Apple has long utilized replaceable batteries for its Mac and Apple TV remotes, but the new 4th-generation Apple TV remote (officially dubbed the Siri Remote) switches things up with the introduction of a rechargeable battery. Previous remotes could last for years on a single battery, but the new Siri Remote — complete with touchpad and microphone — won’t last that long without needing a recharge. In typical Apple fashion, however, there’s no visual battery life indicator on the remote itself. So, other than waiting for it to simply stop working one day, how do you check your Siri Remote battery life on the Apple TV? In the Apple TV Settings, of course. Here’s how to do it.
If your Apple TV Siri Remote has already stopped working, it’s likely too late and you’ll simply need to charge it by connecting a Lightning cable to the charging port on the bottom and plugging the other end into a USB port on your computer or into a USB power adapter or hub. Assuming your remote still works, however, fire up your Apple TV and navigate to Settings:
Then select Remotes and Devices:
Continue on to Bluetooth:
Finally, you’ll see any Bluetooth-connected devices, which by default will be only the Apple TV Siri Remote:
Your Apple TV Remote’s battery life will be displayed as an icon to the right of its name in the list. Apple unfortunately doesn’t provide an exact percentage of battery life, but the icon will at least give users a good idea of when it’s time to connect a Lightning cable and charge the remote back up.
In our screenshot, we’ve also previously paired a SteelSeries Nimbus wireless controller, which does not pass battery information on to the Apple TV. However, other Bluetooth devices, such as wireless headphones, may pass battery life information depending on their configuration.
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