Yes, it gets disabled automatically from time to time in unsupported countries. You need to enable it each time (via app settings or play store) to use the remote.
Google should've thought about this before rolling out the new remote.
Exactly the same issue with me too.
What the hype with that new remote. It doesn't make nothing new then the old one! It's only look different. And have a lot of bugs. From 5 Android TV in my house, it's recognize only one!
Same happens with me. Did you get any solution?
Mine rolled back to the old Google Play & Movies app. Don't know why they making everything strict to even access the movies I own....just because I'm not in the US? C'mon Google.
Could be licensing restrictions and Google's hands are tied?
What do you mean disabled? If you just mean it repeatedly disconnects that a bug. If you mean something more . . ..
Same with "Google Play Movies & TV" on OnePlus 8T. Keeps getting disabled and needs to be re-enabled for the remote to work. Annoying as shit.
Either use a VPN, wait for it to be rolled out in your country, or move to a country where it's officially available.
Those are your only options.
Try to disable Google partner apk in system apps, force close it, disable, clear data
Found this in another reddit post but not sure if it effective yet, just tried myself now
VPN.
It looks like you have a Samsung, which is likely choosing to put into "deep sleep" automatically if you don't use an app "often" enough.
I've had many apps just disappear into the Samsung power optimization hole until I find they were auto-disabled.
If you have a non-Pixel, try turning all battery optimizations off and see if it keeps happening. Other OEMs have similar over the top app optimization as well.
Check if you are in supported countries for Google Play Movies & TV here: https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/2843119?hl=en#zippy=%2Cmovies-tv
They need to move (integrate) the Remote app in to Google Home app asap for it to work properly worldwide.
I hope they wont do this only for iOS, because this is idiotic.
Why would they even integrate the remote app in the region locked "Google Play Movies & TV" or "Google TV" app. Worst idea ever.
The remote belongs in the Home app. This is why it exists in the first place, to control appliances in your home.