The Apple TV 4K is a quick and reliable way to connect an HDMI cable to your TV. The interface is much faster than what most smart TVs can offer.
Even older models, like the first-generation Apple TV 4K, still work well, though there are some bugs here and there. This device is a good long-term choice due to its performance. It is a good choice for the long term because of this.
When you want to change HDMI inputs on your TV, you might still have to hold a different remote. This can make the living room very cluttered.
Thank goodness Apple TV has a smart trick that lets you get rid of your extra TV remote and do everything with just the Apple TV remote. A very nice feature is that it only takes seconds to set up.
You’ll have to give up one button on your Apple TV remote, but the perk is that you can control switching between TV inputs without using the remote.
A simple hack to reduce remote clutter with Apple TV
This guide is mostly about changing how the mute button on the Apple TV remote works. It’s not a big deal to give up the mute button since you can still use the volume buttons to change the sound. If giving up the mute button makes you uncomfortable, this trick might not work for you.
If this is okay with you, just follow a few simple steps to make it work.
- First, turn on your Apple TV. Then head over to Settings, followed by Remotes and Devices. From there, choose Volume Control, and then select Learn New Device.
- The Apple TV will prompt you to press and hold the mute button on the remote. At that moment, pick up your TV remote and press and hold the button that changes your TV input.
- Once done, your Apple TV remote will function as usual for volume control, but when you hit the mute button, it will cycle through your TV’s HDMI inputs. This means you no longer have to reach for a separate remote just to switch inputs.
- This feature is terrific for anyone who wants to reduce clutter and have only one remote in their hands during movie nights or gaming sessions.
- It’s a refreshing way to free up your living space, especially if you’ve noticed your TV remote collecting dust. Many people primarily used the TV remote to switch inputs, but this setup allows you to permanently store it away. While having an indoor antenna might have justified keeping the remote for some users in the past, this trick makes the extra remote almost redundant.
The Apple TV remote already has a few buttons, so giving up the mute button might seem like a compromise, but a lot of people think it’s worth it. You could also get a universal remote, but it costs more and takes longer to set up. You can do this Apple TV hack for free, quickly, and easily go back to how it was before.
Based on my own experience, once this method is set up, you won’t need to use the TV remote again. It’s a huge plus that you can control the volume and switch inputs with just one remote. This easy trick is a win for anyone who wants to clean up their living room and make it a more organized and clean place to watch TV.
