How to program and reset your 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.

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
• Why is my DIRECTV remote not working?
• FAQs

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.

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.

Program DIRECTV Universal Remote for a Standard DVR or SD receiver

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.

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. 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.

Program DIRECTV Genie Remote manually for your HDTV or audio device

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.

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:

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?

There are a few reasons why your DIRECTV remote stopped working. If none of the buttons are working, make sure you are using the correct remote paired with your receiver, but also check for the most obvious cause, the battery died. If neither of those causes is the issue, ensure you have a clear view of the receiver, with nothing blocking it from seeing the remote. 

Your remote or the receiver (or both) may also need to be restarted so they can recognize each other again. 

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

Reasons to program or reset your DIRECTV remote

If you have issues with your DIRECTV remote, resetting or reprogramming may solve the problem. Reprogramming your DIRECTV remote will refresh its settings, especially after losing connection with its receiver.

If you have lost power in your home, changed the remote battery or unplugged the receiver, consider resetting the remote so the connection to be receiver can be re-established.

FAQs