How to Install a Garage Door Remote

Automatic garage door openers are especially appreciated during blizzards and rainfall. But even when the weather is beautiful outside, getting out of the car to manually open or close the garage door is a hassle that can be eliminated by a garage door opener. Automatic garage door openers come with remotes. With the remote, the garage door can be opened and closed from inside the car. Because of the portable nature of the garage door remote, they are easily lost or misplaced. Even if your brand of garage door opener is obsolete, you may be able to install a new universal garage door remote.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Shut the garage door.

2. Install batteries in the remote. The number and type of batteries may vary according to remote model.

3. Press the "Program" button on the remote. The button may be located under the cover of the universal remote. To access the remote button, there will typically be a section of the cover that slides open. On some remotes, a lit LED light will indicate the button has been properly pushed.

4. Press and release the "Smart" or "Learn" button on the garage door opener. This is located on the section of the garage door opener that is installed in the middle section of the garage's ceiling. On some garage door openers, the light lens will need to be removed to access this control.

5. Aim the remote at the "Smart" or "Learn" button, and press the remote's "Open" or "Close" button a specific number of times. This is not the same button you accessed in Step 3. This is the button you would push to open or close the door. The number of times you need to push the button will depend on the garage door opener model. The universal remote should include a chart listing different brands and the number of times needed to push for programming.

6. Press the "Program" button on the remote. This is the button you accessed in Step 3.

7. Test the remote to see that it has properly been programmed.

Tips & Warnings

• Installation instructions may vary according to the specific brand or model. Older garage door openers may have dip switches instead of a "Smart" or "Learn" button. In this case, the dip switches on the remote will need to be set to match the garage door opener.