I’m considering getting a used Apple TV, but was wondering if I need to buy a remote?
I have an iPhone 12, as well as some Bluetooth video game controllers, do those work as alternatives?
I got a 4k online for $30 with no remote. I use a Logitech harmony remote to get my slimy adult viewing in.
Yes you can use your phone, but only after the initial setup, to join wifi and login with Apple ID.
After that you can put your remote in a drawer and forget about it, well until you need to do setup again, although I have never done that in 3 years.
The remote comes with it, so it’s’ not as if you have to buy one, and the setup is literally a few minutes.
Don’t overthink this.
You can use the remote function on iPhone.
You can use HDMI-CEC if your TV supports it
You can program AppleTV to recognise an IR remote, obv this needs one of the other two to set up.
Your TV remote can control the ATV through HDMI.