Lost Your Garage Door Opener? Here’s How To Handle It
[Last Updated:] October 25, 2024
A lost garage door opener remote seems to happen at the worst time. Whether you’re in a rush to bring the kids to school or coming home after a long day at work, the last thing you need is a remote that’s disappeared without a trace — not to mention the risk if a stranger finds the remote and gains access to your garage.
Although a lost remote warrants immediate action, it’s a quick and easy process. We’ll cover how to reprogram the opener, change access codes, and top tips to keep track of your remote.
Immediate Steps To Take When You’ve Lost Your Garage Door Opener Remote
If you’ve lost your garage door opener remote, there’s no need to panic. Luckily, the solution is simple; you just need to program a new remote and manually operate the garage door in the meantime. Take five steps to recoup after you lose your garage opener remote.
Step one - Check for a backup remote
The first thing to do if you’ve lost your garage door opener remote is to locate the spare so you can open or close the garage door until you’ve recovered the lost remote or reprogrammed the opener.
Check around the garage, vehicle, and house for the lost remote. If you’re unable to find it or locate the spare, purchase a new remote and ensure it’s a compatible frequency with the opener. You can typically find this information in the owner’s manual. If you don’t have a backup garage remote control, pick up an extra one to make it easier the next time you misplace it.
Step two - Learn how to open your garage manually
If there’s no backup remote, you can still operate the garage door manually. By manually operating the garage door, you can continue to access the garage as you have been. This is also helpful to know if the opener ever breaks.
- Unlock the garage door.
- If the door is in the down position, pull the emergency release cord.
- If the door is up and you’re unable to lower it mechanically, call a professional for help.
- Manually lift and lower the garage door as needed.
When you’re ready to operate the door via remote again, reset the emergency cord. Pull the cord toward the door, then use the remote to open and close the door for a full reset.
Step three - Program a new remote
The next step is to program a new remote to your garage door opener. This step is important because it will disconnect the old remote, so if someone finds it, they won’t be able to access your garage. To program the new garage remote control:
- Find the LEARN button on your opener, typically located under the light cover.
- Press the LEARN button until a light blinks, signaling it’s activated.
- Press the open button on the new remote.
- Wait 30 seconds, then test the new remote to ensure it works.
Step four - Reset the garage door codes
The next step after programming a new remote is to change the garage door codes. This step is also important to improve home security. To reset the garage door code:
- Find the LEARN button on your opener, typically located under the light cover.
- Press the LEARN button until a light blinks, signaling it’s activated.
- Enter the new code in the garage keypad.
- Test out the keypad to ensure the code has been updated.
Step five - Adjust existing garage door remotes
Not all garage door openers will work with multiple remotes. Consult your owner’s manual to see how many remotes you can program to the opener. To program multiple remotes, press the open button on all the remotes you’d like to program and follow instructions outlined in step 3.
Replacing Your Lost Garage Door Opener Remote
Losing your garage door opener remote can be inconvenient, but replacing it is easy. Start by acquiring the necessary equipment.
Step one - Purchase a new remote
When you’ve lost your remote, purchase a new universal garage door opener remote. Connecting the new remote will automatically disconnect the old one.
Step two - Program the new remote
Program the new garage remote control by pressing the LEARN button on the opener, then the open button on the remote. If you’d like to program multiple remotes, press the open button on them one at a time within 30 seconds after you activate the opener’s LEARN button.
Step three - Program new garage door passcode
Make a point of changing your door passcode ASAP to safeguard your property. You can change the passcode before you’ve programmed the new remote. Once you have a new remote, press the LEARN button on the opener, then enter a new passcode on the keypad to reset the passcode.
Step four - Test new remote and passcode
Ensure the new remotes and passcode work. Test opening and closing the door with the remote from the driveway or street. Then double-check that the older passcode no longer works and the new code opens the garage door. If the door isn’t working as it should, call Precision Garage Door Service™ for expert assistance.
What To Do If You Have an Older Garage Door
If you have an older garage door opener, you may be worried about finding a compatible remote replacement. A few workarounds can help you access your garage.
Check compatibility with modern remotes
Shop for a new remote. Check the owner’s manual or directly with the manufacturer to see if your older garage door opener is compatible with a newer remote model. Universal remotes typically list compatible openers.
Upgrade to a newer garage door opener system
A newer garage door opener can offer more features such as connection to an opener app, enhanced security, and alerts when the garage door is opened or closed. These features can give you peace of mind and make life easier in case there is a next time you lose the garage door opener remote.
Install a keypad entry system
If you don’t have a keypad entry system, consider installing one. With the passcode, trusted family and friends can access the garage, even if they don’t have the remote.
Consult a professional
When in doubt, get a professional opinion. At Precision Garage Door Service, our service professionals can recommend features and openers that best suit your lifestyle and install the new model for you.
Preventing Future Garage Door Remote Loss and Theft
Whether you suspect someone swiped your remote or know it’s lost beyond the void of your junk drawer, take a few preventative measures to safeguard yourself.
Secure your remote control
It’s easier to keep track of your remote control if you always store it in the same spot. Use Velcro to keep the remote in its designated spot. Whether you clip it to the car mirror or store it next to the garage light switch, choose a spot that’s easy to remember—even on your most tired mornings.
Utilize keypad entry systems
Install a keypad entry system as an alternative to a remote. Allow trusted friends, family, and neighbors secure access with a personalized code.
Update codes regularly
Change your garage door opener’s codes periodically to enhance security and prevent unauthorized access. If you suspect someone’s had access to your remote or garage, change the code immediately.
Keep remote out of sight
Store the remote in a discreet location within your car or home to minimize the risk of theft. This might mean tucking it away in the car’s glove box or keeping it in a pencil holder inside your home.
Buy a smart garage door opener
Smart garage door openers have more advanced features that are convenient and help bring peace of mind. These smart openers allow you to use your phone as a remote, monitor when the door opens and closes, or set routines so your door locks automatically at set times.
Use a garage door opener holder
Install a holder inside your car for a dedicated place to store your remote. There are designated cups and clips you can purchase to store your remote in your vehicle or home so you always know where it is.
Lost Garage Door Opener? Precision Garage Door Service Is Here To Help
When you’ve lost your garage door opener remote and are having trouble getting the problem fixed, trust Precision Garage Door Service to resolve the issue. Our professional installation and programming services ensure your new remote works seamlessly with your garage door opener.
Call us today for help with all your garage door opener repair needs.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property. Services should be performed by licensed and experienced professionals. Precision Garage Door Service is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact a Precision Garage Door Service professional for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.
Lost Garage Door Opener FAQ
The experts at Precision Garage Door Service can help you with any garage door issue, whether you have a lost remote or malfunctioning opener. We’ve been troubleshooting your problems since 1997 to help find the answers you need.
What should you do if you lose your garage door remote?
If you lose your garage door remote, change your keypad passcodes ASAP and program your replacement remote to keep access to your garage secure.
How can you reset your garage door after losing the remote?
After losing your remote, you can reset the garage door by pressing the LEARN button on the garage door opener, which is typically located below the light cover. Once this button is activated, you can program a new opener remote or change the garage key code.
Is it possible to replace a lost garage door opener?
Yes! To replace a lost garage door opener remote, purchase a remote that’s compatible with your opener and program it. Once the new remote is programmed, the lost remote will be disconnected from the garage door. Remember to change any keypad codes.
Can you open your garage door without the remote?
Yes, you can manually open a garage door without a remote by unlocking the door, pulling the emergency release door, and lifting the door. If you’re unable to lift the door, consider that the spring might be broken and must be replaced by a professional.
