It's new. How do I set it up?
The Infrared Edition works out of the box, no pairing. Pull the battery tab, point it at the front of your Apple TV and press any button.
Samsung TV? Volume, mute and power already work too.
Button Remote for Apple TV · Support
Let's get your remote working.
Most setups take under two minutes. Pick the line that sounds like you, or let guided setup walk you through it.
Setup guaranteed or your money back
Start guided setup- 01 It's not responding at allLED blinks, nothing happensWorked before, then stoppedGuided fix, step by step
- 02 Apple TV works, volume doesn'tTV volume, mute and powerSoundbar, receiver or SonosHomePod or AirPods
- 03 I have a question before I buyInfrared vs. BluetoothWhich Apple TVs it works withWhat it doesn't do
Button Remote for Apple TV Support
Let's get you set up.
Which version of the Button Remote do you have?
Identify Your Remote
Check the FUNCTION logo on your Button Remote.
The FUNCTION logo at the bottom of the remote tells you which edition you have. Solid white letters mean Infrared. Outlined letters mean Bluetooth.
Which logo do you have?
📡 Infrared Edition
First — let's confirm the remote controls your Apple TV.
Point the Button Remote directly at your Apple TV and press the Menu button. Does the Apple TV wake up or respond?
Make sure nothing is blocking the path between the remote and the Apple TV's infrared receiver (front face).
Troubleshooting
Let's fix that.
The most common cause is a conflict with a Logitech Harmony Remote or a first-gen Apple TV remote. Work through these steps one at a time.
1
Restart your Apple TV
Unplug the Apple TV from power, wait 6–10 seconds, then plug it back in. Test the remote again.
2
Factory reset the Button Remote
Press and hold MENU + STOP for 3 seconds. The LED blinks 5 times to confirm reset. Test again.
3
Check for Logitech Harmony interference
A Harmony Remote in the same room sends conflicting signals. Temporarily remove it and try the Button Remote again.
→ Full Harmony conflict fix guide4
Check for nearby Apple device interference
A Mac Mini, iMac, or MacBook can intercept the IR signal. Point the remote directly at the Apple TV or move other devices away.
📶 Bluetooth Edition
Your remote already works over infrared. Want to add Bluetooth pairing?
The Bluetooth Edition is a hybrid remote — it works right now via line of sight. Pairing Bluetooth lets it work from any angle, through walls, without line of sight.
📶 Bluetooth Edition
Pair your Button Remote via Bluetooth.
Takes about a minute. Use your Siri Remote or iPhone Remote App to navigate to Apple TV Settings first.
1
Open Settings on your Apple TV
Navigate using your Siri Remote or iPhone Remote app.
2
Go to Remotes and Devices → Bluetooth
3
Put the Button Remote into pairing mode
Press and hold OK + MUTE simultaneously for 5 seconds until the LED turns solid red.
LED = solid red = pairing mode
4
Select "FUNCTION101 RC" on your Apple TV
It appears under Other Devices in the Bluetooth menu.
5
Tap "Pair" on the pairing request
You'll see "FUNCTION101 RC would like to pair with your Apple TV."
🎉 Done — your Button Remote is now connected via Bluetooth!
Pairing tip: If OK + Mute opens a game controller page, hold Mute first, then hold OK simultaneously for 5 full seconds until the LED goes solid red.
Bluetooth Troubleshooting
Common Bluetooth pairing issues.
1
Remote keeps disconnecting after pairing
A router next to the Apple TV causes interference. Move it away and re-pair.
2
Forget the device and start fresh
Settings → Remotes and Devices → Bluetooth → Select FUNCTION101 RC → "Forget this Device." Then pair again.
3
LED won't turn solid red
Hold Mute first, then while still holding Mute, press and hold OK. Keep both held 5 full seconds.
📡 Infrared Edition
Now let's set up volume, mute, and power.
What do you want the Button Remote to control for volume?
