How to program and reset your DIRECTV remote

Robin Layton
RL
Robin Layton

Sep 24, 2024 — 2 min read

Is your DIRECTV remote not working? Learn how to easily program your DIRECTV remote here.

man watching DIRECTV learning how to reset DIRECTV remote

If your DIRECTV system is new, the remote may simply need to be programmed first. Or if it’s already programmed and not working, you may just need a quick reset. A low or dead battery is often the culprit, so check that out first. Old remotes sometimes get dirty, leading to buttons that get stuck or stop functioning.

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.

two types of DIRECTV remotes to reset or program

Universal Remote & Genie Remote

Quick links

Watch a video on how to troubleshoot your remote control

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 settings (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.

How to program DIRECTV Universal Remote for an HD DVR or HD receiver

  1. Press the MENU button on your remote.
  2. From the on-screen instructions, select Settings & Help > Settings > Remote Control > Program Remote.
  3. 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.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish programming your remote.
  1. Press the MENU button on your remote.
  2. Select Parental Favs & Setup > System Setup > Remote or Remote Control > Program Remote.
  3. 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.
  4. 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 can’t adjust your TV’s volume before programming your remote, you need to change its input source.

  1. At the top of the remote, slide the mode switch to TV.
  2. Press and hold the MUTE and SELECT buttons at the same time until the green light at the top of your remote flashes twice.
  3. Enter 960 using the keypad on the remote control. The green light should flash twice again.
  4. At the top of the remote, slide the mode switch to the DIRECTV logo.
how to reset your DIRECTV remote

Photos courtesy of Walmart.

How to reset your DIRECTV Genie Remote

How to 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. The latest Genie Remote model is the RC73.

  1. 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.
  2. Power on the device you want your remote to control.
  3. Press the MENU button on your remote.
  4. Select Settings & Help > Settings > Remote Control > Program Remote.
  5. Select the name of the device you wish to control with the remote.
  6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete programming.

  1. 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.
  2. Use the buttons on your Genie Remote to enter the code 961.
  3. Press the channel up button once.
  4. Press Enter.
  5. Select OK when the TV screen displays Your Remote is now set up for RF.
  6. Power on the device you want your remote to control.
  7. Press MENU on your remote.
  8. Select Settings & Help > Settings > Remote Control > Program Remote.
  9. Select the name of the device you wish to control with the remote.
  10. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete programming.

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Power on your DIRECTV Ready TV.
  3. On your remote, press and hold the MUTE and SELECT buttons until the green light at the top blinks twice.
  4. 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.
  5. If you don’t see your TV or device listed, use the code lookup tool to find its five-digit code.
  6. The Genie Remote is now set up for your DIRECTV Ready TV.

Why is my DIRECTV remote not working?

If your DIRECTV remote stops working, it may be a case of a dead remote battery or the receiver and remote need to be reset, especially in case of a recent power outage. Also, make sure you have a clear view of the receiver, with nothing blocking it from seeing the remote.

If just one or two buttons are not working, see if they are stuck by dirt or debris that may impede operation.

FAQs

Why is my DIRECTV remote not working?

Your DIRECTV remote may not be working because it either needs new batteries or needs to be reprogrammed. A slow blinking green light or no light at all may indicate the batteries need to be changed.

New DIRECTV remotes can be purchased through your user account on myAT&T.com or directv.com. They can also be purchased through external sellers like Amazon or Walmart.

To turn on closed captioning, press INFO on your DIRECTV remote. Scroll right and select cc, then select Closed Captioning.

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.

Use the DIRECTV Remote Control Code Lookup tool to find codes for your specific remote model.

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.

If you have the receiver model HR20 and above, you can use your smartphone as a remote. Both your receiver and mobile device must be connected to the same network.

Open the DIRECTV app and select the remote control icon. Then, select receiver and follow the prompts.

Robin Layton

Written by:

Robin Layton

Senior Editor, Broadband Content

Robin Layton is a Senior Editor for Allconnect, dedicated to helping consumers navigate the often-complex world of internet service providers. With 30 years of experience in journalism and marketing, Robin empow… Read more

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