In practice: how to use your iPhone (and iPad) to control the Apple TV 4

With the
recent tvOS update, Apple allows againuse
of the iPhone or iPad to control the Apple TV4, the last
version with a dedicated App Store. Very practical for cases where the
remote control is a little far from the sofa for example…

This involves the use of afree app
provided by Apple on the App Store:
“Remote” to download here.

In our series of practical articles on iOS, the iPhone and its ecosystem,
let's see together how to get this piloting going, it's very
simple !

Prerequisites:

• Install the “Remote” application on the iPhone/iPad, Check that the
  Bluetooth is activated.
• Make sure Apple TV is updated to the latest version of
  its tvOS system (seehere for
  the update)

Getting started:

• On the Apple TV with the supplied remote control, go to “Settings” >
  "Remotes and devices" and select in the "Others" section
  devices” the “App Remote” line.

• Launch the Remote application on the iPhone/iPad, choose the option "Add a
  device" to set up pairing with Apple TV. One number to four
  numbers is then displayed on the iPhone/iPad screen while the Apple TV
  should detect the machine and display it on the screen

• Select the displayed iOS device and enter the numeric code displayed on
  iPhone/iPad with the Apple TV Sirimote remote control

And there you have it, the iPhone or iPad is paired with the Apple TV (an iPhone can
control several Apple TVs):the screen displays an area
tactilewhich allows you to move the selection on the Apple TV screen
as well as a button "Menu"which repeats the behavior of the one
hardware remote control and buttons to control music and
video.

This application allows you to do without the remote control for several
uses: navigation in options, in apps, launching
of an app or watching a movie, listening to music. But she could do
plus.

Apple a
announced an evolution planned for 2016. We hope that it will then allow
to use 3D Touch on iPhone 6s/Plus to simulate a strong press, or
yet to use the accelerometer of the iPhone/iPad to play or control the
apps/games like the remote provided with the Apple TV.

To learn more aboutl’Apple TV 4:

• L’Apple
  TV 4 in practice: 20 settings, shortcuts and tips
  of use
• The news
  Apple TV has arrived: photos, interface, first impressions
• THE
  first “universal binary” Apple TV games have arrived: here’s more
  about ten!
• The news
  Apple TV has arrived: photos, interface, first impressions
• 
  The new Apple TV compatible with 3D: 5 games already
  available
• L’Apple TV
  4 is at home? Be careful of the remote control!
• Apple TV :
  all the new features, what's changing!
• 
  The Steelseries Nimbus controller for Apple TV, iPhone, iPad revealed in photos
  before his test
• 
  The secrets of the SteelSeries Nimbus, the first Apple TV Gamepad, designed with
  Apple

founder of the site. Computer engineer and Internet specialist where he has held various positions of responsibility, Laurent has been passionate about mobility since the arrival of "PDAs" in the 90s. Journalist for 4 years for the magazine Team Palmtops (Posse Presse) and author of several books on the iPad published by Pearson.