⚠️ Do not use Apple TV Settings → Remotes and Devices → Learn Remote — that method is not compatible with the Button Remote. Follow the steps below instead.
Programming Your TV · Step 1 of 3
Enter Setup Mode on the Button Remote.
1
Press and hold MENU + OK simultaneously for 3 seconds
MENU + OK · hold 3 sec
MENU + OK · hold 3 sec
2
Confirm the LED at the top turns solid red
LED = solid red = Setup Mode
⏱️ You have 20 seconds to take the next step before Setup Mode exits automatically.
Programming Your TV · Step 2 of 3
Press P UP every 2–3 seconds and watch your TV screen.
The remote is cycling through TV volume codes. Watch for a volume bar to appear on your TV display.
P UP covers the 16 most popular TV brands: Samsung · LG · Sony · Philips · Panasonic · TCL · Brandt · JVC · Sharp · Thomson · VIZIO · Toshiba · Sanyo · Pioneer · Insignia · Hisense
Did a volume bar appear on your TV screen?
Programming Your TV · Step 3 of 3
Volume bar spotted — press OK right now to lock it in.
1
Press OK immediately when you see the volume bar
This saves the infrared code for your TV.
OK2
Test VOL + and VOL −
Adjust the volume up and down. Test MUTE and the power button too.
Programming Your TV · Extended Scan
Re-enter Setup Mode, then try P DOWN.
P DOWN contains 100+ additional TV codes. Your brand is almost certainly in there — it may just take more presses.
1
Re-enter Setup Mode
Press and hold MENU + OK · 3 sec until the LED is solid red.
2
Press P DOWN every 2–3 seconds
Watch your TV closely. Some models need 20–30 presses to find the right code.
TV Programming · Not Finding a Code
Let's dig deeper.
1
Factory reset and try the full scan again
Press MENU + STOP · 3 sec — LED blinks 5 times. Then start TV programming over.
2
Look up your specific TV model code
→ View TV IR code database
What kind of soundbar do you have?
Sonos connects differently through their app — let us route you correctly.
Sonos Setup
Connect the Button Remote to Sonos via the Sonos S2 App.
Sonos uses its own app to learn the remote — not the standard infrared scan method.
1
Open the Sonos S2 App
Make sure you're on the latest version.
2
Go to Settings → tap your Sonos device
Tap "Beam", "Arc", or whichever device you want to control.
3
Enable Infrared Remote control
Scroll down, toggle on Infrared Remote, then tap Remote Control Setup.
4
Follow the in-app instructions
The Sonos app will prompt you to press buttons on the Button Remote to teach it volume, mute, and power.
Programming Your Soundbar · Step 1 of 3
Enter Setup Mode on the Button Remote.
⚠️ The Button Remote controls your soundbar via infrared. Your soundbar must be visible from the remote — closed cabinets or closets block the signal.
1
Press and hold MENU + OK for 3 seconds
MENU + OK · hold 3 sec
MENU + OK · hold 3 sec
2
LED turns solid red = Setup Mode active
LED = solid red
⏱️ You have 20 seconds to take the next step.
Programming Your Soundbar · Step 2 of 3
Press the UP Navigation Arrow every 2–3 seconds.
Watch for a volume indicator to appear on your soundbar display or TV screen.
UP Arrow covers the top 17 audio brands: Logitech · Samsung · LG · Sony · Philips · Bose · JBL · Harman Kardon · Arcam · Jamo · Vizio · Pioneer · Denon · Onkyo · Yamaha · Nakamichi · Polk Audio
Did a volume indicator appear on your display?
Programming Your Soundbar · Extended Scan
Re-enter Setup Mode, then press the DOWN Navigation Arrow.
DOWN arrow scans 100+ additional audio codes. Keep pressing every 2–3 seconds.
1
Re-enter Setup Mode
MENU + OK · 3 sec → LED solid red
2
Press DOWN Arrow every 2–3 seconds
Watch for volume feedback on your display. May take many presses.
