Separate intermittent response from no pairing
A Siri Remote that works near the box but misses commands from the sofa presents a different question from one that never pairs. Apple documents a Bluetooth RSSI signal-strength indicator under Remotes and Devices, Remote on tvOS 18 or later.
Open that panel while the remote is usable and inspect the reported condition. An indicator is evidence about the wireless link at that moment; it is not a score for your internet connection or the quality of a programme stream.
Compare two positions
Try the same simple navigation task close to Apple TV, then from the normal seat. Keep the task and remote the same. Move an obvious obstruction only for the second comparison and note whether response changes. Apple recommends moving closer and clearing obstructions for weak remote signal.
If response improves, investigate the installation position before replacing app credentials or changing television picture modes. If the panel is unavailable on an older system, do not invent a hidden signal test; use Apple’s documented proximity and pairing guidance for that version.
Keep restart and pairing distinct
Apple’s troubleshooting document gives different button combinations for remote restart and pairing. Read the current illustrated sequence when either is needed. Randomly alternating combinations obscures what state the remote is in.
Provide support with the installed tvOS, remote generation, observed signal condition and the position comparison. Those facts describe a reproducible control problem without making a claim about a hardware fault that has not been tested.
Questions answered
Does RSSI measure broadband speed?
No. It concerns the remote’s Bluetooth signal, not the internet connection.
Why is the indicator missing on my older Apple TV software?
Apple specifies the Remote signal-strength check for tvOS 18 or later.
Sources & further reading
Official references for the subjects discussed. Service terms and device software can change.