Here’s how to program your RCA universal remote to your TV

Having a hard time keeping track of all your tv remote controls? When you have a streaming player, DVD/Blu-Ray component, cable/satellite set-top box and more, it can be overwhelming. But using an RCA universal remote control could make it easier to manage. There is a wide variety available, and depending on which model you choose, you can manage up to eight devices. That means no more having to store a bunch of remotes in one drawer or losing them altogether.

But first, you need to program it. All you need is patience … and to check out these simple steps. But patience is key because sometimes the first try can fail. But don’t worry about a thing, because the time spent will ultimately be time saved for not having to change controls for each device you own.

What do I need to program my RCA universal remote control?

Here is a short list of what it is needed in order to get set up.

1. RCA remote control
2. Brand new batteries (check the packaging for specific type)
3. This handy guide and instructions
4. Patience!

Throughout this article, we will guide you on programming your remote control without a code. But in case you need the codes, you can go here. To continue without a code, keep reading.

How to program an RCA universal remote for your TV

How to program your remote without a code:

1. Turn on the TV you want to program your remote to.
2. Aim your remote at the TV panel and press and hold the ‘TV’ button on your RCA remote.
3. Once the light is turned on, at the same time, press and hold the ‘On/Off’ and ‘TV’ buttons until the light turns on again.
4. Press and hold the ‘Play’ or ‘Slow’ button on your RCA remote for five seconds. After this, your TV should turn off.
5. If the TV turns off, that means it’s working. If it does not turn the TV off, press the Play or Slow button again. Repeat this process every five seconds until the device turns off.

Once the device turns off, the remote control should be in sync with your TV. If this process does not work, try to be patient. Just repeat these steps, ensuring you are pressing the buttons the full time needed.

How to program your remote with a code:

1. Find the device code for the equipment in your remote’s manual or the RCA remote code finder.
2. Turn on the TV that you want to pair with your remote. 
3. Press and hold the code search button on the remote. 
4. While holding the code search button, press the button on your RCA remote that matches the equipment you’re pairing (e.g. “TV”).
5. Enter the device code you found in step 1. 
6. Try out the remote to make sure everything is working properly. 

Find your code with the RCA remote code finder.

Programming your RCA universal remote for other devices

The first thing you need to make sure is that your remote has an option for it. Say, for example, DVD, streaming device, Blu-ray, etc. Here are the instructions you need to follow.

1. Manually turn on the device you want to set up, making sure that your RCA remote is aiming toward it.
2. Press and hold the button that matches the device you are pairing. Wait for the light on the remote to blink and then stay steady for you to follow the next step.
3. Press and hold the device button at the same time as the Power button, until the light turns off and on. Most of the time this takes up to five seconds.
4. Release both the Power and the device buttons. The Power button light must stay on… if it does not, repeat steps 2 and 3.
5. Once you’ve done this part, use the power button on your remote control to scan the code needed to set up your device. If the component turns off that means the control has already found the code for it to pair with your device.
6. After this is done, press the Stop button to save the code for that device, and check all functions to make sure they are working. If not, repeat the steps again until it works.

As with the TV setup, you might need to do these steps more than once, but it will be worth it.

Congratulations — you’ve set up your remote control! If you’re still interested in doing more tasks on your own, take a look at the other DIY articles in our Resource Center.

Find an RCA universal remote

Looking for a new remote? Here are a few popular models:

• RCA RCR313BE
• RCA RCR503BE
• RCA RCR3273E
• RCA RCRBB05BHE

RCA universal remote FAQs