How to Fix Bluetooth Issues with an Apple TV

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

This guide will take you through common problems and solutions to get your Bluetooth accessory working with your Apple TV.

2. Range Check

The device needs to be within a reasonable range in order to connect.

• In general, to pair and use a Bluetooth device (like a speaker, headset or smartwatch), the device needs to be within 10 feet of your computer or other device.
• Some medium and higher-power devices can be farther, up to about 30 feet, but this tends to be for larger devices that plug in or have very large batteries, such as another computer, media streaming device, or a plug-in speaker system.

Try moving the Bluetooth device closer if you have trouble.

3. Battery Power

It is important to ensure that your Bluetooth device is powered on with an adequate amount of battery life in order to complete the pairing process without interruption.

• Ensure your Bluetooth device is powered on.
• Check your Bluetooth device's battery power.
• Charge the battery if necessary, or replace old or depleted batteries if need be.

4. Restart

Your Apple TV does not have a power button. There are three methods for restarting it.

Restart by using settings

1. Select Settings.
   

1. Select System.
2. Select Restart.
   

Restart using a remote

1. Hold down the TV and Menu buttons.
   

1. Let go when the light on your device flashes.

Restart using the power cable

1. Unplug the power from the Apple TV.
2. Wait 10 seconds.
3. Plug the power back in to the Apple TV.

5. Restart

1. Turn off your Bluetooth device.
2. Wait 10 to 15 seconds.
3. Turn your Bluetooth device back on.

In most cases, pushing and holding the power button for 3 to 5 seconds will turn most Bluetooth devices on or off.

6. Unpair Bluetooth Device

The next step is to unpair your Bluetooth device. You will be given an option at the end to re-pair the device.

1. On your Apple TV menu, select Settings ⚙️.
   

1. Select Remotes and Devices.
   

1. Select Bluetooth.
   

1. Select your device from the list.
2. Select Forget Device.

7. Pair Bluetooth

1. On your Apple TV menu, select Settings.
   

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2. Select Remotes and Devices.
   

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2. Select Bluetooth.
   

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2. Bluetooth is always on for your Apple TV. It will automatically begin to scan for your Bluetooth device.
3. Set your device to pairing mode. The way you do this may be differ from device to device. In most cases, you can push and hold the power button for 3 to 5 seconds to enter pairing mode on your device.
4. Your Apple TV will attempt to find the device.
5. Once your device has been found, select it, and it will pair.
   

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2. You can now use you device!

8. Update

There are two ways to keep your Apple TV up to date: Performing a manual update check, or by enabling automatic updates.

To Check for Updates Manually

1. While your TV is on, press the home button on your remote.
   

1. Choose Settings > System > Software Updates.
2. Choose Update Software.
   

1. If an update is available, you will be prompted to update. Choose Download and Install.
   

1. Your Apple TV will begin the update process. It may restart a couple times during the update.
   

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2. The update process can take a long time depending on the size of the update, and the connection to Apple's servers.
3. It is critical that you do not turn off or restart your Apple TV during the update process. Doing so can cause your Apple TV to no longer function.

To Check for Updates Automatically

1. Press the home button on your remote.
   

1. Choose Settings > System > Software Updates.
2. Choose Automatically Update, and make sure it is set to On.
   

9. Check for Firmware Update

Some higher-end Bluetooth devices have firmware you can update. This is especially true for higher end Bluetooth headphones.

Check with the device manufacturer, and make sure the firmware of your Bluetooth device is up-to-date.

10. What's next?