How to find and enter the correct code for your device
A General Electric universal remote works by sending infrared signals that match specific device codes. To make it control your TV, soundbar, or other equipment, you need to find the code that corresponds to that device's brand and model, then enter it into the remote using a sequence of button presses.
The code itself is a three- or four-digit number printed in the GE remote's instruction manual or available on GE's website. You locate your device's brand (Sony, LG, Samsung, Vizio, and so on), find the matching code in the list, and then follow the programming steps below. If your device brand appears multiple times with different codes, you may need to try more than one — different models within the same brand sometimes use different codes.
The fastest way to find your code is to visit the GE Enbrighten website and search for your remote model number (printed on the back of the remote) and your device brand. You can also call GE customer service at 1-800-220-6899, though you will need your remote model number and the brand of the device you want to control.
Key Takeaways
- You need the three- or four-digit code for your specific device brand, which you can find in the remote's manual or on GE's website.
- Programming takes about one minute and involves holding the Setup button, entering the code, and pressing a device button to confirm.
- If the first code does not work, try the next code listed for that brand — different device models sometimes use different codes.
- You can program multiple devices into one remote, and each device gets its own code.
Step-by-step programming for most GE universal remotes
The process is the same for most GE remotes, though some older models may have slightly different button names. Start by locating the Setup button on your remote — it is usually near the top or on the side. Hold down Setup until the light on the remote blinks twice, then release. This puts the remote into programming mode.
Enter the three- or four-digit code for your device using the number buttons. The light will blink twice again when you have entered the code correctly. Now press the button for the type of device you are programming — TV, Cable, Satellite, Audio, or whatever category matches your equipment. The light should blink twice to confirm. Your remote is now programmed for that device.
Test the remote by pointing it at your device and pressing the Power button. If the device turns on or off, the code worked. If nothing happens, go back to step one and try the next code listed for that brand in your manual. Some brands have multiple codes because different device models respond to different signals.
Finding codes when your device brand is not listed
If your device brand does not appear in the GE manual or on the website, the remote may still control it using a code from a different brand. Older devices or less common brands sometimes respond to codes from larger manufacturers. For example, some smaller TV brands respond to Sony or Samsung codes.
Start by trying codes from the largest brand in your device's category. If you are programming a TV made by a brand you do not recognize, try the Sony codes first, then Samsung, then LG. If you are programming an audio receiver from an unfamiliar brand, try codes for Yamaha or Denon. Write down which codes you try so you do not repeat the same one twice.
If none of the standard codes work, check whether your device has a manual or a label on the back that lists the manufacturer. Sometimes a device sold under one brand name is actually made by another company. You can also search online for "[your device brand and model] remote codes" to see if other users have found a working code.
Using the auto-search feature if you have it
Some newer GE universal remotes have an auto-search function that cycles through codes automatically instead of requiring you to enter them manually. To use this feature, hold Setup until the light blinks twice, then press the device button (TV, Cable, Audio, and so on). The light will blink once per second as the remote cycles through codes.
Point the remote at your device and press the Power button repeatedly as the codes cycle. When your device responds — turning on or off — press the device button again to lock in that code. The light will blink twice to confirm. This method takes longer than entering a code manually, but it works when you do not have access to the code list.
Programming multiple devices on one remote
You can program up to four or five different devices into most GE universal remotes, depending on the model. Each device gets its own button or set of buttons. A typical setup might be TV on the TV button, cable box on the Cable button, soundbar on the Audio button, and a streaming device on the Satellite button.
To program a second device, repeat the same steps: hold Setup until the light blinks twice, enter the code for the new device, and press the button for that device type. The remote will remember both codes. When you want to control your TV, press the TV button first to set up those codes, then use the remote normally. When you want to control your cable box, press the Cable button first.
If you run out of device buttons, you can reprogram an existing button by following the same steps — the new code will replace the old one. Write down which codes you have programmed into which buttons so you remember later.
Troubleshooting when the remote does not respond
If your remote does not work after programming, the most common cause is that the code was wrong for your specific device model. Even though two TVs have the same brand name, they may use different codes. Go back and try the next code listed for that brand.
The second most common cause is that the batteries are weak. Replace the batteries with fresh ones and try again. A remote with low battery power may not send a strong enough signal to reach your device, especially if there is distance or furniture between them.
Make sure you are pointing the remote directly at your device and that nothing is blocking the infrared sensor on the front of the remote. Infrared signals travel in a straight line and cannot bend around obstacles. If your device is in a cabinet or behind glass, the signal may not reach it.
If the Setup button does not blink when you hold it down, the remote itself may not be working. Try replacing the batteries first. If it still does not respond, the remote may need to be replaced.
Where to find your remote model number and code list
Your remote model number is printed on the back of the remote, usually near the battery compartment. It typically starts with "GE" or "Enbrighten" followed by numbers. Write this number down before you search for codes — you will need it to find the correct code list for your specific remote.
The instruction manual that came with your remote contains a complete code list organized by device brand. If you no longer have the manual, visit the GE Enbrighten website and search for your model number. You can also read a PDF of the manual there. Some retailers like Best Buy also keep copies of universal remote manuals available online.
If you cannot find your remote model number or the code list online, GE customer service can provide the codes over the phone. Have your remote model number and the brand of the device you want to control ready when you call 1-800-220-6899.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I program a GE remote to control devices from different brands at the same time?
Yes. You program each device with its own code and assign it to a different device button on the remote. Press the TV button to control your television, then press the Cable button to control your cable box. The remote remembers all the codes you have entered.
What should I do if my device brand has multiple codes listed?
Try them in order until one works. Different models within the same brand sometimes use different codes. Write down which code worked so you do not have to search again if you need to reprogram the remote later.
Do I need to reprogram the remote if I change the batteries?
No. The codes are stored in the remote's memory and will remain even after you replace the batteries. You only need to reprogram if you want to change which device a button controls or if you reset the remote to factory settings.
Can a GE universal remote control smart home devices like lights or thermostats?
Standard GE universal remotes are designed for televisions, cable boxes, and audio equipment. Some newer GE Enbrighten remotes can control smart home devices, but only if those devices are compatible with GE's smart home system. Check your remote model number and the device manufacturer's documentation to see if they work together.
What if my remote has a touchscreen instead of physical buttons?
Touchscreen remotes follow the same programming steps, but you tap the Setup button on the screen instead of pressing a physical button. The rest of the process — entering the code and confirming with the device button — works the same way. Refer to your specific remote's manual for the exact location of the Setup button on the screen.