Why iPhone Apple TV Remote volume buttons do not change the TV

The Siri Remote has a small infrared emitter. In Settings → Remotes and Devices → Volume Control, Apple TV can learn your TV’s volume commands (“Learn New Device”) so the Siri Remote’s volume buttons work. Apple TV also uses HDMI-CEC to turn the TV on and off. The iPhone remote runs entirely over the network, so there is no IR emitter involved and the TV’s own speakers aren’t under its control.

The iPhone’s hardware volume buttons do work when the Apple TV Remote is open in Control Center and Apple TV is sending sound to a HomePod, AirPlay speaker or compatible audio device. It is the output, not the iPhone, that decides whether volume can move.

1. Play a video and confirm where the sound comes from: the TV’s speakers, a HomePod or AirPlay speaker, or an HDMI soundbar/receiver.

   You know which device owns the volume.

   If you aren’t sure, open Settings → Video and Audio → Audio Output on Apple TV.

2. Open the Apple TV Remote in Control Center, press an arrow, then use your iPhone volume button.

   Navigation works. Volume moves only if the output supports it.

   If navigation works but TV volume doesn’t, use the physical remote or the TV maker’s phone app.

3. To make iPhone volume work every time, send Apple TV’s audio to a HomePod or AirPlay speaker, or to a soundbar that supports it.

   The iPhone’s buttons change the volume on that device.

   If you must keep TV speakers, use the TV brand’s app (ThinQ, SmartThings and similar) for volume.

• Reinstalling the Apple TV Remote or resetting Control Center: navigation already works, so pairing is fine.
• Resetting the Apple TV: it won’t add an IR emitter to your iPhone.
• Turning HDMI-CEC off and on: it affects power and the physical remote, not the iPhone’s volume buttons.

• Pair iPhone Apple TV Remote from Control Center
• Volume button not working
• Use your iPhone as a TV remote

• Apple: set up Apple TV Remote on iPhone or iPad — checked 2026-11-02