How to Program a Universal Remote With TV Codes

Universal remotes can control most devices by entering their unique code; however, some users may experience difficulty when setting up new device codes.

Setup the remote is made simple thanks to multiple methods available to them – their suitability depending on your universal remote’s brand and features.

How to use the code finder

Finding universal remote codes can be a difficult challenge, especially if you own multiple devices. This guide offers several approaches for programming your Terk remote with TV codes – direct entry and brand code search among them – or using a code list to speed up this process.

Start by turning on the device you wish to control. Next, locate and press the “Device” button of your universal remote (some models require that you press a “Setup” button before pressing this device button), holding it while entering its code from either its list or finder. When your power light goes off after entering this code successfully, your remote should now be set up to manage that specific device.

If you haven’t done so already, consult the user manual of your universal remote to determine whether it supports programming through direct code entry. If so, place both remotes next to each other so that their IR control signals can transfer. Press either “Local” or “Universal” button on your universal remote; when its indicator light blinks twice twice it indicates learning mode and testing remote codes will commence.

While pointing your universal remote at the device you wish to control, press and hold the corresponding device button (one that corresponds with the type of device being controlled) on the remote until its LED lights up as soon as the power button on your device turns off; once that occurs, your universal remote should now be programmed for control of that specific device.

Continue the steps for each device you want to add to your universal remote and test its functions by turning devices on/off, changing channels/volume settings etc. If everything works as intended, enjoy your universal remote’s features; otherwise it could be incompatible with your equipment and may need resetting; make note of any codes which worked successfully in its user manual for future reference.

Method 1: Auto-programming

Universal remotes transmit infrared (IR) signals to control devices like televisions and home theater receivers, though these IR signals remain invisible to the naked eye but can still be picked up by sensors within devices themselves. When setting up, each universal remote must be programmed with its unique code for every brand/model of device being controlled – although the process can appear complex at first, all it requires are a few basic steps and ensuring all codes used correspond. The key step here is making sure both device and remote are in the same room and that all codes used correspond with all appropriate device models and/model numbers used.

Most universal remotes come equipped with a list of device codes arranged by television brand and model number, typically including three- or four-digit codes that identify individual device models. If any specific code doesn’t work, try others until one works; remembering to point the remote directly at your device during programming is also helpful.

Some remotes will feature a specific “code search” or “set up” button for automatic device code entry, which may be quicker than manual programming, though still time consuming. Once powered on, turn on your device you wish to program before holding down both device and power buttons on a universal remote for at least five seconds until prompted to enter its code; once in, test basic functions like power and volume controls as confirmation of success of this method of programming.

If your remote’s LED blinks four times, this indicates you have exhausted your available device codes and must use another programming method to program. If it still won’t turn on, reseting may be necessary; with GE universal remotes specifically, look for a sticker at the bottom of its battery compartment with CL3, CL4, CL5, or CL6 labeled as these are its code entries; follow this same process to reenter them manually.

Method 2: Brand code search

Universal remotes usually include a list of codes to match devices from various brands – these are known as Brand Codes. If your new device doesn’t fit within this database, using the code search button on your remote to find one that does will likely work – simply power on and press a special button on your remote to put it into coding mode; after which it will run through all possible codes until it finds one that works before testing to ensure everything is operating as expected.

Searching for an item code requires knowing its manufacturer. If you don’t, try contacting or visiting their website directly or browsing a list of universal remote codes to see who produces what. This way you don’t have to try each code individually!

Universal remotes work by mimicking the infrared signals sent out by original remotes they replace. To do this, they utilize a pre-programmed library of device codes which correspond with various electronic brands and models; when programmed into their remote control unit, these signals send to devices to control functions like power on/off and volume adjustment.

Begin the procedure by turning on your TV or other device that requires programming, pressing and holding the Program/Setup button on your remote – typically located near the top of the device – until its device key illuminates and pressing again will bring up Brand Code Search mode.

Press and hold the Code Search button on your remote until a red indicator light illuminates. Point the remote at the device you are programming while continuing to press it – this will resend 10 codes until one works; once one does work, the device key will turn off and this search process will end.

Method 3: Manual programming

This method utilizes your remote’s internal database to locate an appropriate code for your device. While simpler than auto-programming, this approach still requires some knowledge and work; you need to know both the brand name and model number of your equipment, as well as any compatible codes (for this you should consult your remote manual).

If you know the code for your device, enter it using your remote’s keypad. Indicators such as device and power buttons usually light up when receiving codes; once entered, test whether your device turns on and off by testing its power button and testing for on/off cycles – if this works successfully press Stop to save the code before trying out other functions such as volume/channel switching to ensure your remote works successfully.

Manual code search methods offer another solution, allowing you to manually search for brand codes and enter them. While this approach may be simpler than auto-programming, you may still have to try multiple codes before finding one that works – it is therefore wise to keep a list of compatible codes handy as this process could take some time.

Start by pressing and holding the device button of a universal remote (often preceded by a set-up button). When this LED lights up, that shows that your remote is receiving signals for device and power buttons. Enter the first brand code from your list into your universal remote’s brand code box before testing device to ensure it turns on properly. Press Stop when finished testing device as that saves code as well as testing additional functions to make sure everything works as intended.

Some universal remotes also enable you to program them using an IR learning process without using codes. To do so, place both original and universal remotes side-by-side so their infrared sensors face each other for optimal signal reception, press and hold power/device buttons on original remote to transmit signal to universal remote, follow prompts on universal remote to map button functions back onto original remote control buttons and follow prompts on universal remote to map their functions directly back.