Using the Apple Remote with iPod Hi-Fi

Summary

The iPod Hi-Fi includes the Apple Remote. This same remote works with other Apple products, including:

• iPod Universal Dock
• iMac (Early 2006)
• iMac G5 (iSight)
• MacBook Pro

Products Affected

iPod Hi-Fi, iPod nano, iPod mini, iPod, iPod touch

The Apple Remote is an infrared (IR) remote. It works by line of sight. The infrared receiver on the iPod Hi-Fi is located behind the speaker grille on the top left-hand corner. Removing the grille can increase the range of the remote slightly. The remote has a range of up to 30 feet and has a very wide coverage angle:

Remote Functions

You can use the Apple Remote to control playback of the attached iPod or with another audio device connected to the audio input port. To switch playback between the iPod and another device connected to the audio input port press and hold the Menu button.

Remote functions for iPod

The remote can be used to perform the following functions when playing music from an iPod in the dock connector:

To
Do this on the remote

Play a song, pause a song, or resume playback of a paused song
Press the Play/Pause button

Change the volume
Press the Volume Up or Volume Down button

Skip to the next song
Press the Next/Fast-forward button

Restart a song
Press the Previous/Rewind button once to restart a song

Play the previous song
Press the Previous/Rewind button twice to play the previous song

Fast-forward a song
Press and hold the Next/Fast-forward

Rewind a song
Press and hold the Previous/Rewind button

Switch to a device connected to the audio input port
Press and hold the Menu button (or remove the iPod from the dock)

Place iPod to sleep
Press and hold the Play/Pause button for five seconds

Remote function for device connected to audio input port

The remote can be used to perform the following functions when playing music from a device connected to the audio input port:

To
Do this on the remote

Toggle between muted and unmuted sound
Press the Play/Pause button (this does not stop or pause playback of the device connected to the audio input port)

Change the volume
Press the Volume Up or Volume Down button

Switch to an iPod connected to your iPod Hi-Fi
Press and hold the Menu button

Note: The Menu button on the remote does not perform the same function as pressing the Menu button on the iPod. The Menu button on the Remote changes playback between the iPod and an audio device connected to the audio input port. Because the remote does not have a wheel or a select button, you cannot use the remote to navigate the menus or skip to a different playlist on iPod. You must use the iPod’s controls to navigate the menus or choose another playlist.

Pairing your iPod Hi-Fi with the remote

The included Apple Remote works with other compatible Apple products that have a built-in infrared (IR) receiver. You can set your iPod Hi-Fi to work only with the included remote so that remotes for your other devices do not affect your iPod Hi-Fi. This is called pairing.

To set your iPod Hi-Fi to work only with the included remote:

1. Connect your iPod Hi-Fi to an electrical outlet. If your iPod Hi-Fi has batteries, you do not need to connect it to an outlet.
2. Make sure other products that are compatible (see above) with the remote are not in range, and hold the remote close to your iPod Hi-Fi (about 3 to 4 inches away).
3. Press and hold the Menu and Next/Fast-forward buttons on the remote simultaneously for about six seconds. The status light blinks green several times. Your iPod Hi-Fi now works only with the paired remote.

To reset your iPod Hi-Fi to work with all Apple Remotes:

1. Connect your iPod Hi-Fi to an electrical outlet. If your iPod Hi-Fi has batteries, you do not need to connect it to an outlet.
2. Make sure other products that are compatible with the remote are not in range, and hold the remote close to your iPod Hi-Fi (about 3 to 4 inches away).
3. Press and hold the Menu and Previous/Rewind buttons on the remote simultaneously for about six seconds. The status light blinks green several times.
4. Your iPod Hi-Fi now works with all Apple Remotes.

You may wish to pair your other Apple Remote–compatible devices with other Apple Remotes so that the remote you use with your iPod Hi-Fi does not affect those devices. See the documentation that came with the other devices for instructions.

Related posts:

1. How to replace the Apple Remote battery
2. iPod: How to use the Screen Lock
3. iPod touch: Hardware troubleshooting
4. Putting iPod into Disk Mode
5. iPod Hi-Fi: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)