No TV power change with Apple TV remote? Check HDMI-CEC or IR power control, then run the steps below.
Your Apple TV can put a TV and receiver to sleep in two ways: HDMI-CEC over the HDMI cable, and infrared from the Siri Remote’s power button. If the TV stays on, the issue sits with CEC settings, IR line-of-sight, cabling, or software on either device. This guide walks you through each fix in a calm, no-nonsense order so you can get back to one-button power control.
Fast Checks Before You Dive In
These quick wins solve most cases. Run them top to bottom. If one step fixes it, you’re done.
- Stand near the TV and point the remote at the IR window. The power button uses IR for many TVs, which needs a clear path.
- Charge the Siri Remote. Low battery can drop IR range and CEC reliability.
- Unplug the Apple TV and the TV for 30 seconds. Plug back in. This resets the HDMI link and CEC state.
- Use a certified High Speed HDMI cable. Loose or old cables break CEC.
- Test a different HDMI port on the TV. Some ports throttle CEC features.
Apple TV Power Control Methods At A Glance
This table shows how Apple TV turns a screen off and what each method needs to work.
| Method | What It Controls | What It Needs |
|---|---|---|
| HDMI-CEC Sleep | TV and receiver power | CEC on in TV settings, good HDMI link, Apple TV “Control TVs and Receivers” on |
| Remote IR Power | TV or receiver power | Line-of-sight to IR sensor, charged remote, correct learned codes |
| Sleep Menu | Apple TV plus CEC devices | Hold TV button or Power button, CEC enabled on the chain |
Turn On The Right Controls In tvOS
Open Settings > Remotes and Devices. In Home Theater Control, switch on “Control TVs and Receivers.” On setups without a receiver, use “Turn On Your TV with Your Remote.” This tells Apple TV to send CEC sleep and wake signals. If volume or power still fails by IR, use Volume Control > Learn New Device to teach the codes. Apple documents these paths in the tvOS user guide, and the steps match the latest builds.
Enable HDMI-CEC On Your TV
Brands rename CEC. You’ll see tags like Anynet+ (Samsung), Bravia Sync (Sony), Simplink (LG), Viera Link (Panasonic), or HDMI Control (many others). Open the TV settings, search for the CEC menu, and switch it on for the HDMI port that holds Apple TV. Then power cycle both devices once to refresh the handshake.
“Apple TV Remote Won’t Turn Off TV” Fixes By Cause
Cause 1: IR Power Is Blocked Or Unlearned
The power button on newer Siri Remotes often fires IR at the TV. If the cabinet door is closed or the soundbar hides the IR window, the TV won’t see the command. Open sight lines during the test. If power still fails but volume works, relearn IR: Settings > Remotes and Devices > Volume Control > Learn New Device. Some sets need you to aim dead center at the logo area.
Cause 2: HDMI-CEC Is Off Or Glitched
CEC lets one box tell another to sleep or wake through the HDMI cable. If the TV ignores sleep, toggle CEC off and back on in the TV menu, then in Apple TV turn “Control TVs and Receivers” off, wait ten seconds, and back on. If that stalls, unplug both ends of the HDMI cable, wait, and reconnect. Many users report the link springs back after a short power pull.
Cause 3: Wrong Port Or Cable
Some TVs only wire CEC on specific ports. Move Apple TV to the ARC or eARC port. Swap in a fresh cable rated for 4K HDR. A flaky line can carry video while dropping CEC commands.
Cause 4: Remote Needs A Restart Or Pair
If the remote feels laggy or won’t pair, restart it: hold the TV/Control Center button and Volume Down for five seconds until the Apple TV status light cycles. Then try power again. If needed, re-pair: hold Volume Up and Back (or Menu) near the Apple TV for two seconds, then follow the on-screen cue.
Cause 5: Software Or Sleep Settings
Update tvOS under Settings > System > Software Updates. Then review Sleep settings. You can put Apple TV to sleep from Control Center, or set a timer; Apple lists the options under Turn Apple TV on or off. When Apple TV sleeps, it sends a CEC sleep to the chain, which should switch off the TV and the receiver.
Close Variant: Apple TV Remote Not Turning Off TV — Settings That Matter
This section calls out the toggles that make or break power control. Work through them in order.
On Apple TV
- Settings > Remotes and Devices > Control TVs and Receivers: set to On.
