Is your DTV remote not working? Most issues are fixed by pairing or reprogramming. Your remote may control a satellite Genie receiver or a Gemini device used with DIRECTV via Internet (the service formerly marketed as DIRECTV Now). For the most accurate, always-current steps and brand/model codes, use DIRECTV’s official Program your remote guide and, for Gemini equipment, the dedicated Gemini Voice Remote pairing instructions.
Your DIRECTV setup commonly uses two satellite-era remotes (Universal and Genie), and Gemini-based systems use a Bluetooth voice remote instead. The Universal Remote is long and silver; the Genie Remote (RC7x family) is shorter with a silver body and black upper section. Gemini devices ship with a Bluetooth voice remote (RC82V) that pairs to the box and controls TVs/AVRs via IR or HDMI‑CEC—see Gemini details and confirm compatibility in DIRECTV’s Which remote works with my receiver?.
DIRECTV Universal Remote
The DIRECTV Universal Remote is an IR-only controller designed to operate multiple components from a single handset. It’s ideal when you want one remote to run your DIRECTV box plus other A/V gear. You can program it to work with up to four components, and—in 2025—the most reliable way to get the right TV or audio code is to use the on‑screen brand search or DIRECTV’s official code lookup rather than static paper lists. If your TV supports HDMI‑CEC, basic power/volume may also work without codes, but IR codes are still required for full control in many setups (DIRECTV).
- DIRECTV Receiver
- TV
- Game Console
- Stereo
- Video/DVD
DIRECTV Genie Remote
The Genie Remote (RC7x family such as RC73) has a rounded, ergonomic shape and can control compatible DIRECTV receivers over RF (no line‑of‑sight) while using IR for your TV/sound system. It provides full access to guides, recordings, and on‑screen tips. For model compatibility and pairing/programming steps, see DIRECTV’s Program your remote guide and Which remote works with my receiver?. Note: Gemini devices use a different Bluetooth voice remote with Google Assistant and pair via a separate flow (Gemini Voice Remote).
Setting Up The DIRECTV Genie Remote Control
There are three ways to set up your Genie remote with a Genie/H/HR receiver: automatic (on‑screen), manual (entering a setup sequence), and pairing to a legacy DIRECTV‑Ready (RVU) TV. If you use a Gemini device instead of a Genie receiver, pair the Bluetooth voice remote by putting it near the Gemini box, then press and hold the Home and Back buttons until the LED blinks and follow the on‑screen prompts (Gemini Voice Remote pairing).
5 Steps to Automatically Pair Your Genie Remote
- Point the remote at your Genie or H/HR 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 the device you want to control (TV or audio device).
- Press MENU on the remote.
- Use the arrow button to highlight and select SETTINGS & HELP > SETTINGS > REMOTE CONTROL > PROGRAM REMOTE.
- Choose the device you’re pairing and follow the on‑screen instructions to test power, volume/mute, and input (DIRECTV official steps).
If automatic pairing doesn’t work, try these quick fixes before manual setup: replace both remote batteries, verify line‑of‑sight for IR to the TV/audio device, reboot the receiver (unplug for 30 seconds and plug back in), and temporarily disable HDMI‑CEC on the TV while testing to avoid conflicting power/volume behavior (DIRECTV). On third‑party universal/UEI‑based remotes that control DIRECTV gear, a factory reset (commonly 981 or 960) can clear stuck codes before reprogramming (One For All/UEI). Then retry on‑screen programming or proceed with the manual steps below.
8 Steps to Manually Program Your Genie Remote
- Point the remote at your receiver and press and hold the MUTE and SELECT buttons until the remote’s green light blinks two times (RC7x Genie remotes).
- Enter the code 961 on your remote’s keypad and press the CHANNEL UP button to prepare RF mode.
- Press ENTER.
- Your TV will display “Your remote is now set up for RF.” Press OK.
- Turn on the device you want to pair (TV or audio device).
- Press MENU on the remote.
- Select SETTINGS & HELP > SETTINGS > REMOTE CONTROL > PROGRAM REMOTE.
- Choose the device you want to pair and follow the on‑screen instructions. To return the remote to IR later, run Program Remote again and follow the on‑screen IR prompts (DIRECTV).
4 Steps to Pair Your Genie Remote With A DIRECTV-Ready TV
Legacy note: “DIRECTV‑Ready” (RVU) TVs embed a client to work without a set‑top box, but this is a legacy/limited‑support path. Most households now use Genie clients or Gemini devices. If you’re using an RVU‑capable TV, set it up as an extra TV on a Genie HD DVR and then program your remote as follows (which remotes work, programming guide):
- 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 TV manufacturer’s code from DIRECTV’s official on‑screen search or support lookup—avoid static, hard‑coded lists; for Roku TV models, be sure to choose “Roku TV” (not “Roku” player) in the code tool (DIRECTV code lookup, Roku guidance).
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 consolidating several components with one IR handset. Program it to control up to four devices (receiver, TV, stereo/soundbar, game console or Blu‑ray). In 2025, providers maintain dynamic online code databases—use DIRECTV’s on‑screen brand search or the official code lookup for TV and Audio devices instead of static codes. If you’re programming a VIZIO TV or soundbar and can’t find a working code, follow the brand’s official guidance and then retry DIRECTV’s tool (VIZIO support).
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:
- Point the remote at your receiver and press MENU on the remote.
- Use the arrow button to highlight and select SETTINGS & HELP > SETTINGS > 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; for Roku TV models, select “Roku TV” rather than “Roku” to get the correct family of codes (Roku’s official guidance).
- Follow the on‑screen steps to complete the programming, then test power, volume/mute, and input. Program Audio Device separately if you use a soundbar/AVR (DIRECTV).
4 Steps to Programming DIRECTV Remote With an SD Source
- Legacy notice: These menu paths apply to older standard‑definition receivers. DIRECTV has sunset most SD equipment; if you still use one, continue with the steps below or consider upgrading to Genie/Gemini for current features (remote compatibility).
- 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. If codes fail repeatedly, factory‑reset a UEI‑based universal remote (often 981 or 960) before retrying, or switch to the on‑screen auto‑search (One For All/UEI, DIRECTV).
The Bottom Line
Programming a DIRECTV remote is fastest when you use DIRECTV’s on‑screen flow and the official support tools. Remember: Genie‑era RC7x remotes use IR for TVs/AVRs and RF for compatible receivers, while Gemini devices use a Bluetooth voice remote with Google Assistant and can also be controlled by the platform’s phone remote if needed (Program your remote, Gemini Voice Remote, supported devices). Bookmark this page for quick reference. For info on the features available with a DIRECTV package and provider comparisons, check out:
