The DirecTV remote is a versatile one that you can use to control several electronic devices. However, you may need to reset the remote to factory settings or program it afresh for a different device. If you’re thinking about quick ways to reset the DirecTV remote, this article is the perfect step-by-step guide you need to do just that.
Ways To Reset DirecTV Remote
There are two major types of DirecTV remotes you can use, depending on your device; this walkthrough will show you details on how to reset each one:
1. How To Reset Old Model Universal Remote
From 2003 to 2014, the type of remote control you’ll find in all brand new DirecTV packages is what we’re about to look at; some DirecTV devices still come with it today.
One distinctive feature of this universal remote is the mode switch that can be slid from left to right to select different devices you’ll want to control. This remote can also control other electronic devices in the home; here’s see how to reset it:
Using The Front Panel Buttons
- If your DirecTV receiver has front panel buttons, press the MENU button.
- Next, using the navigation key, move down to Settings & Help and select it.
- Move down and select Settings.
- In the menu that appears next, move to Remote Control and select it.
- Select Reset Remote; depending on your device, the remote might reset automatically, or you would have to enter codes into the remote.
Manually Resetting The Remotes Directly
The buttons on your panel might be bad in some cases, or your receiver might not have the buttons in front. In a case where you can’t use the panel buttons, there’s another way to go about it; here’s how:
- Simultaneously hold the MUTE and SELECT buttons on your remote until the light flashes three times; this should take about 5 seconds.
- Next, press the number 981 and then select; the light on the remote should again flash four times, and your remote will reset.
Resetting A Universal Remote Set To RF Mode
You can set DirecTV remotes to both RF and IR modes so that you can operate multiple DirecTV devices in the same room.
However, if you want to reset the remote when the receiver is on RF mode and the remote is on IR mode, you will have to change one of the two devices to suit one another. Here’s how to set the remote to RF mode:
- Adjust the selector at the top of the remote to be in DirecTV mode.
- Press the Mute and Select buttons on the remote simultaneously and hold them until you see the remote lights flash twice.
- Next, press the number 961, then press the Channel Up button.
- You would need to provide the last six digits of your receiver ID; you can find it on the green sticker on the receiver or the My Equipment page at DirecTV.com. After putting in the number, press Select.
- Finally, press the Select button once more.
- After setting the remote to RF mode, you can use the procedure above to reset the remote.
Related: How To Hook Up DirecTV Box To TV With HDMI
2. How To Reset DirecTV Genie Remote
All DirecTV Genie devices made since 2014 come with the Genie remote and no longer use the universal remote. The procedure of resetting a Genie remote is similar to that of the universal remote.
However, the first difference you’ll notice in both receivers is that the Genie receiver doesn’t have front panel buttons like older receivers do.
Resetting The Remote Using The Receiver
First, we’ll look at the case of you trying to reset your remote, and the remote can still control the receiver.
Sometimes you might need to change the remote batteries to new ones or move very close to the receiver for it to work. If you notice the remote still works, here are the steps to reset the remote:
- Press the Menu button on the remote.
- Move done to Settings and select it.
- In the Settings menu, select Remote Control, then select Reset Remote.
- The resetting process would either complete automatically, or you’ll have to enter codes on your remote manually; it depends on your device.
Manually Resetting The Remotes Directly
If your remote cannot control your receiver at all, you can directly reset the remote using the manual method; here’s how:
- Press and hold the Mute and Select buttons on the remote simultaneously for about 5 seconds; leave them when you notice the light flash thrice.
- Next, press the number 981 on the remote, then the Select button. You will see the remote light flash four times, indicating it has reset successfully.
Resetting A Genie Remote Set To RF Mode
As with the universal remote, you can program the Genie remote for RF; here are the steps to take:
- Switch on the Genie box; hold the Mute and Enter buttons simultaneously, pointing the remote at the Genie box.
- Take note not to confuse the Select and Enter buttons on the Genie remote. On the Genie remote, the Enter button is at the button right of the remote, not the big round center button.
- A message would come up notifying you that the remote is now on RF mode.
- After setting the remote to RF mode, you can follow the instruction above to reset the remote.
