Garage Door Remote Not Working?

Try These 5 Fixes BEFORE Calling (95% Success Rate)

Most remote issues are simple fixes you can do yourself in 5 minutes. Try these in order:

Fix #1: Replace the Battery (90% of Remote Problems)

How to check:

1. Open remote case (usually slide-off back or small screw)
2. Remove battery (note orientation—positive side up or down)
3. Check battery type: CR2032 (coin cell), CR2016 (thin coin), 12V (two small batteries), 9V, or AA
)
4. Install new battery in same orientation
5. Test remote

Fix #2: Reprogram the Remote (5% of Problems)

Sometimes remotes lose programming. Here's how to reprogram (varies by brand):

LiftMaster / Chamberlain / Craftsman:

1. Press and release "Learn" button on opener motor (usually purple, red, or yellow button)
2. LED light will turn on for 30 seconds
3. Within 30 seconds, press and hold remote button until opener light blinks or clicks
4. Release button—remote is now programmed
5. Test remote

Genie:

1. Press and hold "Learn Code" button on opener for 3 seconds
2. LED blinks purple/red
3. Within 30 seconds, press remote button 3 times
4. LED stops blinking—remote programmed

Overhead Door / Other Brands:

1. Check owner's manual (usually available online by searching model number)
2. Or call us—we'll walk you through it for free

Fix #3: Check If Wall Button Works (Diagnostic)

1. Go inside garage and press wall button
2. If wall button works: Your opener is fine—problem is definitely the remote
3. If wall button doesn't work either: Problem is with opener, not remote (see opener repair page)

Fix #4: Clean Remote Contacts (2% of Problems)

Dirt, dust, or corrosion on battery contacts can prevent connection:

1. Remove battery
2. Look at metal contacts where battery touches
3. If contacts look dirty or corroded, gently scrub with pencil eraser or fine sandpaper
4. Wipe clean with dry cloth
5. Reinstall battery and test

Fix #5: Test Remote Range (1% of Problems)

1. Stand 10 feet from garage door opener
2. Press remote button
3. If it works from 10 feet but not 30+ feet: Weak signal (new battery may help, or remote needs replacement)
4. If it doesn't work even 10 feet away: Remote is dead or antenna wire on opener is damaged

When Your Remote Needs Replacement

Signs You Need a New Remote

• Cracked case: Physical damage to remote housing
• Water damage: Remote was dropped in water, left in rain
• New battery doesn't help: Tried fresh battery, still doesn't work
• Reprogramming failed: Tried programming multiple times, no success
• Lost or stolen: Remote is missing
• Ancient remote: 20+ years old (technology has changed)

Remote Replacement Options & Estimates

Our Remote Service

(we have most brands in stock)
• We program them for you: Free if purchased from us
(includes programming up to 4 remotes)
• Bulk discount: Need 3+ remotes? We'll give you a deal

Why Remotes Stop Working

1. Dead Battery (90% of Cases)

Remote batteries last 1-3 years depending on usage. If you use your remote 4 times per day, that's 1,460 button presses per year. Batteries eventually die. This is normal, not a defect.

2. Frequency Interference (3%)

Garage door remotes use radio frequencies (300-390 MHz). Interference sources:

• LED/CFL light bulbs in opener: Some LED bulbs create radio interference—replace with "garage door opener compatible" LED bulbs
• Nearby radio towers: Strong radio signals can overpower remote signal
• Military bases: Military radar can interfere
• WiFi routers: If router is very close to opener

3. Lost Programming (5%)

Power surges, lightning strikes, or programming new remotes can sometimes erase existing remote programming. Solution: Reprogram remote (see Fix #2 above).

4. Broken Remote (2%)

Physical damage, water damage, or just old age (10+ years) can kill remotes. Internal circuit board fails. Solution: Buy new remote.

Universal Remotes: Do They Really Work?

Short answer: Yes, for most openers made after 1993.

Pros of Universal Remotes

vs. for brand-name
• Available everywhere: Amazon, Walmart, Home Depot
• One remote, multiple doors: Program each button for different openers

Cons of Universal Remotes

• Don't work with very old openers: Pre-1993 openers use fixed codes (not compatible)
• Programming can be tricky: Have to select correct brand/frequency
• Lower quality: Cheaper plastic, shorter range (100-150 feet vs. 200+ for OEM)
• No guarantee: "Should work" isn't "will work"

Our Recommendation

for a genuine brand remote. Better range, better build quality, guaranteed compatibility. If you have an obscure brand or very old opener, universal remote might be your only option.

Can You Use Your Phone as a Remote?

Yes, if you have a smart opener or add a smart controller.

Option 1: MyQ Smart Opener (Built-In WiFi)

• Works with: LiftMaster and Chamberlain openers with built-in MyQ (2015+)
• : Free app, no monthly fees
• Setup: Connect opener to WiFi, download MyQ app

Option 2: Add MyQ Smart Hub to Existing Opener

• Works with: LiftMaster/Chamberlain openers 2011+
• Benefit: Smartphone control + no more remotes to lose

Option 3: Universal Smart Controller

• Works with: Any opener from any brand
• Benefit: Works with old openers that aren't MyQ-compatible

Learn more: Smart Opener Setup →

Frequently Asked Questions