Universal remote with Uverse

i just installed a new DVR box because my old one was shot. i have universal remotes so I don’t use the ATT remotes. This has never been a problem for 10 years. The box is installed correctly. I can use my remote for volume but it is frozen on the screen saver and says ”hit ok to watch tv”. Nothing happens. I have rebooted the new box 4 times. it shows a green light ”linked”. HELP PLEASE! We are watching everything through apps on Amazon firestick.