Programming Your Soundbar · Step 3 of 3
Volume indicator found — press OK to lock it in.
1
Press OK immediately
This saves the infrared code for your soundbar.
OK2
Test VOL + and VOL −
Confirm volume adjusts on your soundbar. Test MUTE and power too.
Soundbar Programming · Not Finding a Code
Let's get this sorted.
1
Factory reset and try the full scan again
MENU + STOP · 3 sec → LED blinks 5 times → start soundbar programming over.
2
Check the full IR code database→ View soundbar & receiver IR codes
Programming Your Receiver · Step 1 of 3
Enter Setup Mode on the Button Remote.
⚠️ Your receiver must be in clear line of sight. If it's inside a closed cabinet or rack, the infrared signal won't reach it.
1
Press and hold MENU + OK for 3 seconds
MENU + OK · hold 3 sec
MENU + OK · hold 3 sec
2
LED turns solid red = Setup Mode active
LED = solid red
⏱️ You have 20 seconds to take the next step.
Programming Your Receiver · Step 2 of 3
Press the UP Navigation Arrow every 2–3 seconds.
Watch for a volume indicator on your receiver's display or TV screen.
UP Arrow scans the top receiver brands including Denon, Yamaha, Onkyo, Pioneer, Marantz, Sony, and more.
Did a volume indicator appear?
Programming Your Receiver · Extended Scan
Re-enter Setup Mode, then press the DOWN Navigation Arrow.
1
Re-enter Setup Mode
MENU + OK · 3 sec → LED solid red
2
Press DOWN Arrow every 2–3 seconds
Watch for volume feedback on your receiver. Keep pressing — it may take many tries.
Programming Your Receiver · Step 3 of 3
Press OK to lock in the code.
1
Press OK immediately when the volume indicator appearsOK
2
Test VOL + and VOL −
Confirm volume adjusts on your receiver. Test MUTE and power too.
HomePod & AirPlay Setup
HomePod volume works through Apple TV's Control Center.
The Button Remote's volume buttons send infrared signals directly to a TV or soundbar. To adjust HomePod or AirPlay volume, use the Apple TV Control Center — it's two button presses away.
The volume buttons cannot directly control HomePod or AirPlay speakers via infrared. Use the method below instead.
1
Long press the P UP button
Apple TV Control Center opens in the top-right corner of your screen.
P UP · long press2
Navigate to the audio device icon
Use the arrow buttons to select the Media Center / audio icon.
3
Select your HomePod or AirPlay device
Use arrows to highlight your device, then long press OK to access the volume bar.
4
Use left / right arrows to adjust volume
Press OK to confirm. Press Menu to exit Control Center.
✓
You're all set.
Your Button Remote is ready. Make every second count.
P UP · long press
Open Apple TV Control Center
P DOWN · long press
App Switcher
MENU · long press
Return to Apple TV home
MENU + STOP
Factory reset the remote
MENU + OK · 3 sec
Enter volume Setup Mode
Power · long press
Put Apple TV to sleep
Need to change your volume programming?
We're here
Let's get this sorted — we guarantee it.
Our USA-based support team knows the Button Remote inside and out. Guaranteed to work or your money back.
Both editions
Every button, explained.
Thirteen real buttons, each one doing a single job. Here is what every button on the Function101 Button Remote does on your Apple TV.
The Infrared Edition and the Bluetooth Edition share the same layout, so this map applies to both.
-
Power
Quick press turns your TV, soundbar or receiver on and off. Long press puts the Apple TV to sleep.
-
Menu
Goes back one screen and wakes the Apple TV. Long-press Menu to jump straight to the Home screen.
-
Navigation arrows
Move around tvOS. During playback, the right and left arrows fast forward and rewind.
-
OK
Selects whatever is highlighted. During playback it also plays and pauses.
-
P Up and P Down
Long-press P Up to open Apple TV Control Center. Long-press P Down to open App Switching, then double press the Up Arrow to close apps.
