How to Control Apple TV With Your Android

Use your Android as a remote for the Apple TV

What to Know

  • Lifewire recommends the AnyMore Universal remote + WiFi Smart Home Control app.
  • Using AnyMore, select Control my WiFi Devices Apple TV (Beta), then select your Apple TV from the list of nearby devices.
  • On your Apple TV, navigate to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Remote Apps and Devices > AnyMote - Smart Remote.

Apple TV is a great way to enjoy content on the big screen, but controlling the experience with an Android device requires a third-party app. This article discusses Lifewire's favorite option and explains how to set it up so you can binge-watch your favorite Netflix shows and stream Apple Music in no time.

Our Top Android Apple TV Remote Application

With so many different applications available on the Google Play Store for Android devices, it took a while to find one that was near perfect, but we believe we had done just that when we discovered AnyMore Universal remote + WiFi Smart Home Control. Combining the ability to control devices via either Wi-Fi or an old-school IR blaster, and sporting a user-friendly interface, we don't think you'll be disappointed either.

In this tutorial, we will be using the Wi-Fi control function as it is compatible with all Android tablets and smartphones.

Setting Up the AnyMote App For Android

Before you can begin using the AnyMote app to control your entertainment, you will need to set it up with your Apple TV. Follow these steps to get started:

Before continuing, please ensure that your Apple TV and Android device are already connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

  1. Download AnyMote from the Google Play Store.

  2. Launch the AnyMote app, select the Control my WiFi Devices option.

    Control my WiFi Device with AnyMote
  3. From the list, select the Apple TV (Beta) option.

    Selecting the Apple TV option in AnyMote
  4. AnyMote will now locate the Apple TV on your Wi-Fi network, once it appears, select it from the given list.

    If you are having issues locating your Apple TV, ensure that both your Android device and Apple TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

  5. On your Apple TV, navigate to the Remote sub-menu in the Settings app.

    Apple TV Generations 1-3: Settings > General > Remote

    Apple TV Generations 4 and 5: Settings > Remotes and Devices > Remote Apps and Devices

    If you are unsure which generation of Apple TV you currently own, use Apple's support webpage to correctly identify it.

  6. Select the AnyMote - Smart Remote option on the screen, and then enter the pin code displayed on your Android device.

  7. AnyMote will now establish a connection with your Apple TV, and you can begin enjoying your favorite content.

Controlling Your Apple TV with AnyMote

To use AnyMote as your Apple TV remote anytime in the future, simply open the application on your Android device. AnyMote showcases your virtual remote with buttons similar to what you would find on a physical Apple TV remote. Use the directional buttons in the center to navigate, and click the OK button to make a selection on the screen.

AnyMote App on Android

Along the bottom of the screen, you will also find multimedia buttons for quickly pausing, playing, rewinding, or fast-forwarding your content. Additional buttons at the top of the screen include Home, Menu, Play, and Keyboard.

  • Home: Press this button to return to the Apple TV home screen.
  • Menu: Press this button to go back to the previous onscreen menu.
  • Play: Press this button to play or pause content.
  • Keyboard: Press this button to use your Android device's keyboard to type in information on the Apple TV (as shown in the image above).

Troubleshooting AnyMote App Problems

It should be noted that the process of controlling an Apple TV via an Android device has typically showcased issues in our testing. Thus, you might run into a situation in which your Apple TV refuses to connect to your Android device, or the device is connected but won't control onscreen content.

If such an issue occurs, follow these steps for troubleshooting:

  • Double-check to ensure that both the Apple TV and Android device are on the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Restart both your Apple TV and Android device to see if the issue is resolved.
  • If an issue occurs when entering the pin number on the Apple TV, ensure you are entering that pin number with the original Apple TV remote included with your box.

Lastly, if you are still experiencing issues, attempt to contact the AnyMote team via their support page. Otherwise, check out some of the other remote applications we recommend for controlling your Apple TV via Android.

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