The Siri Remote controls your TV or receiver's volume one of two ways — by mimicking the IR signal (like a regular remote) or over HDMI-CEC — and "volume not working" means whichever one it's set to isn't getting through. The fix is to point it at the right method and, if it's IR, re-teach it the codes.
Set the volume-control method
Go to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Volume Control. You'll see how it's set:
- Auto via HDMI — the Apple TV sends volume over HDMI-CEC to whatever's in the chain. This works only if your TV/receiver supports CEC volume and has it enabled.
- TV or Receiver via IR — the remote flashes infrared at the device, like a normal remote. This needs a clear line of sight and a one-time learn step.
If Auto/HDMI isn't working, switch to "TV via IR" (or Receiver) and run the Learn New Device steps — the Apple TV asks you to hold your original TV remote in front of it and press Volume Up, Down, and Mute so it copies those codes.
If it's set to HDMI-CEC and still won't work
CEC is the usual sticking point:
- Enable CEC on the TV. It's branded Anynet+ (Samsung), SiMPLINK (LG), Bravia Sync (Sony), or just CEC (Vizio). With it off, HDMI volume does nothing.
- Make sure the audio device handles volume. If a soundbar or receiver is doing the sound, the Apple TV's CEC volume has to reach that device — sometimes the TV passes it, sometimes you need the bar's own CEC on. If the soundbar runs off the TV's eARC connection, CEC volume has to travel that path too.
- If CEC is flaky, switch to IR. Set Volume Control to your TV/receiver via IR and teach the codes. IR is less elegant but more reliable when CEC misbehaves.
Quick checks if it just stopped
- Re-pair or charge the remote. A remote low on battery can lose volume control while still navigating. Charge it (or replace the battery on older remotes) and, in Remotes and Devices, confirm the remote is connected. If the remote has stopped responding entirely, work through why an Apple TV remote stops working.
- Line of sight for IR. If you're using IR, the Apple TV needs an unobstructed path to the device's IR receiver — a closed cabinet blocks it.
- Restart the Apple TV (unplug 30+ seconds) to clear a stuck CEC handshake.
FAQ
Where's the volume setting? Settings > Remotes and Devices > Volume Control. Switch between Auto (HDMI-CEC) and TV/Receiver via IR there.
How do I teach it my TV's volume? Set Volume Control to "TV via IR," choose Learn New Device, and press Volume Up/Down/Mute on your original TV remote when prompted.
It controls my TV but not my soundbar. Whichever device makes the sound has to receive the volume command. Point Volume Control at the receiver/soundbar, or enable CEC on the bar so HDMI volume reaches it.
Volume worked, then quit. Often a low remote battery or a dropped CEC handshake. Charge the remote and restart the Apple TV; if CEC keeps failing, switch to IR.