If your garage door opener remote control has stopped working, it could be due to deprogramming, drained batteries, physical or water damage, problems with the opener itself, or a frequency interference issue. Follow the steps below to troubleshoot and fix your remote control:

1. Check the Opener’s Lock Button

Electric garage door openers often feature a lock button, also known as vacation mode. If the wall button’s LED light is blinking or the lock LED in on, the feature is active and will block remote control devices, including keypads and cars.

Disable the vacation mode by pressing and holding the wall button’s lock button until its LED is solid or the lock button LED turns off.

2. Check the Safety Sensors

Defective, obscured, or misaligned safety sensors can cause your garage door not to close when using remote controls, requiring you to press and hold the wall button until the door fully closes. Start by cleaning and aligning the photo eyes. Inspect them for damage, and check the wires and connections, replacing them if needed.

3. Reprogram the Remote

To reprogram the remote to the opener, first press and release the opener’s Learn button. The opener’s LED should turn on. Then press and release the button on the remote that you want to use until the door activates. Universal remotes may have a different programming procedure. Check the manufacturer’s programming instructions for guidance.

4. Replace the Remote’s Battery

Most remote controls are equipped with a built-in LED light. If the LED doesn’t illuminate when pressing the remote’s button, it’s likely that the battery is depleted. Replace the remote’s battery, then attempt to program the remote.

5. Replace the Remote Control

There’s a possibility that the remote control has suffered physical or water damage, or that the contacts inside have become corroded. Purchase a remote replacement then program it to the opener. Ensure that the replacement remote is compatible with your existing garage door opener unit.

6. Replace the Opener Receiver

A defective receiver won’t be able to receive the signal or program remote controls to the opener. Replace the opener’s receiver, then program the remotes. Ensure that the replacement receiver is compatible with your existing garage door opener model.

7. Fix Remote Range and Signal Problems

If your garage door opener remote controls only work sometimes or from close range, there may be a frequency interference problem in your garage. This happens when an electric device emits a signal that disrupts your opener signal. Locate and eliminate the interference source or update the opener’s frequency.

Malfunctioning remotes can cause accessibility problems and potentially compromise the security of your property. Fix problems with remote controls in a timely manner to ensure safe access to your garage and home. Consult a licensed garage door repair company if needed.