As an affordable third-party remote, a GE universal remote can be used with multiple devices such as DVD players, audio devices, streaming devices, and TVs.
However, you need a 4-digit code to program the GE universal remote to your device.
If you do not have the code, this guide will explain in detail how to program a GE universal remote without codes for newer and older models.
The auto-search code method is helpful for newer models, while the number search method is useful for older models.
Remember that the GE universal remote can only be connected to a set number of devices at the same time.
Therefore, if you want to connect a new device but it is not possible, try resetting the remote to remove all the connections.
Key Points
- GE Universal Remotes can connect to various devices without codes, including TVs, streaming devices, audio and DVD players.
- Programming a GE Universal Remote without codes requires different approaches, depending on whether you are using a newer or older model.
- If your GE Universal Remote has been programmed to a device before, a good first step is to factory reset the remote before programming it, as it can only connect to a few devices at the same time.
How To Program a GE Universal Remote Without Codes
If your GE universal remote does not have codes, it can be programmed using the auto code search function.
This feature searches the remote’s code library and finds the right code for your device.
Follow the instructions below:
- Manually switch on your TV.
- Press the ‘SETUP’ button and hold it until the red LED turns on.
- Now press the ‘TV’ button. Press the corresponding buttons (AUX, CBL, and DVD) if you want to program other devices.
- Press and release the power button on the remote every five seconds until the TV switches off.
- Then switch on the TV manually again.
- Press and release the VOLUME UP button every three seconds until the TV switches off.
- Then save the code to your remote by pressing the ‘TV’ button.
- Turn your TV on and see if all the keys are working.
We recommend resetting your GE remote before reprogramming it as you may have programmed the remote up to the maximum number of devices it can support.
How to Program an Older GE Universal Remote Model Without Codes
If your GE universal remote is an old model and the above method did not work, try using the number search method as explained in the steps below:
- Switch on your TV.
- Press the ‘Setup’ button and hold it while pointing to the TV until the LED light appears, meaning it is ON.
- On your remote, press the TV button.
- Press the numbers 9, 9, and 1 using the number keys on the remote.
- Press the Power and Channel UP (+) buttons and hold them until your TV switches off.
- To save the code, press the ‘Enter’ button.
How to Program a GE Universal Remote with Codes
If you know your device’s code, then it is easy to program your GE universal remote.
However, if you don’t know the code, the first thing is to find the vendor code which is located under the remote’s battery compartment.
The code has three characters which start with CL and then a number, for example, CL5, CL4, or CL3.
Now find your device’s code by searching on the official website or in your remote’s included Code List. The code will be listed under your remote vendor code and the device’s manufacturer.
You may find multiple codes for your device so write all of them down and follow the steps below:
- Press the ‘Setup’ button on your remote and hold it until the red LED lights up.
- Press the device (AUD, CBL, DVD, TV) type button and release.
- Enter the 4-digit code using the number keys and the LED will switch off.
- Now point the remote to your device and see if all the buttons are working.
- If not, try steps one to three again using one of the other codes you had listed.
How to Factory Reset a GE Universal Remote
If you are having issues connecting your GE universal remote with your device, you should factory reset it using the steps below:
- Press and hold the ‘Setup’ button until you see the red LED light shining and then release it.
- Now press the ‘Mute’ button once.
- Then press the #0 key on the remote.
- Once you see the red light flashing twice, it means that the remote has reset. If you do not see any light, you need to replace the batteries or your remote could be faulty.
Final Words
If the available code for your device is not working or you cannot find the right code, you can still program your GE universal remote without it using the steps mentioned in this guide.
Resetting your remote to factory settings can help in connecting a new device, especially if the maximum number of devices it can support has been reached.
