How to control Apple TV 4K with Apple Watch

Tuesday October 13, 2026 7:08 am EAT by Chris Smith

You can use Apple Watch as a remote control for an Apple TV 4K through Bluetooth®. You can also use Siri to start watching something.

First, you pair your Apple Watch with Apple TV 4K in the Remote app. Then you can use your Apple Watch to control Apple TV 4K, from moving through the menu options to pausing playback, adjusting the volume, and turning on captions.

Here’s how to control Apple TV 4K with Apple Watch.

Pair your Apple Watch with Apple TV 4K

If your iPhone has never joined the Wi-Fi network that the Apple TV 4K is on, join the network now, then follow these steps:

Start the Remote app on your Apple Watch.
Tap your Apple TV 4K. If you don’t see it listed, tap the Add button.
Enter the passcode displayed on your Apple Watch.

When the pairing icon appears next to Apple Watch, your watch can control the Apple TV 4K.

Use your Apple Watch to control Apple TV 4K

Make sure the Apple TV 4K is awake, then follow these steps:

Start the Remote app on your Apple Watch.
Choose your Apple TV 4K. Then do any of the following:
- Move through the Apple TV 4K menu options: Swipe up, down, left, or right.
- Choose a selected item: Tap the screen.
- Go back: Tap the Back button.
- Return to the main menu: Tap the Home button.
- Pause or resume playback: Tap The Play button.
- Adjust the volume: Turn the Digital Crown.
- Mute or unmute audio: Tap the More Options button. Then tap Mute & Unmute.
- Turn on captions: Tap the More Options button, then tap Captions.
- Turn Apple TV 4K on or off: Tap the More Options button and tap Power.

Quick tip: The Now Playing app can open the Remote app, too. Tap the Back button in Now Playing, choose your Apple TV 4K, tap the More Options button, and then tap TV Remote.