How to program a liftmaster remote control

If the garage door remote isn’t working, it’s time to buy a new one. Once your garage remote comes in you’ll need to program it to work with the opener. Read on to learn how to program a new LiftMaster remote control. We also answer a few common questions about programming garage door remotes. 

Program using your garage door opener LEARN button

1. Find the LEARN button on your garage door opener. 
2. Quickly press and release the LEARN button. The LED next to the LEARN button will steadily glow. 
3. With remote control in hand and within 30 seconds, press the button on the remote control that you wish to operate your garage door. 
4. The garage door opener lights with flash or will click twice. The remote control is programmed. 
5. To confirm, make sure your garage door is free of obstructions and try the remote control. 

Note: Click here to read our article on locating the LEARN button on a garage door opener.

Program using your door control LEARN button

1. Check your wall control panel for the LEARN button
2. Press the LEARN button twice. The LED will blink. 
3. Press and release the button on the remote control that you wish to operate your garage door. 
4. The garage door opener lights will flash or the opener will click twice. The remote control is programmed. 
5. To confirm, make sure your garage door is free of obstructions and try the remote control.

Program using your smart control panel

1. Locate your navigation button below MENU to view the Features menu.
2. Use the navigation buttons to scroll to PROGRAM.
3. Select REMOTE to program from the program menu.
4. Press the button on the remote control that you wish to operate your garage door.
5. The garage door opener lights will flash or two clicks will be heard when the code has been programmed.

What is my LiftMaster® remote compatible with?

These openers are compatible with most major brands of garage door openers and gate systems. You can download the LiftMaster Accessory Compatibility Chart here for more information. 

Do LiftMaster® remotes use a rolling code or a DIP switch security code?

LiftMaster remote controls utilize rolling codes for security. Rolling codes are constantly changing so your garage remote only works with your opener, not your neighbors. 

How many devices can my garage door remote operate?

If your remote has two buttons it can operate two devices. With three buttons, it may be programmed to three devices. Each button works independently of the other and must be programmed separately. Devices include garage door openers, gate operators, and accessories. 

How long does it take to program a LiftMaster® remote? 

Following line-by-line instructions, it shouldn’t take more than a few minutes to complete programming. That being said, you’ll need a ladder to open up the control panel on the opener so if you don’t have one, it will take a bit more time. 

A recent client left this review for the LiftMaster® 380UT 2-Button Universal Remote Control, “Works great with the 8500. Just about the same distance as the one that came with the 8500…don’t know about battery life, have not had it long enough, easy to program took 3 minutes.”

Another client left this review: “The LiftMaster remote only took two seconds to program. Easy to use.”

Here are a few videos you might find helpful.

LiftMaster® Remote Control Warning

“To prevent possible SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH:

• NEVER allow small children near batteries.
• If battery is swallowed, immediately notify doctor. 

To reduce risk or fire, explosion or chemical burn:

• Replace ONLY with 3V CR2032 coin batters. 
• DO NOT recharge, disassemble, heat above 212F (100C) or incinerate.

This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer or birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov 

If the garage door remote isn’t pairing with your opener or control panel, there may be an underlying issue with the opener itself. If you’re in Southern California, our team of garage door experts are only a phone call away. Please let us know if we can help in any way.