Universal Apple TV Replacement Remote Control Review

Universal Apple TV Replacement Remote Control Review

Buy it at Amazon: Universal Apple TV Replacement Remote Control [Affiliate Link]

Takeaway: Zero setup, works instantly; replaces a lost/missing Apple TV remote out of the box with identical features.

This universal remote control replaces the original aluminum (3rd gen) or white plastic (2nd gen) remote that came with your Apple TV, depending on which model you have. You'll receive the remote control, a pair of AAA batteries, and a set of instructions.

The remote is made from lightweight plastic and measures 5.75"L x 1.5"W x 0.5"D, so it's larger than either of the original Apple remotes but is also easier to keep track of. The remote itself is made of a lightweight plastic, so it doesn't feel as premium as the Apple TV's original metal aluminum one. It only comes in black but has the same buttons and functions as the original remote: 4 direction keys, center ok button, menu, and play/pause. On the back is the door for the battery bay which slides down to open. It's nice that it comes with a set of batteries, so you can use it right out of the box. I also prefer the AAA batteries because they're easier to buy when I need to replace them.

I've got the 2013 Apple TV 3rd gen, model number A1469, but this remote is also compatible with models A1427 and the 2nd gen A1378. Note that while it will work with the Apple TV 4th and 5th gen models (4K versions) it will not be able to replicate the swipe pad or voice input features. The instructions explain how to pair and unpair the remote to your Apple TV, but I actually found that this step was unnecessary.

If you need to link the remote to the Apple TV, just press the right button and 'menu' button at the same time and hold for 5 seconds while pointing at the Apple TV. You'll see a link icon appear in the top left hand corner when successful pairing has occurred. If you need to unpair the remote, press and hold the left button and 'menu' key for 5 seconds while pointing at the Apple TV, and you'll see a broken link icon appear. For me, it wasn't necessary to perform either of these steps. Once I put the batteries in the remote, my Apple TV recognized the remote and I was back to using it like normal. Now, would be a good time to setup your iPhone or iPad as a backup remote control, so if you want to learn how to do that check out my other video for instructions how to do that.

Overall, the replacement universal remote control works great. There was zero setup involved and it worked right out of the box. It even came with batteries and has a larger form factor making it less likely, though not impossible, to lose. Plus, it cost half as much as a replacement genuine Apple TV remote, but works just the same.

Buy it at Amazon: Universal Apple TV Replacement Remote Control [Affiliate Link]

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