The new Siri Remote that comes with the Apple TV 4 is definitely a step up from the previous generation, complete with a trackpad and motion tracking. The remote also comes with dedicated volume buttons that allow you to control your TV, soundbar, or audio receiver’s volume–no need for a second remote.
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These dedicated volume buttons don’t just work automatically, though. You have to manually go into the settings and have the Apple TV remote learn the volume commands of your TV, soundbar, or audio receiver. Luckily, the process is pretty straightforward…as long as you know what you’re looking for.
To begin, open up the Settings app from your Apple TV’s home screen.
Select “Remotes and Devices” from the list.
Scroll down and click on “Volume Control”.
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If you see a setting called “TV via IR”, then your television supports HDMI-CEC, and all you need to do is select this option. Your Apple TV remote will then control your television’s volume.
If you don’t have this option, however, you’ll need to do a bit more setup. Click on “Learn New Device”.
Pick up the remote for your television, soundbar, or audio receiver. Point it at the Apple TV, then press and hold the Volume Up button until the progress bar fills up on the screen.
Next, press and hold the Volume Down button until the progress fills up.
Give the custom volume control a name. For instance, I just named it “Soundbar” since I want the Apple TV remote to control the volume on my TV’s soundbar. Click “Done” when you’re finished.
Hit “OK”.
The new setting will appear in the list as “(Your custom name) via IR”.
That’s all there is to it! When you now go to click the volume buttons on your Apple TV remote, it’ll change the volume on your TV so that you don’t have to switch back and forth between remotes.
