New Remote for Apple TV problems - Please help

Got a replacement remote for the Apple TV box, because I lost the other one. When I plug the box in it says “your Apple TV isn’t connected to the network.” I cannot enter settings because the remote won’t pair with the box. I’ve tried holding down menu and volume up button close to the box, but it won’t sync. The remote does allow me to reset the box by holding down the menu and screen buttons together. Any suggestions on how to make this work?