How to Program DirecTV Remotes (With and Without Code)

Do you need to program your DirecTV remotes to work with your TV, DVD player, or satellite receiver? You are in the right place. Whether you are using the latest Genie remote or an older universal model, setting it up is a simple process. Our illustrated guide walks you through each step of manual and automatic methods, with clear instructions and helpful visuals. Before you begin, make sure to identify which type of remote you have so you can follow the correct setup path.

If you opt to program your remote with code, you will need the correct 5-digit device code. We have made that easy by compiling an extensive list of DirecTV remote codes and building a user-friendly lookup tool. In just a few clicks, you can find the exact code for your device.

How to Program DirecTV Remote Controls

DirecTV remote controls are available in two models: Genie remote and universal remote. To program each model with and without using device codes are explained below.

How to Program DirecTV Genie Remote

To program your DirecTV Genie remote, there are two main methods available: Automatic Programming and Manual Programming. Below are step-by-step instructions for setting up your remote using both methods.

Programming With Code

The new DIRECTV Genie RF Remote Controls (RC71, RC71B, RC72, and RC73) are factory-set to Infrared (IR) mode to ensure compatibility with earlier model receivers. To program your remote with code to control additional devices (such as your TV), follow the 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 is a valid code, the green LED will flash twice.
3. Press VOL+/– or MUTE. If the device does not respond, repeat the procedure with another code available for your device.

Programming Without Code

To program DirecTV Genie remote without code, use the auto programming method as follows:

1. Press and hold the MUTE and ENTER buttons on your remote simultaneously, while aiming it at your Genie device (Genie HD DVR, Genie Mini, or Wireless Genie Mini), 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.

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 program your Genie remote to a DIRECTV Ready TV, 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.
   • Samsung TVs – 54000
   • Sony TVs – 54001
   • Toshiba TVs – 54002
   • For other manufacturers, find the code using our code lookup tool.

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 With Code

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.

Programming Without Code

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:
   • 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.

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 option.
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 provided above.
   • 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 are 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.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

DirecTV Remote Codes

The following is a list of DirecTV remote control codes for major TV brands.

• Insignia: 12049, 11756, 12434, 11564, 11423
• LG: 11423, 11756, 12434, 10885, 12358, 12049, 10178
• Magnavox: 11867, 11756, 12434, 10885, 11866, 11454, 12049
• ONN: 11756, 12434, 11564, 12397, 12049
• Panasonic: 11480, 10250, 11291, 10650, 11941, 10051
• Philips: 11867, 11756, 12434, 10885, 10690, 12049, 11454
• RCA: 11447, 11756, 10047, 12434, 10885
• Roku: 11756, 12434, 10885, 10818, 12049, 10706, 11602
• Samsung: 12051, 10812, 13382, 11312, 11632, 10766
• TCL: 12434, 11756, 12403, 12414, 12049
• Toshiba: 11524, 10650, 11656, 10156, 11704, 11156
• Vizio: 11758, 13758, 11756, 12757, 10864, 12707

Use our code lookup tool below to find remote codes for more brands and devices.

DirecTV Remote Code Lookup Tool

So that’s how you program a DirecTV genie and universal remote using different methods. I hope the process is clear and if you have any questions regarding the setup methods or codes, feel free to ask me. I always find happiness in helping people.