How to Quickly Program Your Generic Universal Remote to Any TV

Your universal remote isn’t controlling your TV right now. You can get it working in just a few minutes by following these simple steps.

1. Install two fresh AAA batteries into your remote to ensure it has enough power to complete the pairing process. [0:57]
2. Press and hold the Setup button on your remote for about three seconds until the indicator light stays on. [1:02]
3. Press the TV button on the remote to tell it you are setting up a television. [1:13]
4. Locate the specific code for your TV brand from the manufacturer’s provided list, then key those digits directly into the remote. [1:19]
5. Point the remote at your TV and press the Power button to test if the device responds. [1:49]
6. If the TV doesn’t turn on, repeat the process starting from step two using a different code from your list. [1:57]

Ninja Tip: If you can’t find a working code, most remotes feature an “Auto-Search” mode; simply hold down the Setup button and cycle through the power button repeatedly until the TV turns off on its own. This saves you from hunting through endless paper lists when you don’t know the exact model number of your television.

If your remote still refuses to connect, check your TV’s manual for instructions on performing a factory reset of the remote system settings.