Pairing guide
How to pair a universal remote
The short answer
The sequence depends on the remote's brand. On a GE remote, hold SETUP until the red light turns on, press the device button and enter the 4-digit code. On a One For All Contour TV, hold SETUP until the light blinks twice, then enter the code. RCA remotes either use a CODE SEARCH key or have you hold the device key while you type the code, depending on the model.
There is no single universal-remote sequence. Each maker uses its own keys and light signals, and RCA's own remotes differ from model to model. Find the brand and model on the remote, usually inside the battery compartment, then use the matching steps below.
Every procedure on this page comes from the manufacturer's manual or support page, linked beneath the steps it supports.
Start with the brand and version
GE remotes print a code-list version (CL3, CL4, CL5 or CL6) on a sticker under the batteries or on the underside of the battery cover. Codes are looked up by that version, so note it before you start.
Source: Jasco: GE universal remote codes and programming
RCA identifies code tables by the revision number printed under the battery, not by the model name on the box.
GE remotes: direct code entry
- 1
Press and hold SETUP until the remote's red light turns on.
- 2
Press and release the device button you're programming, such as TV, CBL, DVD or AUD.
- 3
Enter the first 4-digit code for your device. The red light turns off.
- 4
Point the remote at the device and test the buttons.
- 5
If they don't work as expected, repeat the steps with the next code for your device.
GE remotes: auto code search
Use this when your device isn't in the code list. The remote tests codes in batches of ten.
- 1
Press and hold SETUP until the red light turns on.
- 2
Press and release the device button for the type of device, such as TV, CBL, DVD or AUD.
- 3
Point the remote at the device and press and release POWER. The remote sends 10 codes, and the light blinks once for each.
- 4
Use VOL up to test the codes in that batch one at a time. VOL down goes back through the batch.
- 5
When the device responds, press and release the same device button to save the code.
- 6
Test the remote with the device.
Source: Jasco: GE auto code search
One For All Contour TV (URC 1210)
- 1
Press and hold SETUP until the red LED under the POWER key blinks twice.
- 2
Enter the four-digit code for your TV from the Contour TV code list. The red LED blinks twice.
Source: One For All: program a code on the Contour remote (URC1210)
RCA remotes with a CODE SEARCH key
These steps are from the manual for the RCA RCRH02BE. If your RCA remote has no CODE SEARCH key, use the next section.
- 1
Turn on the device you want to control by hand.
- 2
Find the four-digit code for your brand in the code list.
- 3
Press and hold CODE SEARCH until the indicator light turns on.
- 4
Press the device key you're programming, such as TV. The light blinks and then stays lit.
- 5
Enter the four-digit code. The light turns off. If it blinks several times, the code is invalid; start again.
- 6
Aim the remote at the device and press POWER. If the device turns off, the remote is programmed; if not, try the next code for your brand.
RCA remotes without a CODE SEARCH key
Older RCA remotes such as the D770 and D771 revisions are programmed by holding the device key itself. These are the TV steps from the D771 manual.
- 1
Turn on the TV by hand.
- 2
Find your TV's brand in the TV code list.
- 3
Press and hold the TV key.
- 4
Enter a code from the list.
- 5
Release the TV key and press ON•OFF. If the TV doesn't respond, press TV and then ON•OFF again.
- 6
If there is still no response, repeat the steps with the next code for your brand.
When pairing goes wrong
| Symptom | What the manufacturer says | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| The light doesn't behave as the steps describe | Jasco: most commonly bad batteries, even brand-new ones | Try a different set of batteries |
| Some buttons work, others don't | Jasco and RCA: a code may control only some functions | Try the next code for your device |
| The device never responds during programming | RCA: keep the remote pointed at the device's sensor throughout | Aim at the front of the device while you program |
| A GE remote's settings are muddled | Jasco: reset the remote to factory settings | Hold SETUP until the red light stays on, press MUTE, then 0; the light blinks twice |
Source: Jasco: GE universal remotes FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Which button do I hold to start pairing?
It depends on the brand: SETUP on GE and One For All remotes. RCA remotes use either a CODE SEARCH key or the device key itself, depending on the model.
How do I pair a universal remote without a code?
Use its code search. On GE remotes, pressing POWER in setup mode sends codes in batches of ten. On RCA remotes with a CODE SEARCH key, press ENTER within 4 seconds of the device turning off.
Why won't my GE remote's red light behave as described?
Jasco says it is most commonly bad batteries, even brand-new ones. Try a different set.
Can I program the CBL/SAT button to control a soundbar?
On GE remotes, yes. Jasco says any device button can control any compatible device: look up its code in the remote's code list and assign it to that button.
Manufacturer sources
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