Method guide
How to program a universal remote without codes
The short answer
Use the remote's code search, which tries codes from its own memory until your device responds. On a GE remote, hold SETUP, press the device button and press POWER to send codes in batches of ten. On a One For All Contour TV, hold SETUP, enter 991, press POWER, then press CH+ until the TV turns off and press SETUP to store it. RCA remotes differ by model.
A code search makes the remote try the codes in its own memory, one after another, until your device switches off. Every brand starts it with different keys and saves the result a different way, so find the brand on your remote and follow its steps below.
Searching is slower than typing a code. RCA's manuals suggest trying a code from the list first when your brand is in it.
Before you search
Switch the device on by hand, not on standby.
Keep the remote pointed at the front of the device for the whole search.
If your brand is in the remote's code list, try direct code entry first; the search goes through every code in memory and can take a long time.
GE remotes: auto code search
- 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): code search
- 1
Switch on your TV (not on standby).
- 2
Press and hold SETUP until the red LED under the POWER key blinks twice. It blinks once, then twice.
- 3
Press 9 9 1. The red LED blinks twice.
- 4
Press POWER.
- 5
Aim the remote at the TV and press CH+ over and over until the TV turns off. Each press sends the power signal from the next code in memory.
- 6
As soon as the TV turns off, press SETUP to store the code.
RCA remotes with a CODE SEARCH key
These steps are from the manual for the RCA RCRH02BE.
- 1
Press and hold CODE SEARCH until the indicator light turns on.
- 2
Press the device key you're programming, such as TV. The light blinks once and stays lit.
- 3
Find the ENTER key; you'll need to press it quickly.
- 4
Point the remote at the front of the device, press POWER and wait. Each blink tests a code.
- 5
As soon as the device turns off, press ENTER within 4 seconds.
- 6
Test the remote to make sure you can control most of the device's functions.
RCA remotes that search with the device key
These are the Manual Code Search steps from the RCA RCR311W manual. Press GO BACK at any point to exit without saving.
- 1
Switch on the device you want to control by hand.
- 2
Press and hold the device key, such as TV or SAT•CBL. The ON•OFF key lights up.
- 3
Keep holding the device key and press and hold ON•OFF. The light turns off.
- 4
After three seconds the light turns back on. Release both keys.
- 5
Press and release ON•OFF, waiting 4 seconds between presses, until the device turns off. Each press sends the next code.
- 6
As soon as the device turns off, press and release STOP. You must press STOP or the code is not stored.
How each remote saves the code
| Remote | Start the search | Try the next code | Save the code |
|---|---|---|---|
| GE | SETUP, device button, POWER | VOL up within the batch of 10 | Press the device button |
| One For All Contour TV | SETUP, 9 9 1, POWER | CH+ | SETUP |
| RCA with CODE SEARCH | CODE SEARCH, device key, POWER | Automatic, one per blink | ENTER within 4 seconds |
| RCA RCR311W | Device key + ON•OFF for 3 seconds | ON•OFF every 4 seconds | STOP |
After the code is stored
Test a range of the device's functions, not just power. RCA and Jasco both note that a code may control only some functions; if keys you need don't work, try another code.
Write the code down. RCA's manual recommends retrieving any code found by searching, so you can re-enter it quickly with direct code entry if programming is lost when you change the batteries.
Frequently asked questions
How do I program a universal remote without a code?
Use its code search. GE remotes send ten codes each time you press POWER in setup mode; the One For All Contour TV steps through codes with CH+ after SETUP and 991; RCA remotes use CODE SEARCH or the device key with ON•OFF, depending on the model.
What is 991 on a One For All remote?
On the One For All Contour TV, entering 991 after holding SETUP starts the code search. You then press POWER, step through codes with CH+, and press SETUP when the TV turns off.
How long does a code search take?
It can be slow. One For All says you may need to press CH+ up to 150 times, and RCA warns its search methods can take a long time because they go through every code in memory.
How do I save the code once the device turns off?
GE: press the same device button. One For All Contour TV: press SETUP. RCA with a CODE SEARCH key: press ENTER within 4 seconds. RCA RCR311W: press STOP.
What if the search ends without finding a code?
RCA remotes signal the end of the list: four blinks on the RCR311W, eight flashes on the RCRH02BE. RCA suggests trying another programming method.
Manufacturer sources
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