2025: Program a Universal Remote to a TV Without Codes

Many families choose a universal remote for their living room TVs, either because they own different brands or have misplaced the original remote. If you've just gotten one and aren't sure how to use it, follow this guide to learn how to program a universal remote to a TV without codes.

How Universal Remote Code Works?

The principle that a universal remote can control a specific TV is rather simple, it has been programmed with signals for most mainstream TV brands, and some of them are even capable of learning mechanisms that can copy the signals from other remotes.

Then here comes another problem. How about if you have lost your manual of the universal remote you have, then how to program a universal remote to a TV without codes? Don't worry, this guide will provide you with full coverage.

Then here comes another problem. How about if you have lost your manual of the universal remote you have, then how to program a universal remote to a TV without codes? Don't worry, this guide will provide you with full coverage.

Method 1: Find the Code Online

Obviously, the best thing you can do is find the TV code somewhere and get your universal remote useful to deal with "how to program any remote to a tv without codes".

Usually, many universal remotes have their manuals posted online, which means you can find the universal remote code for your TV by simply searching on Google. To notice that, you must make sure the code you find matches the universal remote you have, otherwise, it won't work.

Method 2: Use Auto Searching Shortcuts

For some universal remotes, it is capable of pairing with TV by shortcut buttons, which means you don't need a code for pairing.

Some universal remote has all supported brands of TVs on buttons, and you can simply press the button that matches your TV and hold it until the light blinks.

Method 3: IR Learning Mechanism

Some universal remote is capable of the IR learning mechanism, can capture the infrared signal from the original remote, read it and store it for future usage. Follow these steps to program your universal remote via IR learning.

Step 1. Switch your universal remote to learning mode. The action could be varied from different models of remotes.

Step 2. Point the IR module of both remotes to each other.

Step 3. Click the button you want to store function on universal remote.

Step 4. Click the relative button on the original remote to send the signal to the universal remote.

Step 5. Repeat this action until all functions you want have been stored into the universal remote.

I wouldn't recommend this method personally, because it takes tons of time to do so. However, if you want to program your universal remote anyway, this method is absolutely working.

Method 4: Use a Universal TV Remote Control App

Universal remotes can only support limited models of TVs, because it is a hardware that isn't capable of a continuously updating interior system. However, there is one thing that could be updated all the time to expand its list of supported devices, it is your smart phone.

You can control your smart TVs with your smart phone, and all you need to do is to download and install a universal remote app. Personally I recommend the BoostVision's Universal TV Remote app, for the sake of stability and multi-functionality.

Pairing Universal TV Remote with Smart TVs

This remote app is simple to use, even if you've never tried a virtual remote before. Just follow these detailed moves to learn how to connect universal remote to TV:

Step 1. Open the app and click the Tap to Connect area.

Step 2. Choose the smart TV you want to pair with, and if you don't find your smart TV on the list, you should make sure both your smart phone and your smart TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Step 3. Click the Connect button and your smart phone will start the pairing process.

Step 4. For some smart TVs (Fire TV, LG TV, Vizio TV, Sony TV etc.), you need to input PIN code to make a successful connection.

This universal TV Remote can also do things that a regular universal remote couldn’t do. Based on Wi-Fi network and smart phone as a platform, the Universal TV Remote is capable of mirroring screen and casting media. For more detailed function introduction, you can read the comprehensive review of universal remote.

Conclusion

Programming universal TV remote without codes is challenging but not impossible. Depending on the model of your universal remote, you can either use the auto searching shortcuts, or use IR learning mode to clone the original remote. If you have never used any remote control apps, it's time to download one and have a try now.

How to Program a Universal Remote to a TV Without Codes FAQ

Q: Can I use my phone as a universal remote for a TV?

Yes. You can download a remote app to control your TV. For example, you can try Universal TV Remote by BoostVision. After downloading and installation, you need to pair the app with your TV. Once paired, you can use your smart phone to control your TV. Furthermore, you can mirror screens and cast media from your smart phone to TV.

Q: How can I use my TV if I lost the remote?

You can still use your TV if you have lost its remote. The instant solution would be using your smart phone as a remote, and this way you can hardly lose your remote again. You can download BoostVision's Universal TV Remote, install it and pair it with your TV, and then you can get your TV under control.

Q: How do I set my universal remote to my TV without code?

Depending on the model of your universal remote, you can either use the auto searching shortcuts, or use IR learning mode to clone the original remote.

Q: How do I get my TV to recognize my remote?

1. To get your TV to recognize your remote, start by ensuring the remote has fresh batteries and is within range of the TV.
2. Then put the remote into pairing or programming mode, usually by pressing and holding a specific button such as Setup or Pair until a light flashes.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions on your TV, or if there is no display, use the remote's auto-search function to detect the TV.
4. Once the TV responds to the remote, confirm the connection by pressing any button. After successful pairing, your TV should recognize and respond to the remote consistently.

Q: Where is the code search button on a universal remote?

The code search button on a universal remote is usually labeled as Code Search, Setup, or Program and is often located near the top or center of the remote. Its exact location can vary depending on the brand and model.

On some remotes, you may need to press and hold this button until an LED light turns on or blinks, indicating that the remote is ready to search for your TV’s code. Check your remote's user manual for the specific button and instructions if it's not immediately visible.