How to Connect a Universal Remote to a TV

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Set up your universal remote in just a few quick steps

Written by Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: September 6, 2024

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Programming a Universal Remote

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Turning On Devices with a Universal Remote

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Q&A

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Tips

While remote controls make life a lot easier, nobody wants a pile of them taking up space on the coffee table. That’s where the universal remote control comes in handy. This tool is meant to take the place of your many remote controls, limiting entertainment system clutter while maintaining the convenience of remotely controlling your devices. The trickiest part of these remotes is setting them up, but once you’ve done that, it’s easy to turn devices on or off from the comfort of your couch. Universal remotes are wildly different across manufacturers, so you’ll need to have your manual handy to find your remote’s specific controls.

How to Turn On Your Device with a Universal Remote

Turn on your device and enter the universal remote’s setup mode.
Press the “TV” key or whichever key corresponds with your device.
Program the code for the device into the remote, according to the manual.
To turn on your device, press the device button on the remote.
Press the “Power” or “On” button.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Program Your Remote

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1
Put batteries into the universal remote. Most remotes come with batteries, but you may have to purchase your own. The battery type will be listed on the remote’s packaging.
- Some universal remotes lose the programmed codes when both batteries are removed. When replacing batteries, do so one battery at a time. This ensures that there is a current running with just enough voltage to keep the stored codes from getting erased.
- If you’re worried you’ll forget and remove both batteries, use a label maker or paint marker to write a reminder on the inside of the battery cover.
The packaging for your remote should explain how many devices (and which type) it can control. The manual for your universal remote will have even more detailed information on compatibility.

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This will probably be your television, but it can be any device.
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Enter the universal remote’s setup mode. The packaging, as well as the owner’s manual, will detail how to enter your remote’s setup mode. Some universal remotes require a computer running specific software for setup. Others can be configured on the TV screen or on a smaller screen built right into the remote. Some universal remotes even come with smartphone apps.
- You can enter setup mode in most universal remotes by pressing a button that says something like “setup” or a combination of two buttons (like On and Off at the same time).
- If you don’t have the manual, visit the manufacturer’s website and search for one to download.
For example, if you’re programming your remote to turn on your television, press the button on your remote that says “TV.” Depending on your remote, you may need to hold down the button for a few moments.
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Program the code for the device into the remote. Each device has its own code which needs to be programmed into the remote. These codes are located in the universal remote’s manual, but some remotes have internal lists that can be accessed from the setup screen. Since these codes vary across remotes, you’ll need to use the ones that work with your specific remote.
- There are websites which contain links to various manufacturer’s codes. You can find them by searching for the manufacturer and model of your remote along with the word “codes.”
- Typically, you’ll have to type in a numeric code and wait a few moments before receiving a screen confirmation or LEDs flashing in a certain pattern.
- Some remotes have a feature called Learning Mode which doesn’t require entering codes. If your device can “learn” and your other devices have remote controls, you can point the two devices at one another and use a key combination to force your universal remote to emulate the original. See your manual for information on how to start Learning Mode.
Turn on the next component and re-enter setup mode in your universal remote. Press the button representing the component on your remote and enter its code.
You never know when you’ll need it.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Turn On Devices

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) on the universal remote. Most remotes have at least 3-5 device buttons.
Different remotes have different names for this button. Pressing this button after pressing device button (TV, DVD, etc.) will turn on that device.
Repeat this with every device that needs to be turned on.
Controlling the volume or changing channels on each device will function the same way.

Community Q&A

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Question

Can I set up universal remote even if my TV is stuck on stand by?

Community Answer

Yes, at the side of your TV you should have manual setting to turn your TV on. You can also manually search for the TV code by pressing the power button until the TV turns on. Once it does, hit enter and you should have the TV code saved.

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How many codes do I put in?

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One at a time until you find the one that works. If you have a brand of TV that has many codes, it may take a while. I usually follow the instructions to search for a code, after you enter the code search mode the instructions tell you that you may have to press one of the buttons until you go all the way through the possible settings.

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Question

I have a 4 controller remote (RCA) and the light doesn't stay lit when I press TV and power together. What should I do?

Community Answer

Get new a new universal remote.

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Tips

Some devices will not work without their own remote control. While a universal remote is designed to replace all of your remotes, some people have to have one or two more in order to control their entertainment system remotely.

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If your remote suddenly stops working with a device, make sure you have selected the right device. Pushing the desired button for a device should make it work again.

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