How To Program a Universal Remote Control Without the Instructions

The instructions for programming a universal remote control come with hundreds of codes for numerous manufacturers, making syncing devices with the remote much easier. However, if you lost your instructions or did not get them in the first place, there is no reason to worry.

Universal remotes can search for these codes in their database and then sync up with other devices, such as DVD players or VCRs. Of course, you can always search for the codes online based on the device type and brand.

Read on to see several ways to program your universal remotes without instructions.

Getting Started

Before you can begin programming your universal remote, make sure the batteries are correctly installed and fresh whenever possible. When you press a button, the remote should light up somehow, but it can still be weak. That’s why it is best to replace the existing batteries, and you can always keep the old ones as a backup, assuming they did light up the remote LED(s) or buttons. Weak batteries may affect the signal sent by the remote and can waste your precious time without you even knowing it.

Second, make sure you can establish a direct link between your universal remote control and the device you wish to program. Closer is better. If something gets in the way (your cat, child, or even an object) and the process is interrupted, you will probably have to start over from the beginning.

How Remotes Work

To better understand the programming process, it’s important to understand exactly how your universal remote communicates with the device it’s programming.

Whenever you push a button on your remote, it activates a signal from the remote’s circuit board to the other device. Basically, it sends a command code that tells your TV what to do. This is usually an infrared signal, so you need to be within thirty meters of the other device and within the line of sight.

As opposed to standard remote controls, Universal remotes have a broader compatibility range, so they can be used with several devices. To program one of these remotes, you’ll need to push a sequence of buttons to sync the remote and your TV (or another device).

Generally, these codes are numeric, but sometimes they’re a sequence of other buttons as well. When the proper sequence is initiated, your remote will send commands to the other device, letting it know that it wants to pair. Each receiving device has a particular sequence that it will accept, which can make pairing your remote quite difficult. But don’t worry; we’ll show you how to do it below.

How to Program a Universal Remote Control

You can use a universal remote to operate many devices, from TVs and VCRs to cable boxes, home theater receivers, and Blu-ray/DVD players. Programming can take quite some time in many circumstances, but here are some efficient ways to do it.

Method 1: Universal Remote Instructions Manual

This option may seem obvious, but it is still important to mention. If you have the remote’s instructions or programming manual handy, it is the quickest way to get it up and running. The programming instructions will display groups of codes for various branded devices, such as Sony, Magnavox, and Apex DVD players. Just follow the code-entering instructions, and your remote should be ready in no time.

Aside from entering codes, the instructions will provide help with programming your universal remote without them. This scenario covers anything not listed in the manual. It also comes in handy if the listed codes do not work for the intended device, which does occasionally happen since the codes are based on brand, not model.

If you don’t have a physical copy of the manual, you can probably find it for free online. Simply search for the manufacturer of the remote control and look for a digital version of the manual. Then, you can either bookmark it for future reference or print it out if you prefer a paper copy.

Method 2: Use the Internet to Find the Code

This device code finder website can come in handy if you want to find the codes for an RCA remote based on the device you wish to control. Other branded remotes can be searched for on the internet to find the associated manual or list of codes. Some companies offer multi-remote code lists, while others only provide model-specific codes. There is usually more than one code to try. Once you have the list of possible codes, you can enter them manually, one by one, according to the online instructions.

In addition to manually entering codes, the instructions will show you how to program the remote without codes, just like the original manual. You may even have the original manual’s online version, but there are often variations and updated instructions on the Web.

Method 3: Check the Remote

Remote manufacturers understand that people can easily lose their instructions or simply throw them away when they think they’ll no longer need them. However, replacing batteries in a remote often resets the codes to default unless you have super-fast fingers or use the “one-battery-out/one-battery-in method that sometimes works. In any case, many remotes have quick-reference instructions on the back.

Method 4- Use Auto Code Search

In case you were not able to find the codes for your device online, you can use the automatic code search option, which we did mention in options 1 and 2 above but without details. Universal remotes have a database with codes for many devices. The instructions explain how to scan the codes automatically.

Alternative Methods

When it comes to more expensive universal remotes, they may offer additional programming methods, such as using the PC with audio waves or through a USB connection. Furthermore, some remotes have auto-learning technology. Once again, the features and programming details are in the manual.

No matter what remote you have, if you cannot find a solution, consider the options discussed below.

What is the Proper Way to Set Up a Universal Remote Control?

The instructions for entering device codes are mentioned above, but here are the most common ways to program a remote.

• Common method #1: Hold the device key for a few seconds and enter the first code listed.
• Common method #2: Hold the power button until the LED blinks and press the device key, followed by the first code.
• Common method #3: Hold the device key down until the LED blinks several times. Then release the key and enter the first code.
• Common method #4: Press and hold the power button and device key simultaneously until the LED blinks or remains lit, then release and repeatedly press the power button until the device turns on or off, then press the device key (sometimes the stop button) to save the setting.
• Common method #5: Press and hold the device button until the LED stays lit. Release the button and continue to press the channel up or volume up button repeatedly until the device turns on or off. Then press the device key or stop button to save your setting.

The instructions for your specific remote will tell you the proper procedure.