Pair, reset and fix the Siri Remote

A working remote is your only way into Billboard's on-device controls, so keep the Siri Remote paired and charged. This guide covers pairing a remote, resetting one that's playing up, 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 its on-screen controls all need a working remote:

• Open the on-screen menu: press Back. Reload, disconnect, plan and privacy live there.
• Exit the app: from the slideshow, press Back three times. The first opens the menu, the second closes it, the third exits to the Home screen.

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

Still stuck?

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