Member Avatar for Dani

Hi,

I have a 24" Intel iMac in the same room as an Apple TV that is connected to a big screen plasma TV. Both the iMac as well as the Apple TV come with Apple remotes. However, everything seems to be on the same frequency. Whenever I want to use my Apple TV, I end up raising and lowering the volume of my iMac at the same time, which is rather irritating. Since all of the content on my iMac is also on my Apple TV, and I'd rather watch it on my tv when I'm not sitting at my computer, I have no need to use my iMac's remote. If there's no way to change frequencies, is there at least a way to disable my iMac from responding to the remote?

TIA!

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Dani AI

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Short expert addendum: this is an IR‑signal clash — the Apple remotes use the iMac’s infrared receiver, so the Apple TV remote can change the iMac volume. ’s demonstration shows the same fix many people use; ’s confirmation indicates it works. Two practical, non-destructive options follow.

To stop the iMac from responding (macOS):

  • Open Apple menu > System Preferences (or System Settings) > Security & Privacy (older OS X: Security).
  • Click the lock, authenticate, then click Advanced… (or look on the General pane in older releases).
  • Check “Disable remote control infrared receiver” and close System Preferences. (discussions.apple.com)

If you’d rather keep a remote for the Mac but avoid accidental control from the Apple TV, pair remotes so each device only listens to its assigned remote:

  • Point the Apple Remote 3–4 inches from the Mac’s IR sensor and hold Menu + Next (fast‑forward) for ~5 seconds until the chain‑link icon appears onscreen (follow similar steps on the Apple TV to pair/unpair there). (support.apple.com)

Notes and troubleshooting:

  • If you run Windows via Boot Camp, the same disable option appears in the Boot Camp Control Panel (Remote tab). (support.apple.com)
  • Sometimes the preference doesn’t “stick.” Pair the remote first, then re‑disable IR; if problems persist, remove the IR prefs file /Library/Preferences/com.apple.driver.AppleIRController.plist and reboot before toggling the setting again. (apple.stackexchange.com)

If you don’t see any IR options, the Mac may not have a built‑in IR receiver (many newer models lack one). In that case use a USB IR dongle (Flirc or similar) to control only the target device, or configure the Apple TV to control volume over HDMI‑CEC or the iOS Remote app. (iospirit.com)

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Member Avatar for jbennet

are they bluetooth, rf, infared what??

Member Avatar for jbennet

im sure you are able to disable them

Member Avatar for John A

im sure you are able to disable them

That was the point of my video.

Member Avatar for jbennet

oh sorry didnt watch it (dont have flash)

Member Avatar for Dani

Worked perfectly. Thanks!

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