Your Apple TV has it all: a great selection of on-demand content, 4K resolution support, and a sleek design to top it all off.
But, you’ve come to find that something is missing: the picture looks great but the sound is too low. You’re trying to use your Apple remote to turn the volume up, but it’s not working.
Can Apple TV change your TV or projector’s volume?
Is there a way to change your TV or projector’s volume without an Apple TV remote?
Keep reading to find out!
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Can Apple TV Change TV/Projector Volume?
Yes, Apple TV can change your TV or projector’s volume.
Apple TV can change a device’s volume if it has HDMI-CEC and the user has enabled it.
The HDMI-CEC feature will be labeled differently depending on your TV or projector brand, so consult the user manual for additional information.
Once you’ve confirmed that your device had HDMI-CEC and have turned it on, you’re ready to control the volume with your Apple TV!
How To Change Your TV/Projector Volume?
There are different ways to change your TV or projector’s volume with your Apple TV.
You have several different options when changing your TV or projector’s volume, depending on if you have an Apple remote, infrared remote, or an iPhone/iPad.
Remember that Apple remotes must be charged and infrared remotes have batteries that must be regularly replaced.
If you’ve encountered problems with your remote, check, change, or charge its batteries before following our solutions below.
Let’s get started!
With an Apple TV Remote
You can control your TV or projector’s volume with an Apple TV remote by calibrating your Apple TV’s settings.
Using your Apple TV remote, open the Settings and click on Remotes and Devices. Ensure Control TVs and Receivers are toggled on.
At the bottom of the page, go to Volume Control. Click on Learn New Device…
Using your TV or projector’s remote, click the volume plus and minus buttons as instructed on-screen.
Enter a name for your remote and you’re all set!
Now you can use your Apple TV remote to control your TV or projector’s volume settings.
Watch the video below demonstrating how to change your TV or projector’s volume with an Apple remote.
Without an Apple TV Remote
You can still control your TV’s volume even if you don’t have an Apple TV remote.
You have two options: you can use your iPhone or iPad, or an infrared remote.
Let’s learn how to do both!
Use Your iPhone or iPad
Did you know your iPhone and iPad can be used as a remote for your Apple TV? It’s true!
Note that this process will only work for iPhones with, at least, iOS 12 or for iPad with iPadOS 13 or more.
To see which iOS or iPadOS your device has, go to Settings, then click on General. Open Software Update. Take note of which software your device has and install any available updates.
Now that you’ve confirmed your iPhone or iPad supports this feature, you’re ready to pair it to your Apple TV.
If the Apple TV Remote isn’t already in your iPhone or iPad’s control center (found by swiping up), you will need to add it.
Open the Settings and click on Control Center. Under More Controls, tap on Apple TV Remote to add it to the control center.
Now that Apple TV Remote has been added to the control center, you can open the app.
Add your Apple TV to the app by clicking on Choose a TV at the top of the page. Select your Apple TV from the list.
Your Apple TV will display a code for you to enter into the Apple TV Remote app on your device.
Now your iPhone or iPad is paired to your TV!
The great thing about using your Apple tablet as a remote is that the middle of the screen is a touchpad, so you can seamlessly scroll and select apps.
You can also use your iPhone/iPad to type into the search bar, which is great if you hate the dreaded “scroll and select” typing method.
Watch the video below to learn how to pair your iPhone or iPad to your Apple TV.
Use an Infrared Remote
Did your TV come with an infrared (or IR) remote?
If so, then you’re in luck! You can connect your infrared remote to your Apple TV and use it to control the volume, apps, and more!
Note that the first few steps will require the Apple TV remote, so if you don’t have one, follow the steps above to use your iPhone/iPad to control your Apple TV.
After you’ve paired your infrared remote, you will be able to control your Apple TV with it, so you won’t need to use your iPhone/iPad anymore.
Using your Apple TV remote or your iPhone/iPad, go to the Settings, then General.
Click on Remotes and select Learn Remote. Click Start to begin pairing your infrared remote to your Apple TV.
With your infrared remote in hand, click its buttons when prompted on-screen. Make sure your infrared remote is pointed at your Apple TV.
Once the pairing process is complete, give your infrared remote a name, click OK, and you’re good to go!
Watch the video below demonstrating how to pair an infrared remote to your Apple TV.
Wrapping Things Up
Your Apple TV remote can do it all!
All you have to do is enable the Volume Control feature and you’re ready to change the volume and select apps with one remote!
If you don’t have an Apple TV remote, have no fear! You can either use your iPhone or iPad, or pair your infrared remote to your Apple TV.
What’s your experience changing your TV or projector’s volume with an Apple TV remote? Have you ever paired your iPhone/iPad or infrared remote to your Apple TV?
Let us know in the comments below!
Yesenia Achlim is a technical copywriter and editor with a focus on AV equipment. She aims to break down complicated topics and make technology accessible, no matter your technical expertise. When she’s not teaching you how to replace a projector lamp, you can find her reading and baking.