It’s a pretty common predicament – losing your remote. Perhaps it’s been misplaced, swallowed by the gaps of your sofa, or abandoned somewhere distant.
Here’s something I’ve discovered: It’s smarter to figure out how to operate your Apple TV without needing its remote, reducing your dependence on it.
Constantly losing the remote actually led me and my family to experiment with various options, finally finding that Apple TV could be connected to Wi-Fi even without the remote.
Spoiler alert: there are several simple methods that make it a breeze. No sweat on your part.
Let me share with you the tricks that I learned.
The Clever Fix:
Plug an ethernet cable to the Apple TV. Then, use the Apple TV remote app on your iOS device to navigate the Apple TV and connect it via Wi-Fi.
Preparing: What You Need Before Starting
The easiest way to connect your Apple TV to the Wi-Fi without a remote is to have an Apple TV remote app and an ethernet cable.
The Apple TV remote app in itself can hook up your Apple TV to Wi-Fi and be used as a short-term or even long-term remote substitute. But, if you have a spare traditional remote or a Bluetooth keyboard laying around, we can use those as your interim remote stand-ins too.
Keep scrolling for a thorough guide on how to get your Apple TV connected to Wi-Fi using these alternatives.
How to connect Apple TV to wifi without remote
As mentioned, you have plenty of options to connect your Apple TV to Wi-Fi without the remote. Here are your options:
Method 1: Ethernet cable + Apple TV remote app
I felt a jolt of excitement when I spotted the built-in ethernet port on my Apple TV.
That’s because this little port is your gateway to connecting your Apple TV to the network, bypassing the need for a Wi-Fi password.
The beauty of it is, once you connect an ethernet cable into an ethernet port on a device, it will automatically jump onto the Wi-Fi – it’s as simple as that!
Your Apple TV will do the same once it’s linked via an ethernet connection.
Here’s the detailed guide on what you need to do:
- Plug an ethernet cable on to the Apple TV.
- Ensure that your iPhone/iPad and Apple TV are connected to the same network.
- Open the Apple TV remote app on your iPhone/iPad
- Choose the Apple TV you want to connect to.
- Use the Apple TV remote app to go to Settings > Network > Wi-Fi.
- Enter the network credentials.
Once it’s connected, you can unplug the ethernet cable from the Apple TV and start using your iPhone or iPad as if it were the actual remote.
Want quick access to the Apple TV remote app?
Luckily, the Apple TV remote app can be added to the Control Center for quicker access.
Here’s how to do that:
- On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Control Center.
- Tap the Add button next to Apple TV Remote.
You’ll know you’ve successfully added the Apple TV remote app when you spot a remote icon in your Control Center. You can launch it whenever necessary.
Method 2: Connect a spare remote
You will still need an ethernet cable and Apple TV remote app in this method.
The only difference would be you will be able to use a spare remote as your permanent/temporary substitute to your Apple TV remote, instead of your iOS device.
Perhaps you have a spare remote from an old DVD player or TV? Or maybe you’ve purchased an Apple TV before and you have its remote stock on your cabinet somewhere?
We cannot glue our iPhone to our living room, right? So, using a spare standard or universal remote can be a brilliant alternative.
Think of this as a semi-permanent fix that’s perfect for different scenarios, such as when you’re waiting for a replacement remote to arrive or when you can’t make the trip to a physical store to grab a new one.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Plug the ethernet cable into the Apple TV.
- Open your Apple TV remote app.
- Connect the spare remote to your Apple TV by navigating to Settings > Remotes > Learn Remote > Start.
- Grab your spare remote and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Once it’s connected, use the spare remote to connect the Apple TV to the network by going to Settings > Network > Wi-Fi.
- Enter network credentials.
You can now disconnect the ethernet cable since your Apple TV is already hitched to the Wi-Fi.
Interestingly, your TV remote might be compatible with your Apple TV. Give it a go and see what happens.
If it works, you can then leisurely look around for a new remote, without any urgency.
