Why isn't my garage door remote working?

Start by testing the wall button. That one check tells you whether to focus on the remote or the opener. If the wall button opens the door, the opener is working and the problem is with the remote or its connection to the receiver.

If only the remote fails

• Battery: replace it, even if the remote's light still comes on.
• Lock or vacation mode: many wall controls can disable remotes. Check the lock button or setting.
• Range: try the remote close to the door. Weak range can come from the battery, the opener's antenna position or interference. Some LED bulbs in or near the opener are a known source of interference.
• Lost programming: the remote may need to be paired again, following the manual for both the remote and opener. See how to program a remote.
• Compatibility: a new or universal remote has to match the opener's receiver generation.

If the wall button fails too

Check that the opener is plugged in and the breaker or GFCI outlet has not tripped. If it has power and still does nothing, the wall control, its wiring or the opener's logic board may have failed. During an outage, a depleted backup battery is another possibility.

When to call

Call if fresh batteries and reprogramming do not fix it, or if neither control works. We repair or replace remotes, wall controls and logic boards, and can program extra remotes and keypads during the same visit.

Read more

• Fix your garage door opener
• Garage door remote programming
• Garage door opener repair

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Have a different question? Call (916) 838-8182 or browse all garage door questions.