How to Use the Apple Remote to Advance Slides

By Chris Daniels

Pair your Apple remote with your laptop to avoid interference from other remotes.
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When giving a presentation, you don't want to be chained to your laptop. Apple provides a remote that works with Mac laptops, Apple TV and other Apple devices with an IR receiver. With a compatible laptop, the Apple remote can control a slide show in programs such as Microsoft PowerPoint and Apple Keynote.

Step 1

Verify that the infrared receiver on your Mac is enabled. Open "System Preferences" and click the "Security and Privacy" option. Enter your administrative password and click the "Advanced" button. Verify that the "Disable remote control infrared receiver" box is not checked.

Step 2

Hold the Apple remote close -- four to five inches -- away from your laptop facing the front. Hold the "Menu" and "Next / Fast-Forward" button on your remote for five seconds. This will pair this remote with your computer if your account has administrative permissions.

Step 3

Launch presentation software such as Microsoft PowerPoint or Apple Keynote.

Step 4

Use the "Next / Fast-Forward" and "Previous / Rewind" buttons to move slides in your presentation forward or backward.

Step 5

Install third-party iRed Lite software to improve the functionality and enable the Apple remote to control additional programs.

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