- Settings > Remotes and Devices > Volume Control: set to Auto first. If power or volume fails, use Learn New Device.
- Settings > Sleep After: pick a time that fits your routine, or press and hold the TV button to sleep now.
On The TV Or Receiver
- Turn on HDMI-CEC under the brand name your set uses.
- Enable power sync if the menu splits CEC into sub-options.
- Use the HDMI port with ARC or eARC when present.
When Volume Works But Power Won’t
Volume can run over IR while power tries to ride on CEC. That split is common. If power fails and volume responds, focus on CEC: TV CEC on, Apple TV “Control TVs and Receivers” on, then a clean power cycle. If the TV still won’t sleep from the Apple TV menu, the CEC path is the blocker. Keep IR aimed at the TV during tests in case your set also needs IR for power.
Receiver And Soundbar Notes
Audio gear sits in the middle of many living rooms. If Apple TV feeds a receiver, that receiver must pass CEC to the TV. Turn on HDMI Control on the receiver too. If the soundbar takes HDMI from Apple TV and passes video to the TV, enable CEC on the bar and the TV. Some bars only pass power sync on the eARC port, so match ports as labeled.
Real-World CEC Names You Might See
Here’s a handy list so the right toggle jumps out when you open the TV menu.
- Samsung: Anynet+
- Sony: Bravia Sync
- LG: Simplink
- Panasonic: Viera Link
- Philips: EasyLink
- TCL/Roku TV: 1-Touch Play
- Onkyo/Denon/Yamaha: HDMI Control
Second Table: Symptom-To-Fix Cheatsheet
Match your symptom to the fastest action. Start with the top line that fits.
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Try This |
|---|---|---|
| TV stays on when Apple TV sleeps | CEC off or link stale | Enable CEC on TV and Apple TV, power cycle both, try ARC/eARC port |
| Power button does nothing | IR blocked or wrong codes | Open line-of-sight, relearn IR in Volume Control, charge remote |
| Volume works, power fails | Mix of IR and CEC | Focus on CEC toggles, swap HDMI cable, restart remote |
| Remote lag or random misses | Remote firmware glitch | Restart the remote with TV + Volume Down, then test again |
| Nothing responds at all | Pairing or cable issue | Re-pair the remote, try a new cable, different HDMI port |
Step-By-Step: Clean Handshake Reset
When CEC acts up, a clean reset clears stale state. Do this once, in order.
- Turn on CEC on the TV and receiver first.
- On Apple TV, set “Control TVs and Receivers” to On.
- Shut down the TV and receiver. Unplug their power cords.
- Unplug the Apple TV power cord. Unplug the HDMI cable at both ends.
- Wait 30 seconds. Reconnect HDMI, then power. Turn on the TV. Wake Apple TV last.
- Hold the TV button on the remote. Pick Power Off. Watch the TV for a clean shutdown.
When You Use A Universal Remote Or Older Set
Older TVs may lack full CEC. You can still send power by IR. Teach Apple TV your remote’s codes via Learn Remote. Keep the IR window clear. If the TV only supports basic CEC, the sleep command may not reach the panel. In that case, rely on IR power from the Siri Remote or the TV’s own handset.
Safety, Cables, And Placement
Keep the HDMI run short and tidy. Sharp bends near the port can nick the conductors. If the Apple TV sits in a cabinet, move it forward for tests. Glass doors can reflect IR. A small gap can make the difference between a power toggle and no response.
Still Stuck? Rule Out Hardware
Try the Apple TV and remote on a second TV. If power sync works there, the first TV’s CEC stack is the hold-up. If it fails on both, book service or swap the cable and the remote as needed.
References From Apple You Can Trust
You can review the official steps for TV and receiver control in Apple’s tvOS guide. The same section also shows where to enable CEC power sync and how to program IR volume if Auto fails. You’ll also find the sleep actions that send a CEC power off to connected gear.
Pro Tips For Reliable Power Control
Keep the remote on a charger pad weekly. A topped-up battery holds a steady IR beam. Label the HDMI port so cables go back into the same jack. If kids move the Apple TV to a side room, teach them to bring the remote; pairing range is short. When the TV ignores power after a firmware update, restart the remote first, then reseat HDMI. That combo clears most odd cases without a full reset.