LG TVs are known for their clear picture and effortless ability to allow you to stream your favorite shows and movies. Apple TV is also a common platform to connect all your streaming accounts and ensure you can access all the things you want to watch. With that said, some people might be wondering if they can control the LG TV with the Apple TV’s remote.

It is possible to control an LG TV with an Apple TV remote, but you will need to follow a complex setup process. However, even after the setup process, you will only be able to control the volume and features of the Apple TV. The LG remote will still be needed to control other basic features.

Below, we’ll cover how you can set up your Apple TV remote to control your LG TV and how you can use the devices together.

Can an Apple TV Remote Control My LG TV?

Whether an Apple TV remote can control your LG TV depends on the Apple TV remote you own and what features you want to control with the TV. The 4th Generation Apple TV and the Apple TV 4k can control many things on your LG TV, including:

  • The volume controlsThe power buttonDVD players and other devices connected to HDMI ports

How to Program the Apple TV Remote to Control LG TV

To use the Apple TV remote to control the functions mentioned above on your LG TV, follow the steps below.

Using Apple TV Remote to Control Volume

To set up the Apple TV remote to control volume:

  • Using the Apple TV 4K or the Apple TV HD, navigate to Settings.Choose Remotes and Devices.Choose Volume Control.Select Learn New Device.Follow the on-screen prompts. The on-screen prompts will take you through the process and ensure you enter in all the correct details to get your remote programmed to control the volume.

Keep in mind that the remote can only control the volume for the TV or the receiver. It cannot do both at the same time.

Note: Sometimes, the volume on the remote might work automatically, so you may not need to go through the steps above.

Using Apple TV Remote with HDMI-CEC Devices

HDMI-CEC allows you to connect things to your TV using the HDMI cords. It makes all the devices work together and allows the TV to control the device and vice-versa.  

If you don’t have the HDMI-CEC turned on, the devices will not be able to work together. Sometimes the HDMI-CEC setting is turned off by default, and you will need to re-program the TV to ensure it works with all devices.

If you notice that the Apple TV remote is not able to control other devices and the TV, you will need to do the following:

  • Using the TV remote, go to Settings.Look for a setting that ends in Link or Sync.Toggle the position to On or click Confirm.

The Link and Sync settings are what enable the HDMI-CEC. Some examples include:

  • Samsung: Anynet +Sharp: Aquos LinkPhilips: EasyLinkSony: BRAVIA SyncLG: SimpLink

Most LG TVs will end in SimpLink. Make sure the settings are on. If the HDMI-CEC is working properly, you should be able to control HDMI-connected devices with the Apple TV remote.

Using the Apple TV Remote to Control Power

Using the Apple TV remote to turn your LG TV’s power on and off can come in handy because you won’t need to look for the other remote every time you want to switch the TV on and off. Follow these steps:

  • Go to Settings.Choose Remotes and Devices.Select Control TVs and Receivers.Choose Home Theater Control.Toggle it to On.

This should turn the TV on as soon as you turn the Apple TV on. It will also automatically switch the TV to the correct HDMI output when you turn the Apple TV on; this saves you the trouble of having to use the TV remote to constantly switch between ports.

Can the Apple TV Remote Control Everything on the LG TV?

Although the Apple TV remote can control many things on your LG TV—like the HDMI outputs, HDMI devices, and volume—it can’t control everything. If you aren’t using the HDMI outputs, you will still need to use the LG TV remote to control:

  • The channels when using cableThe TV channel guideDVR or other recording devicesPlay, pause, and rewind buttons for cable

Final Thoughts

Although the Apple TV remote can control many things, you will need to program it to control the volume and other HDMI outputs for your LG TV. If you are using cable or other non-HDMI ports, you will need the LG TV remote to switch between channels.

If you want to use an Apple TV remote in place of the LG TV remote because it’s lost, another option you have is using your phone. Check out this article to learn more!