Is your iPhone lock screen stuck displaying an unwanted “remote control” notification, even when you’re not using your Apple TV? Many users have reported this persistent issue, finding it both distracting and disruptive. While the feature is intended for convenient control of your Apple TV, it can become bothersome when it lingers unnecessarily. Let’s explore effective solutions to remove this Auto Remote Lock notification and regain control of your lock screen.
Understanding the Auto Remote Lock Notification Issue
The appearance of an Apple TV remote on your iPhone’s lock screen is a feature designed for quick access to device controls. It’s triggered when your iPhone detects an Apple TV on the same network, anticipating you might want to use your phone as a remote. However, this “auto remote lock” feature can sometimes become overzealous, displaying the notification constantly, even after you’ve finished using the Apple TV or when it’s not in use at all. This behavior is often reported as a bug, with users seeking ways to disable this persistent notification.
Here are some screenshots from users experiencing this issue:
Proven Methods to Disable the Auto Remote Lock Notification
Several methods have been suggested by users to resolve this annoying notification. Here’s a compilation of the most effective solutions:
1. Adjust AirPlay and Continuity Settings
One of the most reliable fixes involves tweaking your AirPlay and Continuity settings. This method, credited to user MacCourt, directly addresses how your devices interact with AirPlay, which is crucial for the auto remote lock feature.
Steps:
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Navigate to General.
- Tap on AirPlay & Continuity.
- Select Automatically AirPlay.
- Change the setting to Never.
By setting Automatically AirPlay to “Never,” you prevent your iPhone from automatically initiating AirPlay connections, which seems to be a key trigger for the persistent remote notification.
2. Disable Live Activities for the TV App
Another suggested solution focuses on disabling Live Activities for the Apple TV app. Live Activities keep certain information displayed on your lock screen in real-time. Turning this off for the TV app can stop the remote notification from appearing.
Steps:
- Open Settings.
- Tap on Apps (or Notifications, then TV).
- Select TV.
- Tap on Live Activities.
- Toggle off Allow Live Activities.
This method ensures that the TV app, and by extension its remote feature, does not use Live Activities to display on your lock screen.
3. Control Other Speakers & Devices (Reddit Solution)
A less conventional but reportedly effective solution found on Reddit involves a temporary workaround through the Control Center’s Apple TV remote interface.
Steps:
- On your lock screen, tap on the Apple TV logo in the Control Center (right side).
- Scroll to the bottom of the list.
- Tap on Control Other Speakers & Devices.
- Tap on your iPhone at the top of the list.
This sequence of actions reportedly removes the persistent prompt, especially if no media is actively playing on your iPhone.
4. Turn off Live Updates for TV App
Another user-suggested fix involves disabling live updates specifically for the TV app within the Apps settings.
Steps:
- Go to Settings.
- Select Apps.
- Navigate to TV.
- Select Live updates (or a similar option, depending on iOS version).
- Toggle off the option to Allow live updates.
5. Restart Your iPhone
Sometimes, the simplest solution is the most effective. Restarting your iPhone can clear temporary glitches that might be causing the persistent notification.
Steps:
- Turn off your iPhone.
- Wait for a few seconds.
- Turn it back on.
While basic, a restart can resolve various software hiccups, including persistent notifications.
Conclusion
The persistent auto remote lock notification on the iPhone lock screen can be an annoying issue for Apple users. Fortunately, several user-suggested solutions offer effective ways to regain control. By adjusting AirPlay settings, disabling Live Activities for the TV app, or trying the Reddit workaround, you can likely remove this unwanted notification. If all else fails, a simple restart might do the trick. These fixes should help you enjoy a cleaner, less intrusive lock screen experience.
