Apple TV Remote app controls disappear on iPad after switching apps

I recently upgraded my primary, Apple TV to TVOS 27 and one of iPads to IOS27. The one feature I love is the re-worked apple TV remote, but I think I am experiencing a Bug...

The app starts OK and I can see all of the controls and works great as you see in the screen shot below

But when I switch and go to something like Facebook or Instagram and then try to switch back to the remote it looks like this with all of the controls missing.

the buttons work but the blank screen appears to do nothing, no swiping or anything I could try works)

To get the remote back, I need to swipe it closed and then re-open it.... which is a real pain

anyone have any suggestions on how to fix this?

thank for any help or pointers

Gary

Posted on Sep 19, 2026 7:06 AM

2 replies

Mgcmarco

Level 1 (8 points)

Sep 23, 2026 4:23 PM in response to henryga

I find that if you quickly swipe at the bottom of the screen to switch apps, then quickly switch back, it brings the arrow keys back.

henryga Author

Level 1 (17 points)

Sep 20, 2026 12:08 PM in response to henryga

I have confirmed that the same behavior is happening with an iPhone 17 ProMax

it is really hard to use the remote on the iPad and iPhone...

thanks