Step-by-Step Guide to Programming your DTV Remote

Reviews.com Staff
Reviews.com Staff
4

Is your DTV remote not working? It probably needs to be programmed. Your remote is designed for your DIRECTV Now receiver. It’s easy to operate the remote, but programming it isn’t as straightforward. This guide will help you program your DIRECTV remote in just a few steps.

Your DIRECTV system has two remote options. The main visual difference between the two is color. The Universal Remote is long and silver, while the Genie Remote is shorter with a silver body and black upper section.

DIRECTV Universal Remote

The DIRECTV Universal Remote Control features on and off buttons on the upper right-hand side. It’s the best remote when you need to manage several components with one remote. You can program the remote to work with four components, including: 

  • DIRECTV Receiver
  • TV
  • Game Console
  • Stereo
  • Video/DVD

DIRECTV Genie Remote

The Genie Remote has a rounded, ergonomic shape with a black upper section. It controls your TV and receiver, gives you onscreen descriptions of the program you’re watching, and features detailed channel guides. You can use it to get recommendations, manage your recordings, and more.

Setting Up The DIRECTV Genie Remote Control

There are three ways to set up your Genie remote: automatic, manual, and pairing a DIRECTV-ready TV. Let’s start with the automatic process, which is the easiest.

5 Steps to Automatically Pair Your Genie Remote

  1. Point the remote at your receiver and press and hold the MUTE and ENTER buttons until the remote’s green light blinks two times. Your TV will display “Applying IR/RF Setup”.
  2. Turn on the device you want to pair.
  3. Press MENU on the remote.
  4. Use the arrow button to highlight and select SETTINGS & HELP > SETTINGS > REMOTE CONTROL > PROGRAM REMOTE.
  5. Choose the device you’re pairing and follow the on-screen instructions.

If automatic pairing doesn’t work, you must manually program your remote.

8 Steps to Manually Program Your Genie Remote

  1. Point the remote at your receiver and press and hold the MUTE and SELECT buttons until the remote’s green light blinks two times.
  2. Enter the code 961 on your remote’s keypad and press the CHANNEL UP button.
  3. Press ENTER.
  4. Your TV will display “Your remote is now set up for RF.” Press OK.
  5. Turn on the device you want to pair.
  6. Press MENU on the remote.
  7. Select SETTINGS & HELP > SETTINGS > REMOTE CONTROL > PROGRAM REMOTE.
  8. Choose the device you want to pair with your remote and follow the on-screen instructions.

4 Steps to Pair Your Genie Remote With A DIRECTV-Ready TV

A DIRECTV-ready TV has a built-in wireless receiver that lets you watch DIRECTV without a box. It needs to be set up as an extra TV in a Genie HD DVR. Here’s how to do it:

  • Point the remote at your DIRECTV receiver and press and hold the MUTE and ENTER buttons until the remote’s green light blinks two times. Your TV will display “Applying IR/RF Setup”.
  • Turn on your DIRECTV-ready TV.
  • Press and hold the MUTE and SELECT buttons on your remote until the green light blinks two times again.
  • Enter the manufacturer’s code for your DIRECTV-ready TV. DIRECTV remote codes (Samsung: 54000, Sony: 54001, and Toshiba: 54002)

You should be paired and ready to go. Here’s a complete list of DIRECTV remote codes.

Setting Up the DIRECTV Universal Remote Control

The Universal Remote is ideal for managing several components with one remote. You can program the remote to work with four different components, such as your receiver, TV, stereo, and videogame console.

4 Steps to Pairing Your Universal Remote With an HD Source

To pair your remote with an HD DVR, HD receiver, or 4KTV, follow these steps:

  1. Point the remote at your receiver and press MENU on the remote.
  2. Use the arrow button to highlight and select SETTINGS & HELP > SETTINGS > REMOTE CONTROL > PROGRAM REMOTE.
  3. Choose the device you want to pair. If you don’t see your device listed, use this DIRECTV remote codes lookup tool to find the five-digit code and enter it.
  4. Follow the on-screen steps to complete the programming.

4 Steps to Programming DIRECTV Remote With an SD Source

  • Point the remote at your receiver and press MENU on the remote.
  • Use the arrow button to highlight and select PARENTAL FAVS & SETUP > SYSTEM SETUP > REMOTE or REMOTE CONTROL > PROGRAM REMOTE.
  • Choose the device you want to pair. If you don’t see your device listed, use this DIRECTV remote codes lookup tool to find the five-digit code and enter it.
  • Follow the on-screen steps to complete the programming.

The Bottom Line

Programming a DIRECTV remote may seem overwhelming, but it’s easy if you follow our short steps. Bookmark this page for a quick reference when you need to add a device or repair another remote. For info on the features available with a DIRECTV package and provider comparisons, check out:

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