How to reset genie garage door remote

Remote controllers make everything easier. They allow us to operate electronic devices without getting off the couch. In the case of a garage door, the Genie Remote Controller lets you open and close the door without ever leaving the car. It even has a visor clip that snaps onto your rearview mirror, dashboard, pocket or any convenient location in your car.

But before you can use the Genie Garage Door Opener, you have to sync it with the remote controller. This could be the original that came with the garage door hardware. Or it could be a universal replacement that cuts across multiple garage door brands. Let’s take a step-by-step look at how to program a Genie Garage Door Opener. It’s much easier than you think.

Step 1: Read the Instructions

Few people do this. In fact, most people see instruction booklets as a sign of weakness. If you don’t want to read the whole thing, at least read the safety instructions. You should also read the section that labels the parts of your garage door opener. This helps you see if any parts are missing. It will also identify the model of the garage door opener and the type of remote controller.

Try skimming or scanning the booklet, noting important headlines like ‘timing’ and ‘positioning’. This tells you where to place the remote controller as you program it. Other tips include the ‘30 second rule’. Programming a garage door opener involves multiple stages, and you have 30 seconds for each stage. If the time runs out, you have to start over.

Step 2: Go Online

Check the model number or brand number of your garage door opener. This is crucial, because controllers have different designs and functionalities, and that affects the programming process. For example, some garage door openers look like car alarm keypads. Others look more like a conventional HVAC controller, or even a TV remote controller. So check the brand.

Beyond the shape and size of your garage door opener, the color codes may be different. Door openers sometimes have red and blue lights. Others have round buttons and triangular ones. Some have longer flickering lights and shorter static ones. So take a few minutes to Google the brand or model of your garage door opener.

Step 3: Identify the ‘Learn Mode’ or ‘Program Mode’ Button

On some Genie Garage Door Openers, three buttons sit on the control panel. The ‘learn’ or ‘set’ button is a large square button next to the LED indicators. Beside the square, two triangular buttons point up or down, allowing you to cycle up or down through your functions. You can also use them to raise or lower the garage door when you only want it partially open.

While you’re exploring the buttons, look at the lights as well. On the model we’re using as a sample, two LED indicators sit beside the square button. One is a long vertical indicator while the other is a small circular one. Both lights alternate between off, steadily on, and blinking. These modes are a key part of your programming process, so pay attention to them.

Step 4: Find a Comfy Position

You want to have easy access to the Genie Garage Door Opener’s control pad. You’ll be standing there for five to ten minutes, and you don’t want to strain your neck. If you’re using a ladder, get a safe, comfortable one with good traction. Wear shoes with a good grip so you don’t slip off the ladder. Also, position yourself so you’re not directly under the runners or the garage door.

This could be a life-saving safety tip, because accidents do happen, and you don’t want that heavy door collapsing onto you. At least if the control box drops on you, it’ll do less damage than an entire garage door. Also, you want your garage door opener keypad to be close enough that’s it’s within range of the control box. But if it’s too near, the signal will cancel out and won’t work.

Step 5: Reset the System

Take your garage door opener and look it over carefully. You want a general overview. You can refer to the instruction booklet to see what the different parts are and what they do. You may notice a piece of plastic film hanging off the side. That film protects the battery from depleting before use, so carefully pull it out to complete the power circuit. Add batteries if there aren’t any.

Whether you’re working with a new remote or a replacement, you want to start on a blank slate. Keep in mind one Genie Garage Door Opener can operate anything from three to seven doors, depending on the model. Press the square ‘learn mode’ button and hold it down until the little round indicator goes on and turns blue. This takes anything from 3 seconds to 10 seconds.

Step 6: Look at the Lights

When you let go of the square button, the blue light will go off. The longer LED indicator next to it will then go on and start to flash purple. Look down at your remote controller and pick a button. Our sample has three buttons, so let’s program the top button. Click the button you’ve chosen – in this case, the top button. Don’t hold it down. Just click and release it immediately.

