You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

User profile for user: winston_dang
winston_dang Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Setup Apple TV 4k 2nd Generation Without Remote

Hi, a friend of mine is giving his Apple TV 4k 2nd Generation A2169, but without the remote. I am looking for ways to set it up at my home.


After searching around, I found the below article:

If you lost the remote for your Apple TV - Apple Support (CA)


It tells me to setup an Apple TV remote in the control center of my iPhone or iPad (I have both). So, let me get this straight:

1) Plug in Apple TV to power plug. Plug in HDMI to TV. The TV should display something from the Apple TV.

2) Plug in Apple TV to local gigabit ethernet cable to join local network (because I don't have remote to setup wifi)

3) Install Apple Remote app on iPad. Ensure iPad is connected to local network via wifi.

4) Apple Remote app should automatically detect AppleTV and will allow me to add it as pairing as they are on the same network.


Is the above correct? Are there any other ways of setting the Apple TV up without the remote? Is there ways to plug in my USB keyboard? Is there any other input devices that do not require pairing but can be plugged directly in?


Can I buy an old Apple Tv 3rd gen (1080p) A1469 IR remote and will it work without configuration or pairing? Will the metal remote work with the newer A2169?

Posted on Jul 19, 2023 8:04 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: Urquhart1244
Urquhart1244
Community+ 2024
User level: Level 10
143,118 points

Posted on Jul 19, 2023 12:58 PM

I full heartedly agree with hcsitas’s suggestion for a matching replacement remote for best user experience, as intended. That being said, I have a few comments on your specific questions:


3) Install Apple Remote app on iPad.
Is the above correct?

The software remote is pre-installed on iPad. Access it through Control Center. If you don’t see it, check Settings﹥Control Center﹥ to see if the widget needs moving from the inactive/​hidden widgets to the “included” widgets.


Are there any other ways of setting the Apple TV up without the remote?

You will need a physical remote the configure the network settings, if or when you decide to go from wired to wireless. As soon as you disconnect the ethernet cable, then the software remote can’t be used anymore to configure the Wi-Fi, as the network communication is cut off.


Is there ways to plug in my USB keyboard?

Wireless bluetooth keyboards are supported, but pairing those without remote is only prompted for when setting up a brand new or restored device. Else you will need a remote to navigate the menu and make a selection.


Is there any other input devices that do not require pairing but can be plugged directly in?
Can I buy an old Apple Tv 3rd gen (1080p) A1469 IR remote and will it work without configuration or pairing? Will the metal remote work with the newer A2169?

Yes, that will work. It will even work without linking or pairing to the box. That old style remote lacks a button for ‘TV/Control Center’, so some functions will not be accessible. But much of the basic navigation is supported, and that would be enough to reset, set up, configure the network, and help set up the software remote on Apple mobile (for supplemental use).

Apple doesn’t sell the Apple Remote (aluminum) A1294 anymore, but select other resellers may still have some in stock.

The swiping and sliding gestures with the Siri Remote are a much better experience, though.

View in context

Similar questions

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: Urquhart1244
Urquhart1244
Community+ 2024
User level: Level 10
143,118 points

Jul 19, 2023 12:58 PM in response to winston_dang

I full heartedly agree with hcsitas’s suggestion for a matching replacement remote for best user experience, as intended. That being said, I have a few comments on your specific questions:


3) Install Apple Remote app on iPad.
Is the above correct?

The software remote is pre-installed on iPad. Access it through Control Center. If you don’t see it, check Settings﹥Control Center﹥ to see if the widget needs moving from the inactive/​hidden widgets to the “included” widgets.


Are there any other ways of setting the Apple TV up without the remote?

You will need a physical remote the configure the network settings, if or when you decide to go from wired to wireless. As soon as you disconnect the ethernet cable, then the software remote can’t be used anymore to configure the Wi-Fi, as the network communication is cut off.


Is there ways to plug in my USB keyboard?

Wireless bluetooth keyboards are supported, but pairing those without remote is only prompted for when setting up a brand new or restored device. Else you will need a remote to navigate the menu and make a selection.


Is there any other input devices that do not require pairing but can be plugged directly in?
Can I buy an old Apple Tv 3rd gen (1080p) A1469 IR remote and will it work without configuration or pairing? Will the metal remote work with the newer A2169?

Yes, that will work. It will even work without linking or pairing to the box. That old style remote lacks a button for ‘TV/Control Center’, so some functions will not be accessible. But much of the basic navigation is supported, and that would be enough to reset, set up, configure the network, and help set up the software remote on Apple mobile (for supplemental use).

Apple doesn’t sell the Apple Remote (aluminum) A1294 anymore, but select other resellers may still have some in stock.

The swiping and sliding gestures with the Siri Remote are a much better experience, though.

Reply
User profile for user: winston_dang
winston_dang Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Jul 19, 2023 5:50 PM in response to Urquhart1244

Thank for answering my questions.


Unfortunately, @hcsitas's recommendation of getting a replacement remote doesn't fit my situation. I am getting Apple TV mainly for Airplay video casting or mirroring capabilities from a iPad pro. The anticipated user is a Chinese senior, so all the English content on the Apple TV is useless. The Siri remote takes English voice commands so the Chinese senior won't know how to use it.


I am hoping that Airplay 2 would allow the Senior to cast videos from Chinese webpages (from the Safari or Chrome app) via the iPad. The iPad has a Chinese language drawing keyboard that allows the senior to search for things. I also hope Airplay 2 would let the senior cast from the Youtube app.


I can always install Chinese apps such as Qiyi on the Apple TV, but it won't work if the senior cannot type Chinese words from the iPad. I also don't need Apple TV if I am simply going to get Chinese apps. Too bad there is no better support for other languages. Apple TV would allow me to change the language to Chinese, but I don't see a good way of drawing Chinese words for input.


I guess I can look for an old IR remote to setup wifi. I did't know that the control centre remote pairing stops working after the ethernet is unplugged.

Reply

Setup Apple TV 4k 2nd Generation Without Remote

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.
Learn more Sign up