-
Volume
Volume up and down on your TV, soundbar or receiver. Samsung TVs work out of the box; everything else takes about two minutes to program.
-
Mute
Mutes and unmutes whichever device your sound plays through.
-
Skip forward
Jumps ahead 10 seconds in most apps. Sling TV jumps 15.
-
Skip back
Jumps back 10 seconds in most apps. Sling TV jumps 15.
-
Fast rewind
Rewinds. Press again for 2x, and once more for 3x, in the apps that support it.
-
Fast forward
Fast forwards. Press again for 2x, and once more for 3x. Prime Video, Max, Peacock, Sling TV and YouTube TV use the arrows to scrub instead.
-
Stop
Stops playback and returns you to where you were in the app.
-
Play and pause
Plays and pauses in every app, including the few where OK only plays.
Fast forward, skip and captions behave differently inside each streaming app. See the streaming app button guide for Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video and seven more.
Infrared Edition
Point, press, done.
The Infrared Edition needs a clear line of sight to the front of your Apple TV. Here's how to fix the rare times it doesn't respond.
It works, but only some of the time.
Usually low batteries, a blocked line of sight, or a nearby Mac picking up the signal.
- Fit two fresh AAA batteries.
- Point straight at the front of the Apple TV.
- Move any Mac mini, iMac or MacBook away from the Apple TV.
My Apple TV blinks but won't respond.
Almost always a conflict with another remote already paired to your Apple TV, usually an older non-Siri Apple remote or a Logitech Harmony.
- Factory reset: hold Menu + Stop for three seconds. The LED blinks five times.
- Unplug the Apple TV for 6 to 10 seconds, then plug it back in.
- Still blinking? Unpair the older remote from the Apple TV itself.
I use a Logitech Harmony.
A Harmony that is set up for the Apple TV sends conflicting signals.
- On the Harmony, open Devices, select Apple TV and remove it.
- Test the Button Remote again.
- Still nothing? On the Apple TV, go to Settings > System > Reset and choose Reset and Update.
Reset and Update means signing back in to your apps afterwards.
Bluetooth Edition
Pair it once. Use it anywhere.
The Bluetooth Edition controls your Apple TV when behind your TV or inside a closed cabinet. Bluetooth pairing with Apple TV is the only difference. Everything else on this page works the same.
Pair it with your Apple TV
- On your Apple TV, open Settings > Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth.
- On the remote, hold OK + Mute for five seconds until the LED turns solid red.
- Select FUNCTION101 RC under Other Devices and confirm.
It doesn't show up in Bluetooth settings.
- Fit two fresh AAA batteries and stay within about 30 feet.
- Clear the old pairing: hold Mute + Stop for four seconds.
- On the Apple TV, choose Forget This Device on any FUNCTION101 RC entry.
- Pair again with OK + Mute.
- Make sure you have the Bluetooth Edition. The first five letters of the logo are outlined.
Still not showing? Contact us below. It's covered by the 2-year warranty.
It keeps disconnecting.
A Wi-Fi router sitting right next to the Apple TV can interfere with Bluetooth.
- Move the router and Apple TV a little further apart.
- Forget FUNCTION101 RC in Settings > Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth.
- Pair it again as a new device with OK + Mute.
Volume still needs line of sight.
Bluetooth controls the Apple TV from anywhere in the room. Volume, mute and power always travel by infrared to your TV or soundbar, so that device still needs a clear view of the remote.
Both editions
Volume, audio and shortcuts
The most common questions, answered in full. No clicking through required.
Program TV volume, mute and power
Samsung TVs work out of the box. Everything else takes under two minutes.
- Hold Menu + OK for three seconds. The LED turns solid red.
- Press P Up every two to three seconds while watching the TV.
- When the volume bar appears on screen, press OK to lock it in.
Nothing after the full cycle? Repeat with P Down for 100+ more codes.
Program a soundbar or receiver
Switch the soundbar or receiver on first.
- Hold Menu + OK for three seconds until the LED turns solid red.
