How Do I Reprogram a Garage Door Remote?

There are primarily two types of garage door remotes available. The older types depended on tiny multiple (DIP) switches. When set in a specific on or off pattern, a unique signal is created. Criminals have found a way to record the signals and use it to open garage doors. It is still used in many homes today and the codes can be reprogrammed. The new secured types depend on a system that generates new signals continually and automatically. It is not necessary to reprogram this type as it makes use of rolling frequencies that change often.

Garage Doors with Programmable DIP Switches

• 1

  Go to the garage door opener (or motor unit) in the garage. You may have to access the door opener with a sturdy chair or a ladder.

• 2

  Locate the DIP switches. They are typically found on the rear panel of the opener. There can be eight to 12 small switches. It will take a pointy object such as a pen to move the tiny switches up or down. The switches' positions indicates on or off, depending on the manufacturer.

• 3

  Change the switches to a new code. For example, make a new pattern such as: on, on, on, off, on, off, on, on, off, and on, if there are 10 switches. It is up to you to make up your code and it is very unlikely that you will come up with the same code as your neighbor.

• 4

  Open up the transmitter device that opens your garage. You should see access to the battery and the same number of DIP switches as your garage door opener.

• 5

  Change the DIP switches so the on and off positions match the DIP switches on your garage door opener.

• 6

  Test the transmitter by pushing on the button. If a light comes on, it means that the transmitter senses the same code as the garage door opener. If the test doesn't work, test the battery and double-check if the DIP switch positions on the transmitter and the door opener are identical.

Garage Doors with Rolling Frequencies

• 1

  Reach for the garage door opener using a strong chair or a good ladder.

• 2

  Access the learn button. This button may be green, red, orange, purple, or blue. Some garage door opener may require removing a light bulb or a control panel first.

• 3

  Press the learn button. Within 30 seconds, press the open button for the remote control belonging to the garage door opener. If successful, indicators such as light bulbs for the motor unit will flash. Audio indicators such as clicking may occur depending on the door opener model.