Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: Programming your universal remote
• Part 2 of 2: Turning on your devices
• Tips

While remotes make life a lot easier, no one wants to have a stack of remotes taking up all the space on the coffee table. That's where the universal remote comes in handy. This tool aims to replace your many remotes, reducing clutter and still allowing you to remotely control your devices with ease. The hardest part about these remotes is setting them up, but once you've done that it's easy to turn devices on or off from the comfort of your home. Universal remotes vary greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer, so you should have your manual handy to find the specific controls on your remote.

To step

Part 1 of 2: Programming your universal remote

1. Insert batteries into the universal remote. Most remotes come with batteries, but you may need to buy them yourself. The battery type is stated on the remote control packaging.
   • Some universal remotes lose the programmed codes when both batteries are removed. When you replace the batteries, do this one by one. This ensures that a current is flowing with just enough voltage to prevent the stored codes from being erased.
   • If you are concerned about forgetting and removing both batteries, use a label maker or paint marker to write a reminder on the inside of the battery cover.
2. Find out which of your devices are compatible. Your remote's packaging should explain how many devices (and what types) it can control. Your universal remote manual will have more detailed compatibility information.
3. Turn on the first item you want to set. This will likely be your television, but it can be any device.
4. Enter the setting mode of the universal remote control. The packaging, like the user manual, will show you how to enter the setup mode of your remote control. Some universal manuals require a computer with specific installation software. Others can be configured on the TV screen or on a smaller screen built into the remote. Some universal remotes even come with smartphone apps.
   • You can enter setup mode in most universal remotes by pressing a button that says something like "Setup", or pressing a combination of two buttons (such as on and off simultaneously).
   • If you don't have the manual, go to the manufacturer's website and look for a manual to download.
5. Press a button on your remote that corresponds to the device. For example, if you are programming your remote to turn on your TV, press the button on your remote called "TV". Depending on your remote, you may need to hold the button for a few moments.
6. Program the code for the device into the remote. Each device has its own code that must be programmed into the remote control. These codes are in the manual for your universal remote, but some remotes have internal lists that can be accessed from the setup screen. Since these codes vary by remote, you should use the codes that work with your particular remote.
   • There are websites that contain links to codes from different manufacturers. You can find them by searching for the manufacturer and model of your remote, along with the word "codes".
   • Normally you have to enter a numeric code and wait until you receive a screen confirmation or LEDs flashing in a certain pattern.
   • Some remotes have a feature called Learning Mode, which does not require entering codes. If your device can "learn" and your other devices have remotes, you can point the two devices towards each other and use a key combination to force your universal remote to emulate the original. Consult your manual for more information on how to start Learning Mode.
7. Repeat this process for all of your devices. Turn on the next item and go back to setting mode in your universal remote. Press the button that represents the component on your remote and enter the code.
8. Keep your manual in a safe place. You never know when you will need it.

Part 2 of 2: Turning on your devices

1. Press the desired device button (TV, DVD, etc.) on the universal remote control. Most remotes have at least 3-5 device buttons.
2. Press the power button. Different remotes have different names for this button. Pressing this button after pressing the device button (TV, DVD, etc.) will turn on that device.
3. Press the next device button and press the power button. Repeat this for each device to be turned on.
4. Switch off a device by pressing the device button and then on or off. Adjusting the volume or changing channels on each device works the same way.

Tips

• If your remote suddenly stops working with a device, make sure you have selected the correct device. If you press the desired button for a device, it should work again.
• Some devices will not work without their own remote control. While a universal remote is designed to replace all of your remotes, some people have an extra one or two to remotely control their entertainment system.