What do you do when you don't have the remote for the apple tv box?

For any model Apple TV box, you would need the original physical remote to set it up and connect to your home network.

For the legacy model Apple TV box (3rd generation) (2012) [A1427 or A1469], you would indeed need the remote to connect the software remote and ‘type in’ the connection pairing code using the physical remote.

For the legacy model Apple TV box (2nd generation) (2010) [A1378], the software remote on iPhone is not compatible, no matter what you try.

For the legacy models Apple TV box (2nd or 3rd generation), you would need an Apple Remote (aluminum) A1294. Apple doesn’t sell these anymore, but some other resellers may still have a few (or imitation models).

Replacement remotes will have to be linked to the box.

I agree with IdrisSeabright’s assessment to its lack of usefulness in 2024, for the legacy models.

If you don’t have the original remote for the sole you can’t pair iPhone remote because you will need the remote to type the code in the Apple TV to pair it

cutiepie20 wrote:

I bought a apple tv 2nd gen from a thrift store,I just got the box,no power cable or remote dispite searching the area it was placed on the shelf.

Honestly, a second-generation Apple TV wouldn't be worth spending money on a new remote. It won't have apps and what it can do (if it can still do anything) is very, very limited.

You can purchase a new remote, or use the remote built into your iPhone or ipad

It needs the remote control , you can’t pair the iPhone remote without the remote