The Apple TV 4K's most annoying bug just got fixed — here’s how to update

The Apple TV 4K (2022), with the Siri remote propped on its right side. — (Image credit: Henry T. Casey / Tom's Guide)

If your Apple TV 4K's anything like mine, you've almost gone mad over its recent buggy remote behavior. When I encountered it, my Siri remote just failed to keep its connection for long periods of time, often just unpairing randomly.

Today (March 6), Apple released tvOS 16.3.3, which seems to exist just to fix the Apple TV's Siri remote problems. We can suggest that this OS update is targeted at just that feature because it's literally all Apple says about the update, with the release notes stating "This update fixes an issue where the Siri Remote can become unresponsive on Apple TV 4K (3rd generation)."

The last three release notes for updates were much more vague, stating "This update includes general performance and stability improvements."

From my own experience, the best way to try and fix this problem was unplugging and replugging the power cable. That wasn't a sure-fire solution, as the bug kept recurring for others. Another recommended way to fix the issue was charging the remote for a few hours. It didn't work for my Apple TV 4K though.

How to update your Apple TV to fix the Siri remote issue

Open Settings
Select System
Select Software Updates
Select Update Software
Select Download and Install

Read on for a visual guide to updating the Apple TV.

1. Open Settings

tvOS 16 setup process at the home screen with the Settings app highlighted

On the Apple TV home screen, select the Settings app.

2. Select System in Settings

tvOS 16 setup process at the Settings page with System highlighted

Scroll down on the main screen and select System.

3. Select Software Updates

tvOS 16 setup process at the System page with Software Updates highlighted

Under Maintenance, select Software Updates.

4. Select Update Software

tvOS 16 setup process at the Software Updates page with Update Software highlighted

At the top of the screen, select Update Software. Of course, the tvOS version number on this screen will vary by the version you've previously installed.

5. Select Download and Install

The tvOS update window screen for tvOS 16.3.3 with with Download and Install option highlighted by a green rectangle

You have two options, the first will install the update immediately, the latter is for installing later, best for those who want to watch something now.

And there you have it, your Apple TV is downloading tvOS 16.3.3, to fix this annoying bug. Let's hope we never have to talk about this issue again.

When the best Rokus cost much less than an Apple TV — and don't have this kind of rampant bug (though you sometimes do need help pairing a Roku remote) — Apple's steep price can feel hard to justify.

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Henry was a managing editor at Tom’s Guide covering streaming media, laptops and all things Apple, reviewing devices and services for the past seven years. Prior to joining Tom's Guide, he reviewed software and hardware for TechRadar Pro, and interviewed artists for Patek Philippe International Magazine. He's also covered the wild world of professional wrestling for Cageside Seats, interviewing athletes and other industry veterans.