Pair, reset and fix the Siri Remote

A working remote is how you reach Billboard's on-device controls, so it's worth keeping the Siri Remote paired and charged. This guide covers pairing a remote, resetting one that's misbehaving, and reviving one that won't respond at all.

Know your remote

There are two remote styles, and the button combinations below differ slightly between them:

• The newer Siri Remote (2021 and later) has a Back button.
• The older Siri Remote / Apple TV Remote has a Menu button.

On both, the volume buttons sit on the right edge, with the TV/Control Centre button just below them.

Pair a remote

1. Hold the remote about 3 inches (8 cm) from the front of the Apple TV.
2. Press and hold the Back button (or Menu on older remotes) and the Volume Up button together for about 5 seconds.
3. If asked, rest the remote on top of the Apple TV to finish pairing.

To confirm it worked, press any button — a Remote Connected message appears on screen.

Tip: if pairing doesn't take, unplug the Apple TV from power, wait about 6 seconds, plug it back in, then try again.

Apple's full guide: Pair the Apple TV remote.

Reset a remote that's misbehaving

If the remote is connected but not responding properly, reset it:

1. Press and hold the TV/Control Centre button and the Volume Down button together for about 5 seconds.
2. Wait until the Apple TV's status light turns off and then on again.
3. Pair the remote again using the steps above.

Revive an unresponsive remote

A flat battery is a common cause of a remote that seems dead. The newer Siri Remote has a rechargeable battery:

1. Charge it for about 30 minutes with a USB-C or Lightning cable and a USB power adapter.
2. Try the remote again.

If it's still unresponsive after charging, work through Apple's checklist: If your Siri Remote isn't working.

Why this matters for Billboard

Billboard is locked down so it isn't closed by accident, and both of its escape hatches need a working remote:

• Open on-device settings: press Play/Pause three times quickly.
• Exit the app: press Back/Menu five times quickly.

See The Billboard app on Apple TV for what those controls do.

Still stuck?

Email us at support@getbillboard.app and we'll help.