that support 3D Touch or Haptic Touch, you can press hard on the remote’s touch surface to fast-forward, rewind, or get additional options.

• Fast Forward & Rewind: While content is playing, press firmly and drag to the left or right.
• Chapter Selection: For content that supports chapters, press hard and then tap the chapter you want.

Gaming with the iPhone Remote

Did you know that your iPhone can double up as a game controller for Apple TV?

• Accelerometer & Gyroscope: Games that rely on motion controls can use your iPhone’s built-in sensors for a more immersive experience.
• Swipe & Tap: Navigate through game menus with the usual swipe and tap gestures.

Personal Insight: As someone who occasionally indulges in Apple TV games, I find the iPhone’s touch controls more responsive than the regular Apple TV remote. I recommend trying a game of Crossy Road or any other casual title to experience it firsthand.

Customizing the Remote Interface

You might not know this, but Apple allows a certain level of customization for the remote interface on your iPhone:

1. Adjust the Tracking Speed: If you feel the swipe gestures move too fast or too slow, you can adjust the tracking speed. Head to Settings on your Apple TV > Remotes and Devices > Touch Surface Tracking and select your preferred speed.
2. Switching Between Apple TVs: If you have multiple Apple TVs at home, you can easily switch between them from your iPhone. Just tap on the name of your current Apple TV at the top of the remote interface, and select another from the dropdown list.

Note: Keep an eye out for software updates. Apple consistently refines its ecosystem, and newer versions might introduce more customization options.

Maintaining Security

Using your iPhone as a remote is convenient, but you might wonder about the security implications.

• Secure with Apple ID: Your Apple TV and iPhone need to be signed into the same Apple ID, ensuring that only trusted devices can take control.

Personal Tip: Always use a strong, unique password for your Apple ID. If your iPhone offers Face ID or Touch ID, enable it for an added layer of protection.

Remote App vs. Control Center

Before the integration of the Apple TV remote into the Control Center, there was the Apple TV Remote app. If you still have it:

• Consider Removing It: The Control Center version offers a more seamless experience and reduces clutter on your home screen.
• Syncing: The app version required manual syncing with the Apple TV, whereas the Control Center counterpart is more intuitive and quicker.

I recommend transitioning fully to the Control Center version if you haven’t already. It’s just a simpler, more integrated experience.

Personal Insights and Recommendations

From my experience:

• Don’t Forget Siri: Press and hold the Siri button on the remote interface to use voice commands. It’s a game-changer. I recommend using it to quickly find your favorite shows or launch apps.
• Adjust the Settings: Under ‘Settings’ on your Apple TV, head to ‘Remotes and Devices’ to tweak sensitivity or customize controls.
• Volume Control: If you’re using a compatible television, you can even adjust the volume with your iPhone. A simple swipe up or down on the volume icon should do the trick.

Conclusion

Harnessing your iPhone as an Apple TV remote provides a seamless, intuitive experience. It amalgamates two devices you love, making entertainment more accessible and fun. If you’ve been sticking to your physical remote, now’s the time to make that switch. Happy viewing!

FAQs

Can I use other devices as an Apple TV remote?

Yes, you can use iPads with the same procedure or use Apple Watch by accessing its dedicated remote app.

I can’t connect my iPhone to the Apple TV, what do I do?

Ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on your iPhone, and both devices are logged into the same Apple ID. If issues persist, restart both devices.