How to Program Your DIRECTV Remote

Does using your new DIRECTV remote have you scratching your head? We’ve made a step-by-step guide to help you get it paired and ready to go.

Jump to:

• Reset your DIRECTV Genie remote
• DIRECTV universal remote
• DIRECTV Genie remote
• Genie remote with DIRECTV Ready TV
• DIRECTV remote FAQ

How to reset your DIRECTV Genie remote

If your DIRECTV remote stopped working, a simple reboot may resolve the issue. Here’s how to reset your DIRECTV remote control.

1. Locate the reset button. This is a small red button located inside the access card door, or, on some models, on the side of the receiver. No button? Go to step 3.
2. Push the button. Wait 15 seconds. Go to step 4.
3. Unplug your receiver from the wall outlet. Wait 15 seconds, then plug it back in.
4. Try your remote.

If that doesn’t work, try the following:

1. Move anything that could be blocking your remote’s infrared light from reaching the receiver’s sensor. Even the glass door on your entertainment center can cause interference.
2. Using a microfiber or other lint-free cloth, wipe away any greasy fingerprints or nacho cheese streaks from your remote’s emitter and the receiver’s sensor.
3. Keep your receiver and remote out of direct sunlight. Also, try turning down the brightness on your TV. Bright light can interfere with your remote’s signal.

First, which remote do you have?

Depending on how long you’ve been a customer and what equipment you have, you probably have one of two DIRECTV remotes: a standard universal remote control or the DIRECTV Genie remote.

If you have a DIRECTV Ready TV, that’s another pairing process that we spelled out below, too. We’ll start with the universal remote.

How to program a DIRECTV universal remote

Your DIRECTV universal remote control can control up to four devices, including DVD/Blu-ray players, DVRs, gaming consoles, soundbars, and TVs. Here’s how to program your remote for both SD and HD receivers and how to change your TV’s input source.

Program a DIRECTV universal remote for an HD DVR or HD receiver

1. Press Menu on your DIRECTV remote.
2. On the on-screen menu, select Parental Favs & Setup > System Setup > Remote or Remote Control > Program Remote.
3. Select the device (DVD/Blu-ray player, DVR, gaming console, soundbar, TV, etc.) that you want the remote to control. If your device isn’t listed, enter a DIRECTV remote code. Find them by using this code lookup tool.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the process.

Program a DIRECTV universal remote for a standard DVR or SD receiver

Great news! You can use the exact steps above to program your DIRECTV universal remote control for an SD receiver.

Change your TV’s input source using the DIRECTV universal remote

1. Slide the mode switch (located at the top of the remote) to TV.
2. Hold down the Mute and Select buttons at the same time. Let go when the green light flashes twice.
3. Enter 960. The green light should flash twice again.
4. Slide the mode switch to the DIRECTV logo.

How to program a DIRECTV Genie remote

If you have a Genie remote, there are both automatic and manual pairing processes—plus a third option for DIRECTV Ready TVs. We’ll start with the automatic pairing process.

Program a DIRECTV Genie remote for your HDTV or audio device

These instructions will help you program your DIRECTV Genie remote automatically.

1. Point the Genie remote at your Genie HD DVR, Genie Mini, or Wireless Genie Mini.
2. While you continue to aim the remote at your device, hold down the Mute and Enter buttons. Let go with the remote’s green light blinks twice.
3. The TV should display “Applying IR/RF Setup.” That means you’re in RF mode—it’s time to program the remote.
4. Turn on the device you’re pairing with your remote.
5. Press Menu on the remote.
6. Select Settings & Help > Settings > Remote Control > Program Remote.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the pairing process.

If this method didn’t work for you, don’t stress. Use the instructions below for manual pairing.

Program a DIRECTV Genie remote manually

1. Point the Genie remote at your Genie HD DVR, Genie Mini, or Wireless Genie Mini.
2. While aiming the remote at your device, hold down the Mute and Select buttons. Let go when the remote’s green light blinks twice.
3. Enter 961.
4. Press the Channel Up button.
5. Press Enter.
6. When you see “Your remote is now set up for RF” on your TV screen, select OK.
7. Turn on the device you want to pair.
8. Press Menu.
9. Select Settings & Help > Settings > Remote Control > Program Remote.
10. Select the device you want to pair and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
11. Your remote should now be paired and ready to go!

Program a Genie remote with a DIRECTV Ready TV

A DIRECTV Ready TV, when connected to a Genie DVR, allows you to watch DIRECTV without an extra Genie or Genie Mini. Here’s how to pair a DIRECTV Ready TV with your Genie remote:

1. Point the remote at your Genie DVR.
2. Press and hold Mute and Enter. Let go when the green light blinks twice.
3. The TV screen will display the message “Applying IR/RF Setup.”
4. Turn on your DIRECTV Ready TV.
5. Hold down Mute and Select. Let go when the green light blinks twice again.
6. Enter the manufacturer’s code for your DIRECTV Ready TV. Here are TV codes for Samsung, Sony, and Toshiba:
7. Samsung TV Code: 54000
8. Sony TV Code: 54001
9. Toshiba TV Code: 54002
10. For other manufacturers, use the DIRECTV website lookup.
11. Your remote should now be paired and ready to go!

With your remote paired and devices active, you’re ready to set aside this guide and enjoy your DIRECTV service.

If your remote still won’t work with your device(s), visit DIRECTV’s remote troubleshooting page or contact DIRECTV technical support at 1-800-531-5000.

Happy watching!

DIRECTV Remote FAQ

How much does DIRECTV charge for a new remote?

DIRECTV charges $15–$25 for a new remote, depending on whether you have the universal remote (the white one) or the Genie remote. If you have DIRECTV’s protection plan, the company will replace your remote free.

You can, however, find DIRECTV’s remotes on Amazon.com for far less than $15–$25. A two-pack of DIRECTV RC73 IR/RF Genie remotes is currently $11.75. A DIRECTV IR/RF Universal Remote Control (model RC66RX) is $6.75, and a two-pack of the same remote is $12.00. Both include free shipping through Amazon Prime.

Be sure you know which remote you need—and which receiver you have—before purchasing one. Here’s where you can find that information.

Can I use my phone as a DIRECTV remote?

You can use your phone or tablet as a DIRECTV remote via the DIRECTV app, which currently supports the receiver models HR20, HR21, R22, HR23, HR24, HR44, H21, H23, H24, and H25. Find out which DIRECTV receiver model you have.

Why has my DIRECTV remote stopped working?

Reasons that your DIRECTV remote might not work include dead batteries, stuck buttons, faulty parts, incorrect mode settings, receiver location, blocked sensors, and other problems. We suggest visiting DIRECTV’s remote troubleshooting page for solutions.

Where can I find DIRECTV remote TV codes?

You can use the DIRECTV remote code lookup tool to find the codes used to pair your DIRECTV remote with your TV.

For example, to program your DIRECTV remote for a Samsung TV, you would follow these instructions (link leads to the list in this article). In Step 3, you’ll use the lookup tool to find the TV codes make and model of your television. It’s not unusual to have several codes for the same television. Try each code until one works.

How do I troubleshoot my DIRECTV remote? 

To troubleshoot your DIRECTV remote, visit DIRECTV’s remote troubleshooting page.

Does DIRECTV have voice remotes?

DIRECTV does not have voice remotes, but there is limited voice functionality in the DIRECTV app. You can also control DIRECTV through your Alexa device (Echo, Dot, or Tap).