Troubleshooting
Universal remote not working: what to check
The short answer
Start with the two causes manufacturers name most: batteries and line of sight. Jasco says a red light that doesn't behave as described is most commonly bad batteries, even brand-new ones, and Roku says obstructions and low batteries are the common causes of an unresponsive infrared remote. Then make sure you're using the code list and steps for your exact remote.
Work through the checks in order. The first two take a minute and rule out the causes Jasco and Roku see most often, before you spend time on codes.
Every check on this page comes from a manufacturer's support page or manual, linked beneath it.
1. Check the remote is sending a signal
Roku suggests using a phone camera to see an infrared remote's signal, which is invisible to your eye.
- 1
Switch your phone's camera to selfie mode.
- 2
Hold the remote in front of the camera and press buttons.
- 3
If you can't see a flashing signal from the front of the remote, replace the batteries.
Source: Roku: resolve problems with a Roku IR (infrared) remote
2. Batteries
Remove the batteries and put them back in, then try fresh batteries if that doesn't help.
If a GE remote's red light isn't doing what the instructions describe, Jasco says the cause is most commonly bad batteries, even brand-new ones. Try a different set.
Don't mix old and new batteries, or alkaline with carbon-zinc or rechargeable ones.
On some RCA remotes, such as the D771, RCA notes reprogramming may be required after the batteries are replaced.
Source: Roku: resolve problems with a Roku IR (infrared) remote
Source: Jasco: GE universal remotes FAQ
3. Line of sight
Make sure you can see the front of the device from where you're sitting.
Try holding the remote higher and pointing it down at the device, moving it left and right.
Remove anything blocking the path between the remote and the device.
While programming, keep the remote pointed at the device's infrared sensor.
Source: Roku: resolve problems with a Roku IR (infrared) remote
5. Check you have the right code list
Codes are published per remote. Jasco looks GE codes up by the CL version on the sticker under the batteries, and RCA by the revision number under the battery. A list for a different version or revision won't match. The guide to identifying your universal remote shows where each maker prints it.
Source: Jasco: GE universal remotes FAQ
6. Reset the remote and start again
A reset clears stored settings so you can program each device again. The sequence depends on the brand.
| Remote | Reset sequence |
|---|---|
| GE, Philips and UltraPro | Hold SETUP until the red light stays on, release, press MUTE, then press 0. The red light blinks twice. |
| One For All Contour (URC1210, URC1240, URC1280) | Remove a battery and press any button. Put the battery back (the LED blinks twice). Within 6 seconds, press 2 and 8 together (blinks twice), then enter 9 8 1 (blinks four times). |
Source: Jasco: GE universal remotes FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Why is my universal remote not working?
The causes manufacturers name most are batteries and line of sight. Roku says obstructions and low batteries are common causes of an unresponsive infrared remote, and Jasco says unexpected light behaviour on GE remotes is most commonly bad batteries.
How can I tell if my remote is sending a signal?
Roku suggests pointing the remote at a phone camera in selfie mode and pressing buttons. If you can't see a flashing signal from the front of the remote, replace the batteries.
Why do only some buttons work?
The code may control only some of the device's functions. Jasco and RCA both say to try other codes for your device to get more functions working.
How do I reset a GE universal remote?
Hold SETUP until the red light stays on, release it, press MUTE, then press 0. The red light blinks twice. Jasco gives the same steps for Philips and UltraPro remotes.
Does changing the batteries erase the codes?
It depends on the remote. RCA's D771 manual notes reprogramming may be required after the batteries are replaced, so write your codes down.
Manufacturer sources
- Roku: resolve problems with a Roku IR (infrared) remote
- Jasco: GE universal remotes FAQ
- Jasco: GE universal remote codes and programming
- RCA: D771 universal remote owner's manual
- RCA: RCR311W universal remote owner's manual
- RCA: find your remote's revision number
- Roku: set up a cable, satellite or universal remote to control a Roku TV
- One For All: factory reset the Contour remote
- One For All: learn a missing function on the Contour remote (URC1210)
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