How to Program DirecTV Remote (Genie & Universal)

Do you want to set up your newly purchased DirecTV remote to work with all your devices? Well, we have got you covered. Whether you have a newer Genie remote or the older universal remote, you don’t have to be a techie to get things done. Our illustrated guide will show you how to program DirecTV remotes with and without codes in no time.

As you read on, we will guide you with detailed step-by-step instructions and pictures to set up your DirecTV remotes in RC60, 70, and 80 series models in a variety of scenarios. So before proceeding determine which remote you have. So without further ado, let’s get started.

How to Program DirecTV Universal Remote

To set up your DirecTV universal remote to operate your TV, Soundbar, and other devices, you can follow these steps.

Programming for HD DVR or HD Receiver

1. Press the MENU button on your remote.
2. On your screen, in the left pane, select Settings and then navigate to Remote Control. When you are in settings, use the arrow keys on the remote to scroll to the right and press SELECT to choose an op-tion.
3. Select Pair/Program Remote.
4. Now select a device to set up. If you want to program a TV, select the Change TV option and you will be directed to choose your TV brand.
5. Then select your TV brand from the list and then the model. You can search for a brand by typing the first two letters using the arrow keys on your remote. If your device brand is not listed, enter a DirecTV remote code. You can find it using our code lookup tool.
   • If you don’t know the television model, choose the option I don’t know my model. Here I’m selecting LG TV and choosing “I don’t know my model” for demonstration.
6. Now it will cycle through all the available codes for LG TVs and if a compatible code is found, it will ask you to test it. So follow the on-screen instructions to test the code.
7. If the volume increases as shown in the image below, select It Worked, otherwise select Try Next Code.
8. Once the volume control works, press the EXIT button on your remote. You’re done.

Programming for Standard DVR or SD Receiver

Programming for a standard DVR or SD receiver is pretty much similar to the above-explained method. Here are the steps.

1. Press the MENU button on your remote.
2. Navigate to Parental Favs & Setup > System Setup > Remote or Remote Control > Program Remote.
3. Choose the device you want to program (such as TV, DVD, Audio, etc.). If your device isn’t listed, enter a 5-digit setup code. Use our code lookup tool to find it.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

Manual Programming

To set up your DirecTV remote to operate your TV or other devices, you can also use the below-described manual method.

1. On your remote, slide the mode switch at the top to select DirecTV, AV1, AV2, or TV.
2. Press and hold the MUTE and SELECT buttons simultaneously until the green LED under the selected mode flashes twice, then release the keys.
3. Enter the 5-digit code for your device using the number keys. If you enter a valid code, the LED under the selected mode will flash twice.
4. Press the PWR button. The device should now turn off. If not, repeat the procedure with another code available for your device until you find the correct code.

Note: The AV1 and AV2 modes on the remote can be used to program a DVD, VCR, Soundbar, a second DirecTV receiver, or a second TV.

Auto Programming

If you can’t find a compatible code for your device, you can perform the auto programming in which the remote will automatically cycle through the entire code database to find a working code for your device. Here are the steps to do so.

1. Manually switch on your device.
2. Slide the mode switch to your desired position.
3. Press and hold the MUTE and SELECT buttons simultaneously until the green LED under the selected mode flashes twice, then release the keys.
4. Enter 991 followed by one of the following four component IDs:
   1. • Satellite – 0
      • TV – 1
      • VCR/DVD/PVR – 2
      • Stereo – 3
5. Press the PWR button (or any other function) you need to test.
6. Press the Channel UP button repeatedly until the device turns off or performs the desired action you selected in step 5.
7. Press the SELECT button to save the code.

How to Program DirecTV Genie Remote

To set up the Genie remote control, we have 3 methods. Let’s check them one by one.

Programming for HDTV or Audio Devices

The following steps will walk you through the automatic pairing process for your DirecTV Genie remote. The latest Genie remote model is RC73. If this method doesn’t work for you, try the manual programming method explained in the following section.

1. Aim your remote at your Genie device (Genie HD DVR, Genie Mini, or Wireless Genie Mini), then press and hold the MUTE and ENTER buttons simultaneously until the green LED blinks twice.
2. The TV should now display “Applying IR/RF Setup.” This means your TV is in RF mode and is ready for programming.
3. Switch on the device you want to pair your remote with.
4. Press the MENU button on your remote.
5. Select Settings & Help > Settings > Remote Control > Program Remote.
6. Choose the name of the device you want to control.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the programming.

Manual Programming

The new DIRECTV RC71, RC71B, RC72, and RC73 Genie RF Remote Controls are factory-set to Infrared (IR) Mode, so they can work with your earlier model receivers. To make your remote control other devices (e.g., your TV) follow these steps below:

1. Press and hold the MUTE and SELECT buttons simultaneously until the green LED blinks twice.
2. Enter the 5-digit code for your device. Once you enter the first digit, wait for 2 seconds until the green light flashes, then enter the remaining 4 digits. If it’s a valid code, the green LED will flash twice.
3. Aim your remote to the device and press VOL+/– or MUTE. If the device doesn’t respond, repeat the procedure with another code available for your device.

Programming for DirecTV Ready TVs

DIRECTV Ready TVs come equipped with built-in receivers that operate similarly to Genie Minis. This allows you to wirelessly enjoy your preferred entertainment on multiple TVs. To establish a connection between your Genie remote and a DIRECTV Ready TV, simply follow these steps:

1. Aim your remote at Genie DVR, then press and hold the MUTE and ENTER buttons at the same time until the green light blinks twice. The TV will now display “Applying IR/RF Setup”.
2. Power on your DirecTV ready TV.
3. Press and hold the MUTE and SELECT button until the green light blinks twice.
4. Now enter the manufacturer’s code for your TV.
   1. • Samsung TVs – 54000
      • Sony TVs – 54001
      • Toshiba TVs – 54002
      • For other manufacturers, find the code using our code lookup tool.
5. Your Genie remote is now paired and ready to use.

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