Unlike most things related to garage doors, programming garage door openers and remotes is something most people can do on their own. Once your door and opener are professionally installed, syncing your opener and remote should only take a few minutes. Learn how to program most garage door opener remotes and be on your way to a safer, more convenient garage experience.
How to Program a Garage Door Opener
Before you set up your remote, it can be helpful to check over the opener and make sure everything is in order. Is it clean and free of obstructions? Does it need any kind of maintenance or repairs? Is it properly connected to the garage door? By checking all this before connecting your remote, you can avoid needing to recalibrate in the future.
When you’re ready to program your garage door opener and remote, you will need to find the “learn” button on the opener. It may also be called “programming.” You may have to remove the opener’s light cover to see it. Once you locate that, you are ready to connect them.
Syncing Your Garage Door Opener Remote
While the remote opener is something of an afterthought to most people, it is the vital aspect that directs the opener to do what you tell it to. Without the remote, you can’t communicate with the opener, which leaves you unable to open or close your garage. Here’s how to find the right remote and connect it to your system.
Step 1 — Choose Your Remote
If your garage door opener did not come with a remote or you want to program a different one, you have many options:
- Traditional fob remote: Most garage doors come with a traditional opener remote that you can program to your liking. It will have a couple of buttons for opening and closing your door and other features like lighting. You may also get a fob remote with your opener, or you can buy a universal one, which operates similarly and has an attached keyring.
- Keypad remote: More and more garage door openers are also coming with keypads, which add an extra layer of security to your entryway. Some of them even come with cameras and microphones so you can see everything that happens on your property and take action immediately.
- Car remote: If your primary use for your garage is parking your car, it makes sense to connect your opener to the car’s internal remote system, if it has one. Most car remotes are similar to traditional remotes in that they have the same buttons for you to program.
- App remote: Some modern garage door openers may even have an app you can use instead of a physical remote. To connect an app to your garage door opener, follow the directions on your smartphone or mobile device.
Step 2 — Gather Your Equipment
Next, it will be helpful to have these things close at hand as you get started:
- Your opener and remote: You will need to operate both of these to complete the connection.
- The user manual: If you can find the manual for your opener or the remote, it will probably have its own set of directions to help you pair it.
- A ladder: If your garage door opener is mounted on the ceiling, make sure you have a ladder to reach it.
- An assistant: Finally, ask someone to be with you in case you need assistance, especially if you are working on a ladder.
Step 3 — Activate the Opener and Remote
Now, it’s time to get to work. Set yourself up near your garage door opener with your remote of choice and:
- Press the “learn” or “programming” button on the door opener until it lights up or starts flashing. From here, you’ll have about 30 seconds to complete the sync.
- For traditional remotes and older opener models, choose the button on your remote you want to represent the “open” command and press it. Your opener should respond with a flash or sound.
- Newer models or models with keypad remotes may request you enter the code the opener will give you. In this case, enter the code and follow the directions.
If that doesn’t work, now may be the time to consult your assistant, the user manual or a professional.
Step 4 — Test Your Results
Once you’ve completed the pairing process, wait a minute and test your remote. If they’re paired, your garage door should open up in seconds. Now, you’re ready to use your garage for storage, protection and more!
Find the Right Equipment at EXL Garage Doors
EXL Garage Doors has spent over 23 years working with families and professionals throughout Tennessee. We create, install and maintain the best-looking, reliably performing garage doors in the state. If you’re ready to upgrade your garage door with a new opener and remote, our selection offers plenty of opportunities to optimize your property. Request an estimate or visit our local showroom to learn more about your options.