Method 3: Connect a Bluetooth keyboard
If you happen to have a Bluetooth keyboard lying around, you can press it into service as a temporary navigator for your Apple TV.
Once again, you’ll need the Apple TV remote app and an ethernet cable to pull this off.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Plug an ethernet cable to the Apple TV and turn it on.
- On your Apple TV remote app, go to Settings > Remote and Devices > Bluetooth.
- Turn on your Bluetooth keyboard and set it in pairing mode.
- Select your keyboard from the list of Bluetooth devices that appears on the screen.
- Finish the pairing process by entering the code that appears on the screen.
- Using the arrow keys and select options with the Enter or Return key on your keyboard, connect the Apple TV to the Wi-Fi by going to Settings > Network > Wi-Fi.
- Enter network credentials.
And you’re done! Unplug the ethernet cable, and you can now utilize your keyboard as a makeshift remote.
Method 4: Use hotspot to recreate previous network credentials
It’s not uncommon for people to forget to pack their Apple TV’s remote when heading out on vacation.
Luckily, we have a backup plan for such scenarios. Using a hotspot to mimic your former network credentials is your best bet when there’s no ethernet cable within reach.
Bear in mind that this method only works if you can recall the SSID and password of the network your Apple TV last connected to.
Here’s what you need to do:
- On your phone, go to Settings > General > About > Name.
- Change the name to the same SSID your Apple TV is previously connected to.
- Change your hotspot password to the same password of your previous network.
- Turn on the Apple TV and let it recognize your hotspot.
- Once the Apple TV connects to your hotspot, get another phone with Apple TV remote app and connect it to the same hotspot.
- Using the Apple TV remote app, navigate to Settings > Network > Wi-Fi.
- Set the Wi-Fi to your new Wi-Fi router’s credentials.
And there you go! Your Apple TV is now connected to your new network.
Method 5: Change the Wi-Fi router’s credentials
This method requires access to the router’s settings and might not be suitable for everyone.
If you have the necessary access, give this method a shot to connect your TV to the Wi-Fi network without the remote.
To do this, go to your router’s admin panel and change the Wi-Fi credentials to the credentials your Apple TV is last connected to.
After that, use the Apple TV remote app to go to Settings > Network > Wi-Fi.
And there you have it! Your TV is now tethered to your current Wi-Fi.
Only consider this route if you’re comfortable changing your router’s network details to match your previous username and password.
Method 6: Connect a Macbook
This one’s not the most straightforward option due to the complexity of the process. But hey, it gets the job done. So, if the above methods didn’t pan out for you, this might be worth exploring.
It’s usually seen as an alternative when there’s no possibility of connecting your Apple TV via ethernet directly to the Wi-Fi router.
However, you will need the right cables to pull this off.
You’ll also have to download an app onto your MacBook to transform your MacBook keyboard into a Bluetooth keyboard.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Turn off your iPhone’s Wi-Fi and cellular data connection.
- Plug your iPhone into your Macbook using a USB-C dongle.
- Connect Mac to the Apple TV using an ethernet cable.
- Turn on the Apple TV.
- On your Mac, go to Preferences > Sharing > Share your connection from these > Wi-Fi.
- Under To computer using, check Thunderbolt Ethernet and iPhone USB.
- Check Internet Sharing on the Service column.
- On your iPhone, open the Apple TV remote app and choose the Apple TV you want to connect to.
- Download Typeeto, a bluetooth app, on your Macbook.
- On your Apple TV remote app, go to Settings > Remote and Devices > Bluetooth.
- Select your Macbook from the list of Bluetooth devices that appears on the screen.
- Navigate the Apple TV to connect it to Wi-Fi using Macbook.
After the final step, you can disconnect the ethernet cable and continue using either the Apple TV remote app or your MacBook keyboard as a remote.
Remember, the arrow keys on your keyboard enable you to navigate, while the Escape and Enter keys are your enter and exit options.
Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Fixes
Experiencing difficulty connecting your Apple TV to Wi-Fi without a remote?
