Easy Ways to Program an RCA Universal Remote with Manual Code Search + More

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The best steps to program your RCA remote
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Do you have an RCA Universal Remote that you'd like to program to your TV or DVD player? Fortunately, this is as simple as entering a code or using the "Code Search" button on your remote! This wikiHow article guides you through programming your RCA Universal Remote with your devices.

Things You Should Know

  • Turn on the device you want to control and point your remote at it.
  • Press and hold the button for your device on the remote. While pressing, enter your device code. Check the power light and test the remote.
  • If your remote has a Code Search button, press and hold it until the light turns on. Then, press and release the power button until your device shuts off.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Manually Entering a Code

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  1. Locate the code for your device in the RCA Remote Code Finder . Entering a device code is the fastest way to program your RCA universal remote. The code for your device will vary depending on your model of RCA remote.
    • In the RCA Remote Code Finder , select the model number of your remote control from the “Model” drop-down. You can find your model number printed on the bottom of your remote. [1]
    • Choose the type of device you want to program under “Product Type.”
    • Find your device's brand (e.g., Sharp, Sony) in the search results. The numerical code next to the brand name is the code you’ll need to enter.
  2. Press the power button on the device you want to control to switch it on.
    • You'll need to keep the remote pointed at the device the entire time you are programming it.
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  3. Your remote should have several buttons labeled with different device types.
    • For example, the “TV” button would control your television, while the “CBL” or “SAT” button would control your cable or satellite box.
    • The “AUX” button is usually assigned to stereo devices.
    • The Power light on the remote will light up when you press it. Don’t let go of it!
  4. This is the code you found in the Remote Control Code Finder. Keep pressing the button, even after the Power light turns off.
    • If the Power light has turned back on, the remote has been successfully programmed.
    • If the light blinked four times and then turned off, the code may have been entered incorrectly. Try holding down the device button and re-entering the code.
  5. If you enter the code correctly, you will be able to turn the device on and off using the remote. Make sure you press the correct device button at the top of the remote before testing the features.
    • If you are unable to turn on your device after entering the code, you may have the wrong code. Return to the RCA Remote Control Code Finder and make sure you entered the correct information.
    • If you still can’t program the code with this method, try using the Code Search button (if there is one) or doing a Manual Code Search . [2]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

For a Remote Without a Code Search Button

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  1. If you’re unable to do an automatic code search and cannot enter the device code manually, try a Manual Code Search. Start by powering on the device you want to control (e.g., your DVD player or stereo receiver).
    • You'll only be able to use your RCA remote with devices that support remote control in the first place. If the device did not come with a remote, you likely won't be able to use your RCA remote to control it.
    • Keep the remote pointed at the device during the code search process.
  2. For example, to program the remote for a DVD player, press the DVD button. The Power light will turn on.
  3. Continue to hold until the light turns off and then on again.
  4. Now your remote will try different codes in an attempt to turn off the device.
    • Once the proper code is found (typically after about five seconds), the device will turn off.
    • Press the Play or Slow button again if the device does not turn off after five seconds. Pressing this button again will tell the remote to try the next batch of codes. Repeat this every five seconds until the device turns off.
  5. This should turn it back on again. You may have to press this multiple times to find the correct code.
  6. Once the device turns back on after pressing the Reverse button, you've found the correct code. Press Stop to lock it into your remote. [3]
    • Note: Universal remotes can be finicky, and you may need to start the process over if something goes wrong. Make sure you are keeping the remote pointed at the device and that you follow each step exactly.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

For a Remote With a Code Search Button

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  1. If there’s a button on your RCA remote that says “Code Search” or “Set Up,” you can use this method to locate and program device codes. Start by turning on the device you want to control.
    • Universal remotes only work with devices that support remote control in the first place. If the device didn't originally come with a remote, you won't be able to use a universal remote with it.
    • You'll need to keep the remote pointed at the device as you program.
  2. This button is usually at the top of the remote. When the light comes on, you can let go of the button.
    • If your remote has a “Set Up” button instead, complete this method using that button.
  3. For example, to control a DVD player, press the DVD-VCR button. The light will blink and then remain lit.
  4. Each time you press and release the Power button, the remote will try a different code for the device. Once the correct code is found, the device will receive the signal and turn off.
    • This could take a while if the code for your device is at the end of the remote's internal list. There are a couple hundred codes that you may need to go through.
    • If you go through the whole list without finding a matching code, the light on the remote will blink four times and then shut off. There's a good chance that the remote will not work with your device, since you've tried every code available.
  5. This locks the code into your remote. If you accidentally moved past the correct code, you'll have to start the search again.
  6. If the code was successful, you should be able to turn the device on and off using the remote. Make sure you've pressed the correct device button at the top of the remote before testing the features.
    • Not all functions may be available on the universal remote. Your remote may have limited functionality compared to the device's original remote.
  7. After you've locked in the code, write it down so that you can enter it easily in the future. Here’s how: [4]
    • Press and hold the Code Search button until the light comes on.
    • Press and release the device button for the locked code you want to retrieve.
    • Press and release the Code Search button.
    • Press the number keys in order, starting with 0. When the light comes on, this indicates the first digit.
    • Start over at 0 and repeat until you have all three digits.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    What codes are for a Vizio TV?
    Community Answer
    TVs, even from the same brand, use different codes. You will have to find your model number and search online to find the codes.
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  • Question
    How can I find the code for my DVD player?
    Community Answer
    Use the code search function explained in this article or look in the owner's manual for the DVD player.
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  • Question
    Why cant I program my RCA remote to work with my Cox Cable Box?
    Community Answer
    Make sure you are using the correct device code. If you're unable to locate the code, try doing a code search with your RCA remote.
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      Tips

      • You can program your RCA remote with your TV even if it was previously paired with another TV.
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      • Reset your remote if it's not acting properly or won't connect to your TV. First, remove the batteries and press 1 for a few seconds to ensure any residual power is drained. Reinsert the batteries and press the Power button to turn it on. Then, you can program it to your TV and devices normally.
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      • You can find codes for Sony, Samsung, Smart TVs, LG TVs, Rokus, and so much more using the RCA website, so don't think your remote won't work with your setup!
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.rcaaccessories.com/remotes/
      2. ↑ https://www.rca.com/us_en/remote-control-support-904-us-en
      3. ↑ http://www.digitaltrends.com/how-to/how-to-program-an-rca-universal-remote/
      4. ↑ https://www.eliztech.com/remotes/rca-howto.php

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