Can’t get Apple TV Remote to control the volume on my new TCL Roku TV

[Noelmel]

So I’ve searched the forums and googled and nothing is working. I have a new TCL Roku TV (6 Series) and one of the newer Apple TV’s (not the 4K the one before that w Siri remote) on my older tv the Apple TV automatically paired and controlled everything. On the new one I can’t get it to control the volume. I have tried the learn device function 3 times. The tcl Roku remote that came with my tv (voice remote maybe Bluetooth not sure?) didn’t work as I held the volume buttons. So I tried my TiVo LUX remote (which is already programmed to control the tv) the volume meters fill up and says successfully paired but the Apple TV remote still won’t do the volume. I did see on google that my TiVo remote was in RF mode so it can’t learn that. I switched it to IR mode and again said successfully learned but it still doesn’t work. Any ideas??

 

[JBaby]

You have to program the Siri remote manually. I can’t be mire specific than that because my series 5 stopped working during lockdown and I can’t get a tech to come fix it.

 

[Noelmel]

You have to program the Siri remote manually. I can’t be mire specific than that because my series 5 stopped working during lockdown and I can’t get a tech to come fix it.

How do you manually program the Siri remote other than the learn new device thing?

 

[JBaby]

How do you manually program the Siri remote other than the learn new device thing?

That’s it. There’s also a setting on the TCL tv you need to enable.

 

[Noelmel]

That’s it. There’s also a setting in on the TCL tv you need to enable.

Well I tried the device learning thing 3 times. It says it was successful but doesn’t work. And I have CEC enabled on my tv already so it will switch inputs or turn on / off / mute. Just can’t get the volume

 

[JBaby]

It’s not in the CEC settings. Check the tv subreddit. Someone can give you more details there.

 

[mlabonte21]

I had this issue too. Unfortunately, the TCL remote is Bluetooth, so the Siri remote can’t learn the commands via IR.

You’re gonna have to buy a $5 universal remote, program it to TCL, and then teach the Siri remote from the universal remote.

After that, toss it in a drawer if you ever factory reset your Apple TV.

CHEERS!

 

[Noelmel]

I had this issue too. Unfortunately, the TCL remote is Bluetooth, so the Siri remote can’t learn the commands via IR.

You’re gonna have to buy a $5 universal remote, program it to TCL, and then teach the Siri remote from the universal remote.

After that, toss it in a drawer if you ever factory reset your Apple TV.

CHEERS!

Thank you. That explains why the progress meter wouldn’t fill up to “learn” that one. But then so I tried it twice with my TiVo remote (once in RF once in IR) both successfully filled up the meter and said it was learned but it still doesn’t work. Wouldn’t that be the same as a universal remote?

 

[mlabonte21]

That’s odd.
Are you positive the TiVo remote is adjusting the volume via IR or CEC?

I think the universal remote is worth a shot. Worked for me on my 2018 6-Series.

 

[Noelmel]

That’s odd.
Are you positive the TiVo remote is adjusting the volume via IR or CEC?

I think the universal remote is worth a shot. Worked for me on my 2018 6-Series.

All I know is I can toggle RF / IR mode on my TiVo remote. I can confirm because the light blinks either amber or red for each diff mode. I tried it both ways. I can’t get the TiVo remote fully paired either but it controls the volume / mute on the tv. It turns the TV on (but that’s most likely the CEC) but won’t turn it off or change inputs. The Apple TV remote will turn the TV both on and off (again could be CEC) just no volume. So at least between the 2 combined I can control everything lol. Thanks for the help!

 

[0128672]

I tried a TCL tv this week and ran into the same problem. I returned it and got a Samsung instead, and the Siri remote was very easy to set up for volume and on/off.

 

[Edd70]

OP, if you run out of options for controlling the TV volume with the Siri remote, you could just buy whatever soundbar/soundbase suits you. The remote will almost certainly be able to work with that. I’ve had two sound pedestal type speakers (Sony and Sonos) work with it perfectly.

Definitely an expensive workaround to solve the issue but you’ll be happier with the improved sound quality anyway.

 

[whyamihere]

Old post, I know, but I was in the same boat and finally resolved it so wanted to share.

The trick is to turn of wi-fi (or unplug ethernet)... point is to have the TV disconnected. Then go through the steps in AppleTV:

1. go to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Volume Control.
2. Select Learn New Device

Now the TCL remote should use an IR connection since the TV is disconnected from the network and the AppleTV remote should see it. I will say it took me several tries for it to recognize (it wasn't consistent). And also for "mute" it didn't work holding the button, I had to constantly keep pressing it. But eventually it worked!

 

[Noelmel]

Old post, I know, but I was in the same boat and finally resolved it so wanted to share.

The trick is to turn of wi-fi (or unplug ethernet)... point is to have the TV disconnected. Then go through the steps in AppleTV:

1. go to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Volume Control.
2. Select Learn New Device

Now the TCL remote should use an IR connection since the TV is disconnected from the network and the AppleTV remote should see it. I will say it took me several tries for it to recognize (it wasn't consistent). And also for "mute" it didn't work holding the button, I had to constantly keep pressing it. But eventually it worked!

Thanks I have actually lost my Apple TV remote somewhere in the couch months ago lol and just use the app on my phone now (which does control it anyways) but if it ever turns up I’ll give that a try haha thanks!

 

[mcforman]

So I’ve searched the forums and googled and nothing is working. I have a new TCL Roku TV (6 Series) and one of the newer Apple TV’s (not the 4K the one before that w Siri remote) on my older tv the Apple TV automatically paired and controlled everything. On the new one I can’t get it to control the volume. I have tried the learn device function 3 times. The tcl Roku remote that came with my tv (voice remote maybe Bluetooth not sure?) didn’t work as I held the volume buttons. So I tried my TiVo LUX remote (which is already programmed to control the tv) the volume meters fill up and says successfully paired but the Apple TV remote still won’t do the volume. I did see on google that my TiVo remote was in RF mode so it can’t learn that. I switched it to IR mode and again said successfully learned but it still doesn’t work. Any ideas??

I had the same issue for over a year, and I feel your pain. But I FINALLY figured it out today. It's insane, but the ROKU remote that comes with the TV WILL NOT work when trying to have the Apple TV "learn" it. Hence, you need to use a UNIVERSAL REMOTE to do it. I have a Harmony Ultimate. I already had it since I have different functions/activities and didn't want a few remotes lying around. You don't need to get something this expensive (it was like $2-300, I think.). Get the least expensive one you can. The point is that the universal remote accepts the codes for the Roku remote, and then you use the UNIVERSAL REMOTE to program the "volume function" in the Apple TV settings. I've attached screenshots, but here are the steps:

1) In "settings" on the Apple TV home screen, choose "REMOTES AND DEVICES."
scroll down to the bottom and under "HOME THEATER CONTROL," choose "Volume Control."

2) Once in the next screen, choose "Learn new Device."

3) Now, here's where you use the UNIVERSAL REMOTE controller to advance in the setup. But make sure you have the remote ready and in the TCL TV mode. And remember, you are doing this THROUGH the Apple TV screen above, and NOT in the settings for the TCL/Roku TV,

4) Follow the instructions and press/hold Volume up til compete, then Volume down.

5) Name the device whatever you want. I called it Apple remote. Then make sure you CHOOSE "Apple remote via IR"
and your Volume should work when using the Apple TV remote.

I hope this helps!