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ClearTech Garage Doors

How to Program a Genie Garage Door Remote

On current Genie openers, hold PRGM/SET until the round LED turns blue, release, then slowly press the remote button twice. Both LEDs flash and go out when the remote is learned. Older units use the LEARN CODE button instead.

Works for:
Genie Intellicode openers, both current units with a PRGM/SET button and older units with a LEARN CODE button.

Written by the ClearTech Garage Doors team in Winnipeg and checked against manufacturer documentation. Updated .

Before you start

  • A stepladder
  • The Genie remote you want to pair, with a fresh battery

Step by step

  1. Step 1: Current units: press and hold PRGM/SET for about two seconds, until the round LED turns blue. Release it. The long LED flashes purple.

  2. Step 2: Stand at least 1.5 metres (5 feet) from the opener. Slowly press and release the remote button, then press and release it again.

    Each button on each remote is learned separately, so repeat the whole sequence for a second button or a second remote. Don't hold the remote right up against the motor unit.

  3. Step 3: Both LEDs on the opener flash and turn off. The remote is learned. If they stay on, press the remote button a few more times.

  4. Step 4: Older LEARN CODE units: press and release LEARN CODE. The red LED blinks quickly. Press the remote button and the LED stays lit. Press the same button again and the LED goes off.

  5. Step 5: Press the remote once more. The door should move.

Which Genie opener do I have?

Look at the buttons on the motor unit. They tell you which generation you have and which set of steps to follow.

Where to look: On the motor unit. Openers from 1995 to 2011 have a LEARN CODE button. Current units have a PRGM/SET button, up and down arrow buttons marked + and -, a round LED, and a long LED. The exact layout varies by model.

  • PRGM/SET button, + and - arrows, round and long LEDs

    Years:
    About 2011 to today
    System:
    Intellicode 2 rolling code
    Remotes that pair:
    Current Genie Intellicode remotes and keypads. Aladdin Connect on built-in Wi-Fi models or with the retrofit kit.

  • LEARN CODE button

    Years:
    1995 to 2011
    System:
    Intellicode rolling code
    Remotes that pair:
    Genie Intellicode remotes, including current Genie remotes. On 1995 to 1997 units, only the top two buttons of a 3-button remote work.

  • Code switches inside the remote and the opener

    Years:
    Before 1995
    System:
    Fixed code, 9 or 12 three-position switches
    Remotes that pair:
    Remotes with the same switch pattern. No rolling code, so worth replacing for security alone.

Still not working? Here is what it usually is.

  • The 30-second window ran out. On current units both LEDs turn red. Start again.
  • The remote isn't Intellicode. Very old fixed-code remotes won't pair with a rolling-code opener.
  • The battery is weak, especially in a cold car.
  • The opener has a radio receiver error. On current units both LEDs flash purple. Unplug the opener for five seconds and try again.

We diagnose the whole system, opener, door, sensors, and remotes, and tell you plainly whether it's a quick fix or time for a new unit.

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Common Questions

Will a universal remote work on a Genie opener?

Many will, as long as they list Genie Intellicode in their compatibility. Set the universal remote to the Genie setting from its instructions before you start.

Sources

This guide was checked against the following manufacturer and industry documents.

More Genie guides

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