Shortcut on Apple Watch no longer opening app on Apple TV

Using a Shortcut to open a specific app on my Apple TV no longer works. Even a simple Shortcut that just contains Open app-name on Lounge TV fails with a “Remote execution timed out”.

This Shortcut works on my iPhone and iPad, and used to work on the Watch. This failure started after updating the TV to tvOS 27.0 and the Watch to watchOS 27.0.1. Apple TV is a 4K gen3.

Anyone having similar problems? Anyone found a solution?

Posted on Oct 21, 2026 12:49 AM

1 reply

WheelieNick

Level 9 (74,110 points)

Oct 22, 2026 1:22 AM in response to JPinCheshire

Hi there

Please try this

Re-toggle iCloud Sync for Shortcuts: On your iPhone, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Show All (or apps using iCloud), find Siri and Shortcuts, and toggle it off and back on to force a fresh sync to your Apple Watch.
Rebuild the Action on iPhone: Delete the "Open App on Apple TV" action inside the shortcut on your iPhone, re-add it from scratch, re-select your Apple TV (e.g., Lounge TV), and re-pick the target application. Then, toggle Show on Apple Watch off and back on in the shortcut's Details page.
Reboot the Ecosystem: Restart your Apple Watch, iPhone, and Apple TV (unplug the Apple TV 4K for 60 seconds if a standard reboot from Settings > System > Restart does not clear it).
Check Wi-Fi and Home Hub Status: Ensure your Apple Watch and iPhone are on the exact same 2.4GHz/5GHz Wi-Fi network and that your Apple TV or a HomePod is actively functioning as your Home Kit / Media hub without network isolation issues.
Use Siri as a Fallback: If the Shortcuts app interface times out from the wrist, try triggering it via voice ("Hey Siri, [Shortcut Name]") while your iPhone is nearby to force the bridge to route the command properly.