How to fix your DIRECTV remote

The Genie remote uses light to send the signal to the receiver. If anything is blocking the receiver, this can affect the functionality of the remote. We recommend having the receiver placed in an area that is free and clear of obstructions.

Batteries and Receiver Input Setting
To test battery strength, press and hold any button on your remote. If you see:

• A solid green light - the batteries are strong.
• A fast-blinking green light - the batteries are okay but may need to be replaced soon.
• A slow, blinking green light or no light - your remote needs new batteries. Remove the battery cover and insert two new AA batteries.

Check that the remote is set to control your DIRECTV receiver.

1. Press and hold the ENTER button for three seconds.
2. A Source menu appears to change your TV’s input.
3. Select the DIRECTV receiver’s input source. For example, HDMI 1: Satellite Receiver, may be the name of the input. Try different inputs to find the one set up for your TV.

Pair Genie remote with your receiver
Is nothing happening when you press GUIDE? Make sure your remote is paired with your receiver.

1. Point the remote at your Genie, Genie Mini, or Wireless Genie Mini.
2. Press and hold MUTE and ENTER at the same time on your remote.
3. The screen displays Applying IR/RF Setup. The remote is synced.

If that didn’t fix the issue, continue to the next section.
 

Receiver and Genie remote control reset

If the buttons on your remote are not responding, try resetting the receiver and remote control.

Reset a receiver

1. On most DIRECTV receivers, there is a red button on the side of the receiver or inside the access card door.
2. Press and hold the red button until the receiver restarts.

Note: Are you unable to locate the red button? Unplug the receiver's power cord from the electrical outlet. Wait 15 seconds before plugging it back in.

Reset a Genie remote control
If restarting your receiver didn’t help, try resetting the remote control:

1. Press MENU on the remote.
2. Arrow down to Settings and press SELECT.
3. Go to Remote Control and press SELECT.
4. Select Pair/Program Remote. Depending on your setup, this may be automatic, or you may have to enter codes into your remote. Use the code lookup tool to find the 5-digit code.

If that didn't help, try resetting the remote to its default factory settings:

1. Press and hold MUTE and SELECT together until the light flashes three times.
2. Press 9, 8, 1 and SELECT. The remote flashes four times and should now reset.

Additional remote control help

• Order a new or replacement remote control.
• If you can’t adjust the TV’s volume, try programming your Genie remote control.

Remote buttons, batteries, and mode
Run your fingers across each button to make sure none are stuck in the pressed-down position.

Check batteries
To test your batteries, press and hold any button on your remote. If you see:

• A solid green light - the batteries are strong.
• A fast-blinking green light - the batteries are okay but may need to be replaced soon.
• A slow, blinking green light or no light - your remote needs new batteries. Remove the battery cover and insert two new AA batteries.

Change Mode on the remote
If your remote is not responding, changing channels, or adjusting the volume, make sure you have direct line of sight to the receiver. Next, make sure your remote is set to control your DIRECTV receiver:

• At the top of the remote, slide the mode switch all the way to the left to the DIRECTV symbol.
• If your remote controls your receiver but doesn’t work on other devices, change the input mode by sliding the mode switch to the input symbol (for example TV, AV1, or AV2).

If none of these options work, you may need to program your remote.
 

Pair your Universal remote using HD receiver

1. Go to your HD receiver and press the Menu button on the front panel.
2. Select Settings > Remote control > IR/RF Setup.
3. If currently in RF mode, change to IR.
4. Select Continue.

The remote uses light to send the signal to the receiver. If anything blocks the receiver, it can affect how well the remote responds.

• Clean the remote control's emitter and the receiver’s sensor with a soft, lint-free cloth. Wipe the top of the remote and use the same type of cloth to wipe the front panel of your receiver.
• Make sure nothing blocks the path between the receiver’s sensor or the remote’s emitter.
• Turn the brightness down on the TV.

Reset your receiver

• Most DIRECTV receivers have a red button inside the access card door or on the side of the receiver. Press the red button to restart it.
• If you can't locate the red button, unplug the receiver's power cord from the electrical outlet. Wait 15 seconds, then plug it back in.

If you’re still having trouble, order a Universal remote control.