Is your DIRECTV remote not working? If your DIRECTV system is new, the remote may simply need to be programmed first. If instruction manuals give you a headache, don’t worry ― we have all the information you need on how to program DIRECTV remotes. Before you keep reading, you’ll need to determine which remote model you own. There are two kinds of
DIRECTV remotes ― the Universal Remote and the Genie® Remote. If you’re not sure what you have, you can compare your remote to the images below.
Universal Remote & Genie Remote
Quick links
- Program DIRECTV Universal Remote for an HD DVR or HD receiver
- Program DIRECTV Universal Remote for a Standard DVR or SD receiver
- Change your TV’s input source
- Program DIRECTV Genie Remote for your HDTV or audio device
- Program DIRECTV Genie Remote manually for your HDTV or audio device
- Program DIRECTV Genie Remote for a DIRECTV Ready TV
- FAQs
How to reset your DIRECTV Universal remote
Your Universal Remote can control up to four devices, including TVs, game consoles, DVD players and more. This way, instead of keeping up with multiple remotes for multiple devices, you can easily control all of your devices with one remote.
The mode switch at the top of the remote determines which device it’s controlling. You can change the remote’s designated device by sliding the switch to your desired device setting (DIRECTV, AV1, AV2 and TV) to control the corresponding device.
To program your DIRECTV remote, follow the steps below for your type of DVR or receiver.
Program DIRECTV Universal Remote for an HD DVR or HD receiver
- Press the MENU button on your remote.
- From the on-screen instructions, select Settings & Help > Settings > Remote Control > Program Remote.
- Choose the device (TV, audio, DVD, etc.) you want to program. If you don’t see your TV or device listed, use the DIRECTV code lookup tool to find the device’s five-digit code.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to finish programming your remote.
Program DIRECTV Universal Remote for a Standard DVR or SD receiver
- Press the MENU button on your remote.
- Select Parental Favs & Setup > System Setup > Remote or Remote Control > Program Remote.
- Choose the device (TV, audio, DVD) you want to program. If you don’t see your TV or device listed, use the DIRECTV code lookup tool to find the device’s five-digit code.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to finish programming your remote.
Next- Change your TV’s input source
Now that you’ve programmed your remote, you can change your TV’s input source so it aligns with the labels on your remote’s mode switch. If you couldn’t adjust your TV’s volume before programming your remote, you need to change its input source.
- At the top of the remote, slide the mode switch to TV.
- Press and hold the MUTE and SELECT buttons at the same time until the green light at the top of your remote flashes twice.
- Enter 960 using the keypad on the remote control. The green light should flash twice again.
- At the top of the remote, slide the mode switch to the DIRECTV logo.
Photos courtesy of Walmart.
How to reset your DIRECTV Genie remote
Program DIRECTV Genie Remote for your HDTV or audio device
These steps will walk you through the automatic pairing process for your Genie remote. If this process doesn’t work for you, follow the manual programming steps in the following section.
- Point the remote at your Genie device (Genie HD DVR, Genie Mini or Wireless Genie Mini), then press and hold the MUTE and ENTER buttons until the green light at the top of the remote blinks twice. The TV screen will display Applying IR/RF setup when it’s ready for programming.
- Power on the device you want your remote to control.
- Press the MENU button on your remote.
- Select Settings & Help > Settings > Remote Control > Program Remote.
- Select the name of the device you wish to control with the remote.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete programming.
Program DIRECTV Genie Remote manually for your HDTV or audio device
- Point the remote at your Genie device (Genie HD DVR, Genie Mini or Wireless Genie Mini), then press and hold the MUTE and SELECT buttons until the green light at the top of the remote blinks twice.
- Use the buttons on your Genie remote to enter the code 961.
- Press the channel up button once.
- Press Enter.
- Select OK when the TV screen displays Your Remote is now set up for RF.
- Power on the device you want your remote to control.
- Press MENU on your remote.
- Select Settings & Help > Settings > Remote Control > Program Remote.
- Select the name of the device you wish to control with the remote.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete programming.
Program DIRECTV Genie Remote for a DIRECTV Ready TV
DIRECTV Ready TVs have built-in receivers that function like Genie Minis, so you can enjoy your favorite entertainment wirelessly on multiple TVs. To connect your Genie remote to a DIRECTV Ready TV, follow these steps:
- Point the remote at your Genie device (Genie HD DVR, Genie Mini or Wireless Genie Mini), then press and hold the MUTE and ENTER buttons until the green light at the top of the remote blinks twice. The TV screen will display Applying IR/RF setup when it’s ready for programming
- Power on your DIRECTV Ready TV.
- On your remote, press and hold the MUTE and SELECT buttons until the green light at the top blinks twice.
- Enter the manufacturer’s code for your TV:
– For Samsung DIRECTV Ready TVs, enter 54000.
– For Sony DIRECTV Ready TVs, enter 54001.
– For Toshiba DIRECTV Ready TVs. enter 54002. - If you don’t see your TV or device listed, use the code lookup tool to find its five-digit code.
- The Genie remote is now set up for your DIRECTV Ready TV.
FAQs
How do I use DIRECTV Smart Search?
Select MENU on your remote, then select Search & Browse. Next, select DIRECTV Smart Search. Use your remote’s arrow buttons and the SELECT button to type out your search term with the on-screen letterpad. When the program you’re looking for appears, you can view cast information, set recording options and more.
How do I reset my remote?
To reset DIRECTV remotes to their default factory settings, press and hold the MUTE and SELECT buttons until the remote’s light flashes three times. Then, enter 981 and press SELECT. The remote will flash four times to let you know it has been reset.
-
How to program and reset your DIRECTV remote Sarah Harris — 4 min read
-
Does bundling internet, TV and phone services make sense for you? Sales pros chime in! Lisa Iscrupe — 3 min read
-
DIRECTV’s future in doubt as AT&T hints that it might stop selling the service outside of rural areas Joe Supan — 4 min read
Latest
Thursday, November 10, 2022
DISH Wireless launches into 5G, cellular tech world with Project GenesisRobin Layton — 3 min read
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
The best early Black Friday deals for internet equipment on Amazon in 2022Camryn Smith — 2 min read
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Alex Sheehan — 4 min read
Want helpful emails?
Subscribe for more internet tips
By subscribing, you agree to receive Allconnect promotional emails. Your privacy is important to us.
Thanks for subscribing!
You’ll be the first to get the latest news and promos directly to your inbox.