Method guide
How to reset a universal remote
The short answer
There is no reset code that works on every universal remote. One For All documents 981 for specific Essence models, while Jasco documents Setup, Mute and zero for GE universal remotes. Identify your exact model before clearing its setup.
Use the model label inside the battery compartment to find the matching instructions. A number used to reset one remote can perform a different function on another.
If you only need to change which TV the remote controls, consult its programming guide first. Keep a note of any working device codes before erasing the configuration.
Choose the remote, not the television brand
The brand printed on your TV does not determine how a third-party remote resets. A GE remote controlling a Samsung television needs GE instructions.
| Remote family | Where to start |
|---|---|
| One For All Essence URC7110 / 7120 / 7130 / 7140 | The MAGIC and 981 procedure below |
| GE universal remotes | The GE guide linked below; GE 66814 has a separate procedure |
| Roku, Fire TV, Samsung, LG, Apple TV and provider remotes | The model-specific reset guides linked below |
| Other universal remotes | The manufacturer's manual for the exact model |
One For All Essence: URC7110, URC7120, URC7130 and URC7140
- 1
Hold MAGIC until the LED blinks once and then twice.
- 2
Enter 981. The LED blinks four times in total.
- 3
Set up the remote again using its model instructions.
This is the procedure for the listed Essence models. Do not infer that another One For All model has the same reset sequence or confirmation flashes.
GE uses a different reset
Jasco's universal-remote FAQ documents Setup, Mute and zero for its GE universal remotes. Its GE 66814 Roku TV replacement remote instead uses Setup and four presses of Rewind. Use the dedicated GE guide below for the full sequence and confirmation.
After a reset
Follow the programming instructions for your remote's model and code-list version.
Test volume, input and navigation as well as Power.
If buttons still do nothing, check the batteries and receiver path instead of trying unrelated reset numbers.
Frequently asked questions
Is 981 a universal reset code?
No. It is documented for particular remote families, including the Essence models named here. GE uses a different procedure.
Will resetting my remote erase my TV?
A handset reset changes the remote's configuration. It is separate from selecting a factory reset in the television's settings.
Why are there no generic code-readback steps here?
Code readback varies by remote model. Use the exact manual rather than applying a 990 sequence to an unknown handset.
Manufacturer sources
Reset instructions for your remote
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