How To Program the DIRECTV Remote

If you have a DIRECTV remote that doesn’t work, you probably need to program it. This means that you need to set it up and to pair it with your display device.

Some smart remotes can pair with your TV automatically. If that doesn’t work, you will have to set them up manually. This depends on what kind of DIRECTV remote you have, as well as the display device.

It doesn’t take long to program your DIRECTV remote, and this article will explain how to set everything up, depending on the remote and device type.

The Type of Remote

DIRECTV remote controls are not always the same. The newer version is the DIRECTV Genie Remote, while the older version is called the DIRECTV universal remote.

Also, if you have a DIRECTV-Ready TV, you should follow a different setup process when pairing your remote. Make sure you check the type of your remote before you start.

Setting Up a DIRECTV Universal Remote

The DIRECTV universal remote can come in two versions: Standard Universal Remote or Universal RF Remote. Regardless of the type, the setup is the same.

With the DIRECTV Universal remote, you can control up to four different devices – your DIRECTV receiver, your VCR or DVD player, and your TV.

You can decide between two options for programming this remote: on-screen and manual. The on-screen option is easier but doesn’t work with all devices. Manual programming requires more work, but it always works.

Setting Up a DIRECTV Universal Remote with On-Screen Pairing

This method should display a simple guide on the screen. To set up this type of remote automatically, you need to follow a few simple steps:

1. Press the MENU button on your remote.
2. In the MENU window, choose ‘Settings & Help’.
3. Choose ‘Settings’.
4. Find ‘Remote Control’ and select it.
   
5. Choose ‘Program Remote’.
6. Go through the instructions that will appear on the screen. They should guide you through the rest of the process.

Setting up a DIRECTV Universal Remote Manually

If on-screen pairing doesn’t work, you can set up the remote manually. This is a longer process than on-screen pairing, but should work every time.

When you power on your TV and your receiver, here’s what you should do:

1. Search for a five-digit code for your brand of TV. There is a list of the codes, which depend on the brand, on the DIRECTV official website.
2. Locate the MODE switch on your remote control, and make sure it’s set to ‘TV’.
3. Simultaneously press the MUTE and SELECT buttons. When the green light at the top blinks twice, let the buttons go.
4. Enter the five-digit code of your brand. At this point, the light under the TV should also blink two times.
5. To check if everything works, point the remote to your TV and hold the VOLUME UP button. If the volume increases, proceed to the next step. If it doesn’t, repeat steps 2-4 again with a different code – it’s important to note that certain brands have multiple codes.
6. Hold SELECT and MUTE at the same time again, until the remote light blinks twice.
7. Enter the code 960 on your remote, and you should see the green light blinking again.
8. Set MODE switch back to DIRECTV position.
9. Your remote should work now without any problems.

Setting Up a DIRECTV Genie Remote

The DIRECTV Genie remote also has two types of setup: automatic and manual. With the Genie remote, there is a third option called DIRECTV Ready TV.

Setting Up a DIRECTV Genie Remote with Automatic Pairing

1. Direct your remote control at your Genie cable box (Genie Mini, Wireless Genie Mini or Genie HD DVR).
2. Press the MUTE and ENTER buttons at the same time, until the green light flashes twice.
3. The TV screen will display the Applying IR/RF setup. This means that you can set up your remote.
4. Turn on the device that you want to pair, and then press MENU.
5. Proceed to ‘Settings & Help’ -> ‘Settings’ -> ‘Remote Control’ -> Program Remote
6. Select the device you intend to pair with and then follow the instructions.

Setting up a DIRECTV Genie Remote with Manual Pairing

1. Direct your remote at the cable box.
2. Press the MUTE and ENTER buttons at the same time, until the green light flashes twice.
3. Enter the code 961 on your remote control.
4. Press the CHANNEL UP button on the remote, and then press Enter.
5. You will see ‘Your remote is now set up for RF’ on the screen. Press OK.
6. Power on the device you intend to pair.
7. Press the MENU button on the remote.
8. Proceed to ‘Settings & Help’ choose ‘Settings’ , ‘Remote Control’ and then ‘Program Remote’
9. Choose the device that you’ll pair with and follow the instructions.

Program a DIRECTV Genie Remote with a DIRECTV Ready TV.

If your TV setup includes DirectTV Ready TV, you can pair your Genie remote with it:

1. Press and hold the MUTE and ENTER buttons until you see the green light flashes two times.
2. You should see ‘Applying IR/RF Setup’ on the screen.
3. Turn on the DIRECTV Ready TV.
4. Hold the MUTE and SELECT buttons on the remote until the light flashes two times.
5. Enter the brand code for your DIRECTV Ready TV. (You can find the list on the official website)

Program

Once you’ve followed the above steps, your remote should work fine. If you get stuck, you can always contact the Help Center on the DIRECTV website.