Programming an RCA Universal Remote: Manual & Automatic Methods

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Are you tired of juggling three or four different remotes just to control your home theater setup? With a universal remote, you can combine a lot of the functionality of your remotes into one. Universal remotes are typically programmed in two different ways: either by entering a code directly or by searching for it. This wikiHow article teaches you step-by-step how to program an RCA Univeral Remote using the auto-program method or by entering a direct code.

Things You Should Know

For the easiest approach to programming your RCA Universal Remote, use the Auto-Programming method.
Press the device button on your remote and the Power button until the lights on your remote illuminate.
Press the Play button to cycle through codes until your device turns off, which means you found the correct code.

Method 1 of 2:

Using Auto-Program

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Although this isn't the fastest method, it's the easiest. Entering a direct code is much faster than letting your remote search for a code, but using Auto-Program means you don't have to find the code yourself.

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Press the corresponding device button. For example, if you are programming the DVD, press the DVD button. The light on the remote will blink once and then remain lit.

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Release both buttons when the light comes back on.

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Cycling through the full code list can take a significant amount of time. Depending on the remote, you may have to go through several hundred codes.
If you cycle through the entire list, the indicator light will blink four times and then turn off. In that case, your RCA Universal Remote has tried every code available and is not compatible with your device.
To get around this, you can use a GE, Philips, or ONN Universal Remote.

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Press and release the Reverse button. See if your device turns back on. Press this button every 3 seconds until your device turns back on.

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Test the remote. Point the remote at the device you want to control. Make sure that the device has been turned on manually. Test functions such as volume, channel, and power. If the device responds to the remote, then no further programming is required. [1] X Research source

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Using a Direct Code

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You can search the internet for codes for your RCA Universal Remote.

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Turn on the device you want to control. Make sure you have the right code handy since you'll be entering it soon.

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After a few moments, the Power button will light up and stay lit. Continue holding the device button.
Make sure to keep the remote pointed at the device.

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If the Power light is still illuminated when you entered the code, you've typed it in correctly.
On the other hand, if the light blinks 4 times, the code you entered was incorrect, and you'll need to try again.

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Test out the remote. Use the remote to try out various functions on the device. If you aren't able to control most of the functionality, try programming the remote using one of the other methods in this article. Sometimes different codes will give differing amounts of functionality.

Device Codes

Community Q&A

How do I add new channels to my remote? Community Answer

In your setup menu you should have a setting for "cable," "antenna," etc. If it doesn't have an "add or remove channel" heading, then see if you can run a channel scan to set up all possible channels you are able to receive.

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What can I do if I've gone through all of the steps and my TV won't turn back on? Community Answer It could be that the switch module is faulty and will have to be replaced by a TV technician.

Where can I get codes for my LG Blue Ray player? Community Answer

You need to search for codes that works with the remote control you have. Different remote brands usually use different codes. You might consider looking on eBay for a used/new replacement factory remote for your LG player. While it might be pricier than a universal remote, a factory remote will provide fuller control over the entire player.

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