How to Program a GE Universal Remote

Written by Jocotra Cathey | Edited by Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: November 14, 2023 Fact Checked

Setting up your GE Universal Remote to control your TV, DVD player, gaming systems, and other devices is easy—you can program it manually by entering a code or by searching for a code automatically. This wikiHow guide will help you search for the right codes for your GE Universal Remote, and teach you how to scan for codes without entering a code at all.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Entering a Code

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You'll find this info on the white sticker inside the battery compartment. Look for V1-V5, none = V1 (older), newest = CL3 or CL4.^{[1]
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Go to https://byjasco.com/support/ge-universal-remote-codes in a web browser. This website features a full list of programming codes for the GE Universal Remote.
Click the button that corresponds with the version number you found inside the battery compartment.^{[2]
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6
Select a device category from the "Device Category" drop-down menu. For example, if you want to find the code for an Xbox, select Game from the menu.
- Some devices have multiple codes. In some cases, you may need to try one or more codes until you find a code compatible for your device.
Once selected, you will see one or more codes for that device.
For example, if you plan to use the remote for your DVD player, power that device on now.
The light is usually at the top of the remote or on the power button. Release your finger once the red light is visible.^{[3]
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Press the button for the device you want to program. For example, if programming the remote for use with your DVD player, press and release the DVD button. The red light will blink and then stay solid.^{[4]
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- If there's no button for the device specifically for the device want to program, choose any other device button. The name of the button is just for ease of use.
If you see multiple device codes for your device, enter the one at the top of the list. The red light will turn off once the code is entered.^{[5]
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Aim the remote at the device you’re programming and press Power. If the device turns off, the code is correct, and you can now use the remote to control that device.
- If the device doesn't power off, try the next code on the list.
- If none of the codes work for your device, try using the "Searching for a Code Automatically" method.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Code Search Programming

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For example, if you want to use your GE remote to program your TV, turn on the TV now.
The light is usually at the top of the remote or on the power button. Release your finger once the red light is visible.^{[6]
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For example, if programming the remote for use with your DVD player, press and release the DVD button. The red light will blink and then stay solid.
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Point the remote at the device and press Power. If you want to control a DVD player, press Play instead. This begins the code search, and the red indicator light will flash about every 2 seconds during the process.^{[7]
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- It's important to keep pointing the remote at the device during the code search.
- If the light does not blink automatically, you'll need to press the Power or Play button manually every 2 seconds to search for the code.
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Place your finger over the 1 key. It's the numeral "1" on the remote. Don't press the button—just hold your finger there, as you'll need to act quickly to lock in the code when the device either turns off or begins to play.^{[8]
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- If you had to press the Power or Play button manually to code search, the lock-in key might be Enter, Mute, or Save instead of the 1 key.^{[9]
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Press 1 when the device turns off or begins to play. This is a signal that the appropriate code has been found. Once the code is saved, the red indicator light will turn off.^{[10]
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- If you had to press the Power or Play button manually to code search, press and release either Enter, OK, or Save to lock in the code.^{[11]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Troubleshooting Remote Problems

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Low battery life can sometimes keep you from being able to program a device.
Walls and large pieces of furniture can prevent the remote from making contact with your devices.
For example, you may be able to use the remote to power your device off and on, but you may not be able to adjust or control the volume of your device. This means you may need to keep other remotes nearby for more advanced features.

Community Q&A

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Question

My GE universal remote turns the TV on and off but will not change the channel. What can I do?

Community Answer

It is probably a suboptimal code issue. Retry with another code or try/retry the code search programming method.

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Question

How do I program a GE Universal remote?

Community Answer

Read the instructional booklet.

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Question

How do I unmute with a GE universal remote?

Community Answer

You should see a 'mute' button on your remote that can be used to mute and unmute the volume. If you don't see the mute/unmute button, you can try checking the manual that came with your TV. If nothing else works, contact the manufacturer.

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