Is your DIRECTV remote not working? If your DIRECTV system is new, the remote may simply need to be programmed first. If instruction manuals give you a headache, don’t worry ― we have all the information you need on how to program DIRECTV remotes.
Before you keep reading, you’ll need to determine which remote model you own. There are two kinds of DIRECTV remotes ― the Universal Remote and the Genie? Remote. If you’re not sure what you have, you can compare your remote to the images below.
Program DIRECTV Universal Remote for an HD DVR or HD receiverProgram DIRECTV Universal Remote for a Standard DVR or SD receiverChange your TV’s input sourceProgram DIRECTV Genie Remote for your HDTV or audio deviceProgram DIRECTV Genie Remote manually for your HDTV or audio deviceProgram DIRECTV Genie Remote for a DIRECTV Ready TVFAQs
Your Universal Remote can control up to four devices, including TVs, game consoles, DVD players and more. This way, instead of keeping up with multiple remotes for multiple devices, you can easily control all of your devices with one remote.
The mode switch at the top of the remote determines which device it’s controlling. You can change the remote’s designated device by sliding the switch to your desired device setting (DIRECTV, AV1, AV2 and TV) to control the corresponding device.
To program your DIRECTV remote, follow the steps below for your type of DVR or receiver.
Press the MENU button on your remote.From the on-screen instructions, select Settings & Help > Settings > Remote Control > Program Remote.Choose the device (TV, audio, DVD, etc.) you want to program. If you don’t see your TV or device listed, use the DIRECTV code lookup tool to find the device’s five-digit code.Follow the on-screen instructions to finish programming your remote.Press the MENU button on your remote.Select Parental Favs & Setup > System Setup > Remote or Remote Control > Program Remote.Choose the device (TV, audio, DVD) you want to program. If you don’t see your TV or device listed, use the DIRECTV code lookup tool to find the device’s five-digit code.Follow the on-screen instructions to finish programming your remote.
Now that you’ve programmed your remote, you can change your TV’s input source so it aligns with the labels on your remote’s mode switch. If you couldn’t adjust your TV’s volume before programming your remote, you need to change its input source.
At the top of the remote, slide the mode switch to TV.Press and hold the MUTE and SELECT buttons at the same time until the green light at the top of your remote flashes twice.Enter 960 using the keypad on the remote control. The green light should flash twice again.At the top of the remote, slide the mode switch to the DIRECTV logo. 
These steps will walk you through the automatic pairing process for your Genie remote. If this process doesn’t work for you, follow the manual programming steps in the following section.
Point the remote at your Genie device (Genie HD DVR, Genie Mini or Wireless Genie Mini), then press and hold the MUTE and ENTER buttons until the green light at the top of the remote blinks twice. The TV screen will display Applying IR/RF setup when it’s ready for programming.Power on the device you want your remote to control.Press the MENU button on your remote.Select Settings & Help > Settings > Remote Control > Program Remote.Select the name of the device you wish to control with the remote.Follow the on-screen instructions to complete programming.Point the remote at your Genie device (Genie HD DVR, Genie Mini or Wireless Genie Mini), then press and hold the MUTE and SELECT buttons until the green light at the top of the remote blinks twice.Use the buttons on your Genie remote to enter the code 961.Press the channel up button once.Press Enter.Select OK when the TV screen displays Your Remote is now set up for RF.Power on the device you want your remote to control.Press MENU on your remote.Select Settings & Help > Settings > Remote Control > Program Remote.Select the name of the device you wish to control with the remote.Follow the on-screen instructions to complete programming.
DIRECTV Ready TVs have built-in receivers that function like Genie Minis, so you can enjoy your favorite entertainment wirelessly on multiple TVs. To connect your Genie remote to a DIRECTV Ready TV, follow these steps:
Point the remote at your Genie device (Genie HD DVR, Genie Mini or Wireless Genie Mini), then press and hold the MUTE and ENTER buttons until the green light at the top of the remote blinks twice. The TV screen will display Applying IR/RF setup when it’s ready for programmingPower on your DIRECTV Ready TV.On your remote, press and hold the MUTE and SELECT buttons until the green light at the top blinks twice.Enter the manufacturer’s code for your TV:
– For Samsung DIRECTV Ready TVs, enter 54000.
– For Sony DIRECTV Ready TVs, enter 54001.
– For Toshiba DIRECTV Ready TVs. enter 54002.If you don’t see your TV or device listed, use the code lookup tool to find its five-digit code.The Genie remote is now set up for your DIRECTV Ready TV.