The HDMI-CEC Problem
The Siri Remote included with the Apple TV is designed to act as a universal remote. Using a technology called HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control), the Apple TV communicates directly with your television through the HDMI cable. When you wake up the Apple TV, it tells the television to turn on. When you press the volume buttons on the Siri Remote, it tells the TV’s internal speakers or your connected soundbar to adjust the volume. This is highly convenient for most living rooms, but it can be a massive headache in complex home theater setups. If you have a dedicated universal remote (like a Logitech Harmony), an AV Receiver that handles all switching, or if you simply prefer using your television’s original remote, you will want to stop the Apple TV remote from hijacking your system’s power and volume controls.
Step 1: Disable Automatic Power Control
First, you must stop the Apple TV from turning your television on and off.
- Turn on your Apple TV and navigate to the home screen.
- Open the Settings app (the grey gear icon).
- Scroll down and select Remotes and Devices.
- Scroll down to the “Home Theater Control” section.
- Select Control TVs and Receivers.
- Click it once to change the status from “On” to Off.
Your Apple TV will no longer send power commands through the HDMI cable. Putting the Apple TV to sleep will leave the television on.
Step 2: Disable Volume Control
Next, you need to unlink the volume buttons on the Siri Remote from your television.
- Stay in the Remotes and Devices menu.
- Look slightly further down in the “Home Theater Control” section and select Volume Control.
- By default, this is likely set to “Auto” or “TV via IR.”
- Select the Off option.
With both of these settings disabled, your Siri Remote is now strictly confined to navigating the Apple TV software interface, ensuring it will never conflict with your existing universal remote or AV Receiver programming.