Don’t worry, here are a few common issues and fixes to help you get back on track.
Issue 1: Apple TV not connecting to Wi-Fi
First off, give restarting your Wi-Fi router and Apple TV a shot. If it’s a minor hiccup, a simple restart might be all it takes to get your Apple TV connected to the Wi-Fi in a jiffy.
To do this, just unplug your Wi-Fi router and Apple TV from the mains for a good 30 seconds, then plug them back in.
Even if you’re positive that your Apple TV is within the Wi-Fi range, it’s worth mentioning that Wi-Fi signals can get dialed down by distance and barriers such as walls and furniture. Take a quick look around to see if rearranging things could boost your Wi-Fi signal.
Issue 2: Apple TV not recognizing your Wi-Fi network
Verify that your Wi-Fi router is in good working order. It’s entirely possible that it’s a network issue, not an Apple TV one.
Another scenario could be that your Wi-Fi is intentionally hidden. If that’s the case, you won’t see your Wi-Fi listed among available networks. Instead, you’ll have to manually key in the SSID and password for your Apple TV to connect.
Issue 3: Unable to stream content
Once your Apple TV is cozied up with the Wi-Fi, you might hit a snag when trying to stream content.
In these instances, validate that your Wi-Fi network is working well by checking the connection on various devices.
Keep tabs on your internet speed too. As a rule of thumb, streaming HD content demands at least 5 Mbps, while 4K content calls for a minimum of 25 Mbps.
A handy trick to overcome buffering issues is to pause the content for a few moments before you start watching. This breather gives your Apple TV some time to load up the data.
Maintenance: Keeping Your Apple TV Connected
So, you’ve got your Apple TV up and running, and you’re enjoying your favorite shows and movies from streaming services such as Netflix.
But how do you make sure your Apple TV maintains its connection to the Wi-Fi for uninterrupted streaming and smooth gaming sessions?
No need to worry; I’ve got you covered with some handy tips to keep your Apple TV firmly connected to your network.
First and foremost, make sure your Wi-Fi network is reliable and that your router is in a good location in your home.
To do this, place it in a central area free from obstructions like walls and furniture, since those can hinder the signal strength.
You can also try adjusting the Wi-Fi channel of your router to minimize interference from other networks nearby.
If you notice any disruptions with your Apple TV’s connection, try restarting the device by unplugging it and plugging it back in.
A simple reboot can often resolve minor connectivity issues.
Similarly, make sure your Apple TV, along with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch, is updated with the latest software. This can enhance their performance and compatibility, ensuring that they work together seamlessly.
In addition to keeping your wireless network and devices in tip-top shape, it’s essential to be mindful of your bandwidth usage.
Streaming high-quality movies, music, and games can consume a lot of data, potentially leading to slower Wi-Fi speeds for other devices on your network.
To avoid overwhelming your network, check that you’re not using too many high-bandwidth activities simultaneously.
Finally, consider investing in a mesh Wi-Fi system or a Wi-Fi extender if you have a large home or numerous devices competing for Wi-Fi bandwidth. These tools can help distribute the signal evenly and boost its range to reach every corner of your living space.
Wrapping up
The habit of forgetting the remote before dashing off on a week-long trip or finding yourself with a broken remote has nudged us to explore the alternatives.
And fortunately, there’s no shortage of options.
As long as you’ve got the Apple TV remote app, you’re good to go.
Here are your options to connect your Apple TV to Wi-Fi without remote:
- Method 1: Ethernet Cable + Apple TV remote app
- Method 2: Connect a standard remote
- Method 3: Connect a Bluetooth keyboard
- Method 4: Use hotspot to recreate previous network connection
- Method 5: Change the Wi-Fi router’s credentials
- Method 6: Connect a Macbook
Always keep these solutions in mind, and you’ll never feel stuck without your trusty Apple TV remote again.
If you encounter a problem and nothing can resolve the issue, always feel free to connect with Apple support. For quicker assistance, ring them at 1-800-275-2273.