How to Program Your GE Universal Remote Using Automatic Code Search

Programming your GE universal remote using the automatic code search is a straightforward process that allows the remote to find the correct code for your device without you having to look it up. This method is ideal when you don't have the specific brand codes or wish for the remote to do the work for you.

Understanding Automatic Code Search

The automatic code search function systematically scans through a database of codes until it finds one that successfully operates your desired device. Once a compatible code is found, the remote saves it for future use.

Step-by-Step Guide to Auto Code Search

Follow these steps carefully to program your GE universal remote using the automatic code search method:

1. Prepare Your Device:

   • First, manually turn on the device you wish to control (e.g., your TV, DVD player, soundbar). Ensure it's powered on and ready to receive signals.

2. Activate Setup Mode on Your Remote:

   • On your GE universal remote, press and hold the SETUP button.
   • Continue holding it until the red indicator light on the remote remains on (it might blink first).
   • Once the light is solid red, release the SETUP button. Your remote is now in programming mode.

3. Initiate the Automatic Code Search:

   • Point your GE remote directly at the device you are programming.
   • Now, repeatedly press the POWER button on your GE remote. Each press sends a different code from the remote's library.
   • Continue pressing POWER until the device (e.g., your TV) turns off. This indicates that the remote has found a working code for your device.

4. Save the Code:

   • As soon as the device turns off, immediately press the SETUP button on your GE remote. This action saves the identified code.
   • The indicator light on the remote should blink or turn off, confirming that the code has been successfully stored.

5. Test Your Remote:

   • Press the POWER button on your GE remote to turn the device back on.
   • Test other functions like Volume Up/Down, Channel Up/Down, and Mute to ensure all primary controls work correctly.

Troubleshooting Tips

• If the device doesn't turn off: You might have to press the POWER button many times, potentially over a hundred. Be patient. If it still doesn't work after numerous attempts, the remote might not have a compatible code, or you might need to try the process again.
• If you overshoot the code: If you press POWER too many times and the device turns off and then on again, you've gone past the correct code. Try pressing the CHANNEL DOWN button to cycle backward through the codes until the device turns off again, then save the code.
• Try other device buttons: For some devices, after pressing SETUP to enter programming mode, you might need to press a specific device button (e.g., TV, DVD, VCR, SAT) before pressing POWER repeatedly. This tells the remote which type of device you're searching for. Refer to your specific GE remote model's manual for detailed button assignments.

Alternative Programming Methods

While the auto code search is very convenient, GE universal remotes typically offer other programming options:

• Direct Code Entry: This involves looking up a specific 3, 4, or 5-digit code for your device's brand from the remote's manual or GE's website and entering it directly into the remote. This is often the quickest method if you have the code.
• Brand Code Search: Similar to auto search, but you specify the brand first, which narrows down the search considerably.

For most users, the automatic code search is an efficient way to get their GE universal remote up and running without needing to consult a code list.