Xbox owners will soon be able to control their console with their TV remote

2 min. read

Published on September 9, 2021

published on September 9, 2021

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Microsoft has started testing new HDMI-CEC features with Xbox Insiders which will allow gamers to use their regular TV remote to control their console. Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles can already use HDMI-CEC to automatically turn on and off other devices, but navigating the Xbox OS currently requires an Xbox controller or an officially licensed infrared remote.

1/2 Xbox Insiders in Alpha Skip Ahead and Alpha we just enabled some new HDMI-CEC features for the builds today.
* Use your TV remote to control your Xbox –
– You can now use your TV remote to navigate the Xbox dashboard and control streaming apps like Netflix!

— Brad Rossetti (@WorkWombatman) September 8, 2021

In addition to using regular TV remotes to control Xbox consoles, the new HDMI-CEC features that Microsoft has started testing also include the ability to switch TV input by pressing the Xbox button on the Xbox controller. These features can be enabled by going to Settings > Power mode & start up > TV & A/V power options and checking “Use TV remote for console” and “Switch TV input using controller”.

These HDMI-CEC improvements are now live for Xbox insiders in the Alpha and Alpha Skip Ahead rings. The latest preview builds also bring controller firmware updates to bring the Dynamic Latency Input (DLI) technology and improved Bluetooth connectivity found on Xbox Series X|S controller to older Xbox controllers.

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time). For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web. Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they're looking for.