How to Program a Universal Garage Door Remote

In theory, universal garage door remotes are a one-size-fits-all solution for homeowners who are struggling to find a remote that works with their door’s motor model.

But, many times, these remotes aren’t as effective as they’re chalked up to be. They’ll work with a handful of brands, but not always the one you need. On top of that, programming them to sync with your door’s system can be tricky.

To help local homeowners in Delaware and North Maryland successfully purchase and program a universal garage door remote that works for their door, Precision Garage Door of Delaware put together the following how-to post on universal garage door remotes. 

Purchasing a Compatible Universal Garage Door Remote

Most universal garage door remotes work with multiple garage door motor brands, but you may not be able to tell which prior to your purchase.

If the standard (non-universal) remote for your garage door motor and model year is available, purchasing that remote is the way to go. This guarantees the best possible connection and performance between your opener and remote.

However, if you have an old model that no longer makes a corresponding remote, make sure the universal remote you purchase supports the brand of opener you have.

LiftMaster® is the main garage door remote brand we recommend. LiftMaster® universal remotes are compatible with the most different brands and model years. Genie is another popular remote brand. They sell a universal remote that’s only compatible with Genie openers, but works for several different models. 

Programming Your Universal Remote

You’re purchasing a universal garage door remote, so shouldn’t setting up be the same across the board? We hear you! Since different universal garage door remotes have different setup options, it’s important that you carefully review the instructions that come with your remote version.

The following steps are based off of LiftMaster®’s instructions for programming their universal garage door remote. 

Step 1: Locate the Learn Button

The first step in programming a LiftMaster® garage door opener to a universal remote is finding the Learn button on your garage door motor.

With the universal remote in hand, climb a sturdy work ladder to a height where you can reach the bottom of the garage door opener unit. The Learn button is located underneath the section of the opener that houses the light bulb. Remove the lens covering to access the Learn button, which should be either orange or purple. For more of a visual representation of this, check your manual or the video on Precision’s website. 

Step 2: Push and Hold the Learn Button

With the Learn button identified, the next step is to press and hold it for about half a minute. While you have the Learn button depressed, push and release the button on the universal garage door remote with your other hand. The opener’s light bulb should flash once to acknowledge that the motor and remote are now in sync. That’s it! 

Step 3: Program Additional Universal Remotes

If you have more universal remotes you wish to program, you’ll need to repeat the above steps for each remote.

After that, replace the lens covering on the opener and safely dismount from your ladder. Confirm that each universal remote you programmed works by pushing the button. Your garage door should open or close when activated. 

Do You Have a Reputable Garage Door Services Provider?

Programming your garage door’s remote is a straightforward task that homeowners can handle. But, the solution to issues you may experience with your garage door in the future, like a broken spring, won’t always be so simple.

If you don’t have a reliable garage door company you can trust on standby, now is a great time to look for one. Remember the following tips when looking for a company:

• Begin your search for a reputable garage door company by asking friends and neighbors for their recommendations. Look online and read reviews that other customers have left regarding each company’s service.
• It’s important that you seek out a garage door services provider in your area that has trained and certified technicians on staff. The International Door Association (IDA) is the presiding organization that sets the safety and quality standards for the garage door repair industry. An IDEA-certified technician has been certified through the IDA’s Institute of Door Dealer Education and Accreditation. A company with IDEA accreditation is a great place to start.
• You’ll also want to look for a services provider that offers a multitude of services so you can rely on them for all your garage door needs, from garage door installations to spring and opener repairs to assistance with door design.
• Some garage door repair companies offer 24-hour emergency repair services. That means the company will send a technician out as soon as you need them to, so you’re never in a bind for too long.

Homeowners throughout Delaware and North Maryland looking for a garage door services provider they can trust can contact Precision Garage Door of Delaware’s IDEA-certified technicians for all their garage door needs, from new door installations to spring repairs. Get in touch with us today here. 

If you’re not seeking garage door services today, you may be interested in downloading our free garage door intro guide for homeowners, Understanding Your Garage Door: How It Works and Who to Call. This useful eBook will help you build some basic garage door knowledge by walking you through the various parts that make up the door system and how to know what’s normal door behavior and what’s not. This way, you can spot an issue sooner, get help sooner, and keep your family safe.