- Press the Up arrow every two to three seconds until the soundbar reacts.
- Press OK to lock it in.
The Up arrow covers the 17 most popular audio brands. No luck? Repeat with the Down arrow.
Full IR code list →HomePod, AirPods and AirPlay speakers
These don't take infrared, so Apple routes their volume through tvOS Control Center. It isn't a defect.
- Long-press P Up to open Control Center.
- Select the audio icon.
- Pick your HomePod, AirPods or speaker with the arrows.
- Long-press OK for the volume bar, then use left and right.
Sonos Beam, Arc and Ray
Sonos home theater speakers are set up in the Sonos S2 app. Add the Button Remote as your TV remote there, then its volume buttons control the Sonos.
Home, App Switching and Control Center
- Long-press Menu to go to the Apple TV Home screen.
- Long-press P Down to open App Switching.
- Double press Up Arrow to close apps.
- Long-press P Up to open Control Center.
Streaming app button guide
Fast forward, skip, captions and program info work differently in every app. See the button map for Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Hulu, Max, Peacock, Paramount+, Apple TV+, Sling TV and YouTube TV.
One setting to skip
Don't use the Apple TV's Learn Remote setting. It isn't compatible with the Button Remote and causes problems. Program volume with the steps above instead.
FAQ
Button Remote questions, answered
Compatibility
Which Apple TV models does the Function101 Button Remote work with?
The Function101 Button Remote works with every Apple TV model, from the 2010 second-generation Apple TV through the latest Apple TV 4K (A1378, A1427, A1469, A1625, A1842, A2169 and newer). It does not control Amazon Fire TV, Roku or Google TV devices.
What is the difference between the Infrared and Bluetooth editions of the Button Remote?
The Infrared Edition of the Function101 Button Remote works out of the box and needs a clear line of sight to the Apple TV. The Bluetooth Edition pairs once in Apple TV Settings and works from anywhere in the room, even with the Apple TV inside a closed cabinet. The FUNCTION logo at the bottom of the remote shows which edition you have: solid white letters are Infrared, outlined letters are Bluetooth.
Does the Button Remote have Siri or voice search?
The Function101 Button Remote has no microphone, by design, so there is no Siri or voice search. To search, use the on-screen keyboard, or type from your iPhone: when a keyboard appears on the Apple TV, your iPhone shows a notification that lets you type there.
Can the Button Remote control both my TV and my soundbar at the same time?
The Function101 Button Remote controls volume, mute and power on one audio device at a time: your TV or your soundbar, not both. Program it for whichever device your sound actually plays through.
Setup
How do I pair the Bluetooth Button Remote with my Apple TV?
To pair the Function101 Bluetooth Button Remote, open Settings > Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth on your Apple TV. Hold OK + MUTE for 5 seconds until the LED turns solid red, then select FUNCTION101 RC under Other Devices and confirm.
How do I program TV volume, mute and power on the Button Remote?
The Function101 Button Remote controls Samsung TV volume out of the box. For other brands, hold MENU + OK for 3 seconds until the LED turns solid red. Then press P UP every 2 to 3 seconds while watching the TV. When the TV's volume bar appears, press OK to lock it in. If P UP runs through all codes, repeat with P DOWN.
How do I get the Button Remote to control my soundbar or receiver?
The Function101 Button Remote can be programmed for most soundbars and receivers. Switch the soundbar on, hold MENU + OK for 3 seconds until the LED turns solid red, then press the UP arrow every 2 to 3 seconds until the soundbar reacts, and press OK. The UP arrow covers the 17 most popular audio brands, including Bose, Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, Yamaha and Denon. If nothing reacts, repeat with the DOWN arrow. Sonos speakers are set up in the Sonos S2 app.
Where is the Home button, and how do I switch apps or open Control Center?
The Function101 Button Remote puts Home, App Switching and Control Center on long presses. Long-press MENU to go to the Apple TV Home screen. Long-press P DOWN to open App Switching, then double press the UP arrow to close apps. Long-press P UP to open Control Center.