As you click, watch the longer LED indicator, the one that’s blinking purple. When you click the remote, the flashing should stop and the button should now stay a static unwavering purple. Click the same button and release, still while watching the LED indicators. The long static purple will now turn blue. The smaller round button will also turn blue. Then they’ll both go off.

Step 7: Beware of Red

Remember, your eyes should be on the lights at all times. If you need to look away, keep glancing up because the LEDs are the key. As we said earlier, you have 30 seconds to complete each step of your programming. So as you watch the lights, if they suddenly turn red and start blinking, it means you’ve run out of time. The red flashes can be unsettling, but don’t panic.

The manufacturers understand this is a tricky process, so they’ve put in a failsafe. Unlike phones or cashboxes that lock you out after several attempts, the Genie Garage Door Opener isn’t quite so judgmental. You can repeat the process as often as you need until you get it. But every time the light turns red, you’re back to the beginning. You won’t go back one step – you’ll start over.

Step 8: Test your Programming

Click and release the button one more time to be sure it’s properly set. You’re not looking at the lights now, you’re looking at the garage door. If the door opens or closes in response to your click, then you know you’ve correctly programmed your garage door. And because one Genie Garage Door Opener can be used with up to seven doors, you can repeat this process.

Each door you program will have its own button on the remote controller. So, since our sample has three buttons, we can repeat these steps on three separate garage doors. You can use the same remote controller for garage doors at your house, office, or holiday home. But be careful which buttons you select or you may accidentally overwrite and cancel the previous garage door.

Step 9: Test the Range

Genie Garage Door Openers are favored for their convenience, versatility, ease of installation, and multi-brand compatibility. But garage door remotes, in general, are driven by distance. The approximate reach and radius are often listed on the pack, so you have a rough idea of what you’re getting. Once you’ve programmed the door, verify that range. Test it from various indoor angles.

Mentally (or physically) walk through your typical day and consider all the places you could be standing when you need the garage door open. You could be turning the corner or going up the driveway. Or you could be in the kitchen and see your partner driving up. Or maybe you’re in the bedroom and you spot your teenagers sneaking in the car after curfew. Test all those positions.

Step 10: Check the Keypad

The steps we’ve looked at involve a garage door opener that clips in your car or pocket. But if your Genie Garage Door Opener is the wireless keypad variety, it will have numbers rather than blank black buttons. In that case, start by pressing the up-and-down arrows at the same time.

As you press the arrows – which are usually at the bottom of the keypad – you should also press the ‘program’ button. It’s usually at the top of the keypad. Hold these three buttons for 3 to 5 seconds to reset the system. If you’re successful, the LED indicator will blink twice then all the lights on the keypad will go off. You now have a blank slate overwriting any previous codes.

Step 11: Align your Numbers

On the Genie Garage Door Opener Control Box, press the square button for 3 to 10 seconds until the light turns blue, then let go. When the lights start to blink purple, press the ‘program’ button on your keypad. Then press 3, 5, 7 in that order. It’s the default code for Genie hardware.

Next, press the arrows to see if the garage door moves up or down. Try this twice. Your keypad is now programmed, but you don’t want to leave it on default. Repeat the steps to set a new three-digit code. Make it something you’ll remember, but be sure it’s hard for anyone else to guess.

Open and Shut

Programing a Genie Garage Door Opener looks easy, but it can be tricky. Try these tips:

• Look up your model number online.
• Read the safety instructions and watch a YouTube demo.
• Flush the system to reset prior programming.
• Use the indicator lights to guide your steps.
• If the lights turn red, start over. It won’t lock you out of the system.
• For replacement remote controllers, focus on the square ‘learn’ button.
• For numbered keypads, restore the Genie default code before setting yours.

What garage door opener are you using at the moment? Show us a photo in the comments!

Can you reprogram a Genie remote?