How to program your GE universal remote
A GE universal remote works by sending infrared signals to your TV, soundbar, or other devices — the same way your TV's original remote does. To make it control a device, you tell the remote what brand that device is, and it loads the correct signal codes into its memory. Most GE universal remotes use one of two methods: a code-entry system where you punch in a number, or an auto-search mode where the remote cycles through codes until your device responds.
The fastest route is usually the code-entry method if you know your device's brand and model number. Auto-search takes longer but works when you do not have the model number or cannot find your device's code. Both methods are built into the remote itself — you do not need an app, internet connection, or computer.
Key Takeaways
- GE universal remotes control devices by sending infrared codes, and you program them by telling the remote what brand and model your device is.
- Code-entry programming is faster if you know your device's model number; auto-search is slower but works without that information.
- Most GE remotes use a Setup button or Mode button to enter programming mode, then require you to hold the button until a light blinks twice.
- After programming, test the remote on the device when ready — if it does not work, the code may be wrong or the device may not be compatible.
- Some devices need their batteries replaced or their infrared sensor cleaned before a remote can control them, even if the remote is programmed correctly.
Finding your device's brand and model number
Before you start programming, write down the brand and model number of the device you want to control. The model number is usually on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device, or in the manual. For a TV, it might look like "Samsung UN55RU8000" or "LG 55UP7550." For a soundbar or cable box, check the back panel first.
If you cannot find the model number, you can still use auto-search mode, but it will take longer. Write down just the brand name — that is enough to start. If you have the original remote that came with the device, the model number is sometimes printed on it as well.
Programming using code entry
Code-entry programming works on most GE universal remotes. Start by pressing and holding the Setup button (on some models it is labeled Mode) until the light on the remote blinks twice. This puts the remote into programming mode. The light should stay on.
Next, enter the three- or four-digit code for your device's brand. GE remotes come with a code list — either printed on a card in the box or in a PDF you can find on the GE website by searching "GE universal remote codes" plus your remote model number. For example, if your TV is a Samsung, you might enter 0060. After you enter the code, press Power. If the TV turns off, the code worked. If nothing happens, try the next Samsung code on the list.
Once you find a code that works, press Setup again to save it. The light should blink twice to confirm. Test the other buttons — Volume, Channel, and Menu — to make sure they all work on your device. If some buttons do not work, try the next code for that brand and repeat the process.
Programming using auto-search mode
Auto-search is slower but requires no code list. Press and hold Setup until the light blinks twice. Then press the button for the type of device you want to control — TV, Cable, Satellite, Audio, or whatever options your remote has. The light should blink once.
Now point the remote at your device and press Power repeatedly. The remote will cycle through codes one at a time. When your device turns off, stop pressing Power and press Setup to save that code. The light should blink twice. Test the other buttons to confirm they work.
Auto-search can take five to ten minutes per device because the remote tries many codes. If your device turns off but the other buttons do not work well, press Setup again and continue the auto-search from where it stopped — the remote will move to the next code in the sequence.
What to do if programming does not work
If you enter a code and the device does not respond, the code may be wrong or the device may not be in the remote's database. Try the next code for that brand. If you have tried all codes for your brand and nothing works, your device may not be compatible with that remote — some older or very new devices do not have codes available.
Before you give up, check the device itself. Make sure the batteries in the device's original remote work — if they do not, the device's infrared receiver may be broken, and no universal remote will work. Also check that nothing is blocking the infrared sensor on the front of the device. Dust or a sticker over the sensor will stop any remote from working.
If the code worked once but the remote stopped controlling the device later, the batteries in the remote may be low. Replace them with fresh alkaline batteries and test again. If that does not help, you may need to reprogram the remote using the same code.
Programming multiple devices on one remote
Most GE universal remotes can control up to four devices at once — usually a TV, cable or satellite box, soundbar, and one more. Each device gets its own button or mode. When you switch to TV mode, the remote sends TV codes. When you switch to Cable mode, it sends cable box codes.
To program a second device, press and hold Setup until the light blinks twice, then press the button for the second device type. Follow the same code-entry or auto-search steps you used for the first device. The remote now remembers both codes. You can switch between them by pressing the device button at the top of the remote.
If your remote has a Macro or Activity button, you can also set it up to control multiple devices with one press — for example, pressing "Watch TV" could turn on the TV, switch the cable box to the right input, and set the soundbar to the correct volume. Check your remote's manual for how to set up macros, as the steps vary by model.
Testing your remote after programming
After you program a code, test every button that you plan to use. Press Power, Volume Up, Volume Down, Channel Up, Channel Down, and Menu. If all of these work, the code is correct. If some buttons do not work but others do, the code may be a partial match — try the next code for that brand.
Point the remote directly at the device's infrared sensor when you test. If the remote works from three feet away but not from across the room, the sensor may be dirty or the remote's batteries may be weak. Clean the sensor with a soft, dry cloth and replace the remote's batteries if they are more than a few months old.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my GE remote control the TV but not the volume?
The code you entered may be a partial match — it controls power and channels but not audio. Go back to the code list and try the next code for your TV brand. Test all buttons before saving. If you have already saved the code, press Setup, enter the device button again, and try the next code in the sequence.
Can I program a GE universal remote without the code list?
Yes, use auto-search mode. Press Setup until the light blinks twice, select your device type, then press Power repeatedly while pointing at the device. When it turns off, press Setup to save. This takes longer than code entry but does not require a code list or model number.
What if my device brand is not on the code list?
Try auto-search mode instead of code entry. If auto-search does not work after ten minutes, your device may not be compatible with that remote. Some older devices and some newer smart devices do not have universal remote codes. Check the device manual or contact the manufacturer to confirm.
Do I need to reprogram my remote if I replace the batteries?
No. The codes are stored in the remote's memory and stay there even when you remove the batteries. straightforward replace the batteries and the remote will still control all your devices. If the remote stops working after a battery change, the new batteries may be dead — try a different set.
Can one GE remote control a TV and a soundbar at the same time?
Not simultaneously, but you can program both. Most GE remotes have separate buttons for TV and Audio modes. Program your TV in TV mode and your soundbar in Audio mode, then switch between them by pressing the mode button. Some advanced remotes let you create a macro that controls both with one button press.