How to Turn On a Device With a Universal Remote

Use one remote control to power on your TV, DVD player, stereo, and streaming devices

Written by Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: November 28, 2022

Program Your Remote

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Turn On Devices

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Video

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Q&A

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Tips

While remote controls make life a lot easier, nobody wants a pile of them taking up space on the coffee table. That’s where the universal remote control comes in handy. This tool is meant to take the place of your many remote controls, limiting entertainment system clutter while maintaining the convenience of remotely controlling your devices. The trickiest part of these remotes is setting them up, but once you’ve done that, it’s easy to turn devices on or off from the comfort of your couch. Universal remotes are wildly different across manufacturers, so you’ll need to have your manual handy to find your remote’s specific controls.

Things You Should Know

If your universal remote has "learning mode" or automatic scanning, you may not have to enter codes during setup.
If the manual doesn't have programming codes for your devices, search the web for your remote's manufacturer and the word "codes."
Some devices may still require their own remote controls for certain functions.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Program Your Remote

1
Put batteries into the universal remote. Most remotes come with batteries, but you may have to purchase your own. The battery type will be listed on the remote’s packaging.
- Some universal remotes lose the programmed codes when both batteries are removed. When replacing batteries, do so one battery at a time. This ensures that there is a current running with just enough voltage to keep the stored codes from getting erased.
- If you’re worried you’ll forget and remove both batteries, use a label maker or paint marker to write a reminder on the inside of the battery cover.
2
Find out which of your devices will be compatible. The packaging for your remote should explain how many devices (and which type) it can control. The manual for your universal remote will have even more detailed information on compatibility.

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3
Turn on the first component you want to set up. This will probably be your television, but it can be any device.
4
Enter the universal remote’s setup mode. The packaging, as well as the owner’s manual, will detail how to enter your remote’s setup mode. Some universal remotes require a computer running specific software for setup. Others can be configured on the TV screen or on a smaller screen built right into the remote. Some universal remotes even come with smartphone apps.
- You can enter setup mode in most universal remotes by pressing a button that says something like “setup” or a combination of two buttons (like On and Off at the same time).
- If you don’t have the manual, visit the manufacturer’s website and search for one to download.
5
Press the key on your remote that corresponds with the device. For example, if you’re programming your remote to turn on your television, press the button on your remote that says “TV.” Depending on your remote, you may need to hold down the button for a few moments.
6
Program the code for the device into the remote.^{[1]
X
Research source} Each device has its own code which needs to be programmed into the remote. These codes are located in the universal remote’s manual, but some remotes have internal lists that can be accessed from the setup screen. Since these codes vary across remotes, you’ll need to use the ones that work with your specific remote.
- There are websites which contain links to various manufacturer’s codes.^{[2]
  X
  Research source} You can find them by searching for the manufacturer and model of your remote along with the word “codes.”
- Typically, you’ll have to type in a numeric code and wait a few moments before receiving a screen confirmation or LEDs flashing in a certain pattern.
- Some remotes have a feature called Learning Mode which doesn’t require entering codes. If your device can “learn” and your other devices have remote controls, you can point the two devices at one another and use a key combination to force your universal remote to emulate the original. See your manual for information on how to start Learning Mode.
7
Repeat the process for your other devices. Turn on the next component and re-enter setup mode in your universal remote. Press the button representing the component on your remote and enter its code.
8
Store your manual in a safe place. You never know when you’ll need it.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Turn On Devices

1
Press the desired device button (TV, DVD, etc.) on the universal remote. Most remotes have at least 3-5 device buttons.
2
Press the Power or On button. Different remotes have different names for this button. Pressing this button after pressing device button (TV, DVD, etc.) will turn on that device.
3
Press the next device button, then press Power or On. Repeat this with every device that needs to be turned on.
4
Turn off a device by pressing the device button, then Power or Off. Controlling the volume or changing channels on each device will function the same way.

Community Q&A

Question

Can I set up universal remote even if my TV is stuck on stand by?

Community Answer

Yes, at the side of your TV you should have manual setting to turn your TV on. You can also manually search for the TV code by pressing the power button until the TV turns on. Once it does, hit enter and you should have the TV code saved.
Question

How many codes do I put in?

Community Answer

One at a time until you find the one that works. If you have a brand of TV that has many codes, it may take a while. I usually follow the instructions to search for a code, after you enter the code search mode the instructions tell you that you may have to press one of the buttons until you go all the way through the possible settings.
Question

I have a 4 controller remote (RCA) and the light doesn't stay lit when I press TV and power together. What should I do?

Community Answer

Get new a new universal remote.