Programming a GE universal remote takes five to ten minutes and requires only your remote, the device you want to control, and the device's model number or brand name
GE universal remotes work by storing infrared codes that match your TV, soundbar, cable box, or other device. The remote comes pre-loaded with codes for thousands of devices, so you do not need to buy anything else. Programming means telling the remote which codes to use for which buttons.
The most common method is code entry: you look up a four or five-digit code for your device, hold down a setup button on the remote, type the code, and press a confirmation button. Some GE remotes also support auto-search, where the remote cycles through codes automatically until you find one that works. Both methods work equally well, though code entry is faster if you know your device's code.
Key Takeaways
- GE universal remotes store infrared codes for thousands of devices and come pre-loaded with most common brands, so you only need to program the buttons you actually use.
- Code entry is the fastest method: find your device's code online or in the GE code list, press Setup, type the code, and press the power button to confirm.
- Auto-search works without a code but takes longer — the remote cycles through codes until your device responds, then you press a button to lock it in.
- If programming fails, check that you are pointing the remote at the device, that batteries are fresh, and that you entered the code correctly before trying a different code.
Finding your device's code before you start
GE publishes code lists for every remote model on their website. Go to ge.com, search for your specific remote model number (it is printed on the back or battery cover), and download the PDF code list. The list is organized by device type — TV, cable box, soundbar, DVD player — and then by brand.
Find your device brand and look for the model number or a generic entry for that brand. Write down the four or five-digit code. If your exact model is not listed, use the code for your brand without a model number — it usually works for all models from that manufacturer. If you cannot find your device at all, you can still use auto-search instead.
Keep the code list open on your phone or printed nearby. You will need it during programming.
Programming with code entry (the faster method)
Point the remote at the device you want to control. Press and hold the Setup button on the remote until the light on the remote blinks twice, then release. The light should stay on.
Type the four or five-digit code you found. The light will blink once after each digit. After you type the last digit, the light should stay on.
Press the Power button. If your device turns off, the code worked — press any button to finish. If your device does not turn off, press Setup again and try the next code listed for your brand. Repeat until the device responds.
Once the code works, the remote is programmed for that device. Test a few other buttons — Volume, Channel, Input — to make sure they control the right device. If they do not, the code may not be a perfect match, and you can try the next code for your brand.
Programming with auto-search (when you do not have a code)
Point the remote at the device. Press and hold the Setup button until the light blinks twice, then release. The light stays on.
Press the Power button. The remote will begin cycling through codes automatically. Each time it sends a code, the light blinks. Watch your device — when it turns off, stop pressing buttons and wait for the light to stop blinking.
Press the Power button again to confirm the code. The light should blink twice to show the code is locked in. Test Volume and Channel to make sure they work.
Auto-search can take one to three minutes because the remote may cycle through hundreds of codes. If your device never turns off, try code entry instead — your device brand may not be in the remote's database.
Programming multiple devices on the same remote
GE universal remotes can control up to four devices at once. Each device gets its own set of buttons. Most remotes have a row of buttons labeled TV, Cable, Aux, or Device 1, Device 2, Device 3, Device 4. Press the button for the device you want to program, then follow the code entry or auto-search steps above.
The remote remembers which code goes with which button. After you program your TV to the TV button and your cable box to the Cable button, pressing TV will control the TV and pressing Cable will control the cable box. You do not need to reprogram them each time you switch.
If your remote does not have device selector buttons, check the manual — some models use a different method, such as holding down a button while pressing Setup.
What to do if programming does not work
If the device does not respond after you enter a code, check three things first. Make sure you are pointing the remote directly at the device's infrared receiver, usually a small dark window on the front. Replace the batteries in the remote — old batteries can be too weak to send a signal. Count the digits in the code you typed and make sure you entered them correctly.
If all three are correct, try the next code listed for your brand. Some manufacturers use multiple codes, and the first one may not match your exact model. If you have tried all codes for your brand and nothing works, your device may not be in the remote's database. In that case, check whether the device has its own remote and whether you can use both — the GE remote for most devices and the original remote for the one that does not work.
If the remote worked before but stopped working, the batteries are usually the problem. Replace them and try again. If the remote still does not work, the infrared transmitter in the remote may be broken, and you would need a replacement remote.
Clearing a code and reprogramming a button
If you programmed a button by mistake or want to change which device it controls, you can erase the code and start over. Press and hold Setup until the light blinks twice. Type 000 and press the device button you want to clear. The light should blink twice to confirm the code is erased.
Now you can program that button to a different device. Follow the code entry or auto-search steps as if you were programming it for the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a GE universal remote control a smart TV or streaming device?
Yes, if the device has an infrared receiver. Most TVs, soundbars, and cable boxes use infrared. Smart TVs and streaming devices like Roku or Apple TV often do not have infrared receivers — they use WiFi or Bluetooth instead. Check your device's manual to see if it supports infrared. If it does not, you will need the device's original remote or a separate smart home remote that works over WiFi.
Why does the remote work for power but not for volume or channel?
The code you entered may be a partial match — it controls power but not all buttons. Try the next code listed for your brand. If all codes for your brand have the same problem, your device may not be fully supported, and you may need to use the original remote for volume and channel while using the GE remote for power.
Do I need to reprogram the remote if I move to a different room or house?
No. The codes are stored in the remote's memory and do not depend on location. The remote will work in any room as long as you point it at the device and the batteries are fresh.
What if I lost the manual and do not know my remote's model number?
The model number is printed on the back of the remote or under the battery cover. Take a photo and search ge.com for that number. If you still cannot find it, try code entry with a common code for your device brand — many GE remotes use the same codes, so an older code list may still work.
Can I program the same device to two different buttons?
Yes. Program your TV to the TV button using one code, then program the same TV to the Aux button using the same code. Both buttons will control the TV. This is useful if you want quick access to the same device from different buttons, though most people do not need to do this.