iPhone remote app not connecting to AppleTV

Question

Level 1

4 points

iPhone remote app not connecting to AppleTV

Over the past few months, my iPhone remote app, in the Control Center, does not work to control my AppleTV 4K. Also, screen mirroring also works 50% of the time. Sometimes it works, and sometimes, it will just spin and then say cannot connect. But the remote app only works maybe 20% of the time.

I have check all wifi configurations and am only using 1 wifi network/SSID. All devices show up in my Device Manager in my Wifi router.

I can see many others have this issue, it seems most likely related to iOS 18 updates. This is very frustrating to have no fixes for this.

Posted on Nov 22, 2025 9:39 PM

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Answer 1

brbo

Level 8

38,611 points

Dec 10, 2025 3:50 PM in response to SSacauskas

Re: " Phone remote app not connecting to AppleTV"

If your system isn't set to update the Apple TV automatically,

you might want to try checking for an update in Settings > System > Software Updates

More info:

Update your Apple TV - Apple Support

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Re: " .... it seems most likely related to iOS 18 updates ..."

You may want to check which iOS 18 version is currently installed

The most recent is iOS 18.7.2 (About iOS 18 Updates - Apple Support)

and

"This update provides important security fixes and is recommended for all users".

(NB: Reminder: It is always wise to back-up iPhone beforehand, iif you choose to update,

( If needed: See: How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support )

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Answer 2

Dec 9, 2025 10:33 AM in response to SSacauskas

Reset the Apple TV “Remote Devices” list

This fixes more remote-connection failures than ANY other step.

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