A growing number of Apple TV 4K (2022) owners are complaining about the remote control losing the Bluetooth connection which requires the box to be power-cycled.
There are multiple thread on Reddit (1, 2, 3, 4) and elsewhere about the remote control Bluetooth issues. Meanwhile, the iPhone remote app continues to work as it relies on WiFi.
FlatpanelsHD has not experienced issues with the remote control but has started experiencing issues with Bluetooth game controllers (all types) where the connection gets unstable after we move approximately 3 meters away from the box – it works fine with previous Apple TV 4K versions. We are using the tvOS 16.2 beta (Release Candidate).
Apple's 2022 remote has switched to USB-C but is otherwise identical to the 2021 version. Photo: FlatpanelsHD
Software or hardware?
It is unclear what is causing the issue that seems to be isolated to the new Apple TV 4K (2022) but it may relate to Bluetooth connection interference.
Apple has published a support document with suggestions on how to resolve remote control connection issues but many users continue to experience it. The company has not commented specifically on Apple TV 4K (2022) and it is unclear if it can be fixed with a software update.
Also read: Review: Apple TV 4K (2022)
Apple's Siri Remote can be restarted by holding down the TV and volume down buttons at the same time for about 5 seconds but it does not appear to resolve the issue. Many users are saying that the only remedy is to pull out Apple TV's power plug to power-cycle it. However, the issue returns after some time.
Do you experience the issue?