Can the Button Remote control HomePod or AirPods volume?
The Function101 Button Remote adjusts HomePod, AirPods and AirPlay speaker volume through Apple TV Control Center, because those devices can't receive infrared. Long-press P UP to open Control Center, select the audio icon, highlight your device, long-press OK, then use the left and right arrows to set the volume.
Should I use the Apple TV Learn Remote setting with the Button Remote?
No. The Apple TV Learn Remote setting is not compatible with the Function101 Button Remote and causes problems. Program volume, mute and power with the MENU + OK setup mode instead.
How do the Button Remote buttons work inside Netflix, Disney+ and other streaming apps?
Each streaming app maps the buttons differently. Fast forward and rewind work in Apple TV+, Netflix, Paramount+, Disney+ and Hulu, while Amazon Prime Video, Max, Peacock, Sling TV and YouTube TV use the right and left arrows to scrub instead. Closed captions open from the up arrow in most apps, and Sling TV uses the down arrow. See the full streaming app button guide for every app, button by button.
Troubleshooting
My Apple TV blinks and won't respond to the Button Remote. How do I fix it?
When the Apple TV blinks but ignores the Function101 Button Remote, another remote is usually paired to it, often an older non-Siri Apple remote or a Logitech Harmony. Factory reset the Button Remote by holding MENU + STOP for 3 seconds, then unplug the Apple TV for 6 to 10 seconds. If it still blinks, unpair the older remote from the Apple TV.
Why won't my Button Remote respond when I have a Logitech Harmony remote?
A Logitech Harmony remote that is set up for the Apple TV can conflict with the Function101 Button Remote. On the Harmony, go to Devices, select Apple TV and remove it, then test the Button Remote again. If it still doesn't respond, go to Apple TV Settings > System > Reset and choose Reset and Update. Your apps and accounts need to be set up again afterwards.
My Bluetooth Button Remote doesn't show up in Apple TV Bluetooth settings. What should I do?
If the Function101 Bluetooth Button Remote doesn't show up, fit fresh AAA batteries and stay within about 30 feet of the Apple TV. Clear the old pairing by holding MUTE + STOP for 4 seconds, choose Forget This Device on any FUNCTION101 RC entry in Settings > Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth, then pair again by holding OK + MUTE for 5 seconds. If it still doesn't appear, contact Function101 support; the remote is covered by a 2-year warranty.
Can the Button Remote turn off my TV and Apple TV together?
The Function101 Button Remote turns off your TV along with the Apple TV when HDMI-CEC is on in your TV's settings. Press and hold the power button for 2 seconds to put the Apple TV to sleep, and the TV follows. Without CEC, only the Apple TV sleeps.
How do I factory reset the Button Remote?
To factory reset the Function101 Button Remote, hold MENU + STOP for 3 seconds. The LED blinks 5 times to confirm. This clears your volume programming and any Bluetooth pairing, so set those up again afterwards.
Before you buy
Straight answers
Infrared or Bluetooth?
Apple TV out in the open on a shelf: Infrared is all you need. Tucked behind the TV or inside a closed cabinet: get Bluetooth. That's the whole decision.
Does it replace my Siri Remote?
It works side by side. Nothing gets unpaired and both work at the same time. Most people keep the Siri Remote for the occasional voice search.
My Apple TV is in a cabinet. Will it work?
The Bluetooth Edition will control the Apple TV, yes. Volume, mute and power always travel by infrared to your TV or soundbar, so that device still needs line of sight, whichever edition you own.
What it doesn't do
No Siri or voice search. It's a button remote, that's the point. Buttons aren't backlit. And it controls your TV or your soundbar, not both at once.
Still stuck?
Talk to our team in the USA.
We will help you or your family member get up and running.
15 minutes with US-based support. We'll get it working on the call.
- 30-day returns
- 2-year warranty
- USA-based support