i want to connect a second remote to the little dongle in the back of my TV

That would be the Gemini Air for DIRECTV STREAM.

Originally you could only pair a single Gemini remote to it. There has been mention this may have changed, so hopefully another poster (perhaps a fellow ACE) can clarify on this.

You can have 2 remotes programmed for the Gemini Air.  All you have to do is go into the settings. Then go to System, then go down to Remote & Devices, then add Directv Remote and follow the directions on the screen.  Then you will be all set.  I hope this helps!

I was told by Directv that you cannot pair two remotes to the same tv, but it is true about the systems menu and pairing a remote. I have not found a directv remote online that I am confident will work with the new Gemini Air dongle. That means we pay Directv $7.00/month for renting another remote?

@David_Bigartist This remote can work for a second remote. You can buy them on Amazon and Walmart.  Here is the link for the one from Amazon I have. https://www.amazon.com/DirecTV-Receiver-Remote-Control-Voice/dp/B08R1GWS61/ref=asc_df_B08R1GWS61?mcid=409cb0a6e7533805b67ac78fbc779e93&hvocijid=13852458477766172219-B08R1GWS61-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13852458477766172219&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9005685&hvtargid=pla-2281435181458&psc=1

Thanks. I’ll give it a try. 

I have two remotes on my dongle. The one that came with it and the 2nd I bought from Amazon