How to Control Apple TV with Your Apple Watch: A Complete Guide
The Apple TV’s Siri Remote is the easiest way to control the media player, but it is not the only option when the remote is out of sight. The Apple Watch on your wrist serves as an excellent alternative, especially since many people already wear the smartwatch while watching TV. The wearable supports key controls that most users need, including switching apps, playing shows, and adjusting volume. The downside is that the Apple Watch has a smaller screen than an iPhone, making it less convenient for prolonged use as a remote.
The Apple Watch is not the only Apple device capable of controlling the Apple TV. iPhones and iPads also offer remote control support, provided they are nearby and not charging in another room. The Apple TV also works with third‑party remotes, which can be useful if you frequently lose the official remote or it becomes broken. Nevertheless, none of these alternatives beat the convenience of having remote‑control capabilities built directly into the Apple Watch on your wrist. Additionally, the Apple Watch Remote app requires only watchOS 6.0 (introduced in September 2019), meaning you do not need a brand‑new Apple Watch. Older models running watchOS 6.0 or later should still work.
Note that Apple refers to the device as “Apple TV 4K” in its support document describing the Apple Watch remote feature. Apple currently sells only Apple TV 4K models, and they are the only ones supported by the Apple Watch. That is likely why Apple uses the full product name rather than the broader “Apple TV,” which also refers to the streaming service accessible without an Apple device.
How to Control Apple TV with Apple Watch
To control Apple TV with a compatible Apple Watch, first ensure both devices are on the same Wi‑Fi network. At home, your Apple TV and Apple Watch (along with the paired iPhone) are probably already on the same network. To begin pairing, open the Remote app on your Apple Watch and tap the Apple TV model in the list. If the media player is not listed, tap the “+” sign to find it. Then enter the passcode displayed on your Apple Watch. Once paired, an icon will appear on the wearable.
After pairing, you can control the Apple TV using two apps on your watch: the Remote app and the Now Playing app. You can turn the Apple TV on (if it is off) directly from these apps, and you can also turn it off when needed. Both apps allow you to navigate the Apple TV menu and select movies or TV shows. Use the Apple Watch to pause playback during breaks and adjust the volume.
Interestingly, you can rotate the Digital Crown to increase or decrease volume—a useful trick that also works when streaming music on your iPhone and controlling playback with the watch. Press and hold the Digital Crown to invoke Siri on the Apple TV.
