What to Do If Your Automatic Garage Door Opener Remote Is Stolen

A garage door opener’s remote control unit is a handy gadget that enables you to enter and exit the garage without leaving the car. It’s convenient, but what happens if you reach for this device only to discover that it isn’t there?

A misplaced or stolen garage door opener is more than an inconvenience. It also poses a significant security risk. A remote that falls into the wrong hands can give an intruder easy entry into your garage and possibly the inside of your home. If your garage door opener isn’t where you expect it to be, it’s essential to act quickly to avoid a break-in or another unfortunate event.

How to Disable a Garage Door Opener Remote

If you discover that the remote for your garage door opener was stolen or lost, the first thing you should do is disable the unit by deprogramming it. Depending on the model you have in your garage, you may be able to accomplish this task by pressing a button to erase the memory. Consult your garage door opener’s user manual for additional help when disabling your remote. 

The advantage of disabling the remote is that it makes the unit useless immediately, preventing anyone from using it to enter your garage. You can operate your garage door manually until you purchase a replacement.

Buy a New Remote

Once you’ve deprogrammed your lost or stolen remote, you’re ready to purchase a replacement. You can buy the same model or check your opener’s owner’s manual to determine whether there are any other compatible units. You can purchase a new remote online from the manufacturer or consult a reputable garage door services provider like EXL Garage Doors for expert assistance.

You’ll need to program the remote, which should be relatively easy if you follow the instructions found in the owner’s manual. Technicians at EXL Garage Doors can also help with the process.

4 Tips for Preventing a Misplaced or Stolen Garage Door Opener Remote

You can avoid the consequences of a missing remote by implementing these protective measures:

  1. Instead of leaving the unit clipped to your vehicle’s sun visor, keep it out of sight by storing it in the glove compartment or under the seat or taking it inside with you.
  2. If you prefer to keep the remote in your car, make sure you lock the doors and keep the vehicle inside your garage.
  3. If you have an entry door between your garage and home, keep it locked at all times. 
  4. Consider purchasing a smartphone-compatible garage door opener that doesn’t require a dedicated remote control unit so you’ll always have it with you.

Contact EXL Garage Doors to Learn More

If you live in the Gallatin, TN, area, the local team at EXL Garage Doors can help you with lost or stolen opener remotes and address your other residential garage door needs. We offer decades of experience and superb customer service. When you need overhead door service, contact our experts online


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