How to fix DirecTV remote not working

Remotes changed how we interact with devices,and we tend to appreciate them as much when they stop working. It’s traditional to slap the remote on your hands to get it going, but that rarely solves the problem. If your DirectTV remote stops working, there are a couple of things you can do. First, begin with confirming the batteries are still juiced up and that no buttons are stuck. After, consider changing the setup mode to see if the alternative works. Lastly, move to reset both the remote and the receiver, and if all fails, you may need to buy a new remote.

Fixing DirecTV remotes that have stopped working

DirecTV has two types of remote, the universal version and the genie remote. We’ll look at how to fix both if they stop working. Under each, we will explore some common issues and how to fix them.

Universal remote

Ways to fix your universal DirecTV remote includes:

Dead battery

This one might be obvious, but it’s common to forget to change batteries for months and wonder why the remote isn’t working. To check:

• Press and hold button one on your remote
• Check to see what color the top of the remote is. A stable green light indicates the batteries are good
• If you don’t see a green light, it’s time to change your batteries, ensuring you get 2 new AA batteries
• Put the batteries in their proper place and close the cover properly
• Press 1 again to confirm the light is green

Stuck buttons

Sometimes the remote could stop working if any of the buttons are stuck

• Check the mode on your remote is set to DIRECTV
• Run your fingers on all the buttons to check if any are stuck
• Try using the remote again.

Clean your remote

If none of the above have worked, there’s likely something blocking the remote’s signal. You can try

• Wiping the receiver’s front panel as well as your remote to remove debris present
• Ensure you’re standing 4 feet away from the DIRECTV receiver and point the remote at it
• If anything is obstructing the signal, remove it or shift the receiver

Change mode

In some cases, you may need to change to IR mode. To do so:

• Press the MENU button
• Under Settings, select Remote Control
• Of the options available, choose IR/RF Setup
• Change the setting to IR if not selected
• Press Continue
• Use the MENU or EXIT button to close the setup

Reset the remote

A lot of devices tend to self-correct when you reset them, and your remote is no different.

• Locate the MUTE and SELECT buttons on the remote
• Press and hold both down at the same time
• Wait into the green light above the mode switch flashes twice
• After, press981 and wait for the green light to flash 4 times
• From there, press GUIDE, MENU, or LIST to confirm if the remote is working

Reset the receiver

If all fails, then it’s likely that the issue lies with the receiver and not the remote. To reset the device, find the red button at the back of the receiver. Press it once and wait for it to restart again. Press any button on the remote to see if the issue has been resolved.

Get a new remote

If resetting both the remote and the receiver doesn’t work, it’s time to order a new remote. The options you have are:

• Order online here
• Live chat with customer service between 7 am, and 12am ET
• Call their direct line- 800.531.5000

Genie remote

Getting your genie remote requires following most of the troubleshooting methods you’d use for the universal remote. However, there are two variations: Let’s explore them.

Change the remote mode to RF

For the universal remote, you’re advised to choose IR instead of RF. The opposite is the same if you’re using the genie remote.

• Press the MENU button
• Under Settings, select Remote Control
• Of the options available, choose IR/RF Setup
• Change the setting to RF if not selected
• Press Continue
• Use the MENU or EXIT button to close the setup

Change the remote mode to IR

If the remote setting is on RF and it’s still not working, you can:

• Locate the MUTE and SELECT buttons on the remote
• Press and hold both down at the same time
• Wait into the green light above the mode switch flashes twice
• After, press 987 and wait for the green light to flash 4 times
• From there, press GUIDE, MENU, or LIST while pointing at the receiver to confirm if the remote is working

Quick fixes for DirecTV remote not working

Remote	Problem	Solution
Universal remote	Check the batteries	Press 1> check for the green light on top of the remote> if green, the battery is okay> if not, replace batteries with 2 AA batteries
	Check for stuck buttons	Run your fingers over the remote to confirm no buttons are stuck
	Clean devices	Clean both the top of the remote and the receiver’s front panel
	Change the mode	Menu > Settings > Remote Control > IR/RF Setup > IR > Continue > Exit or Menu button
	Reset the remote	Press Mute and Select at the same time > Wait for the green light to flash twice > Press 981 > Wait for the green light to flash 4 times > Press Guide, Mute, or List to confirm remote is restored
	Reset the receiver	Press the red reset button at the back of the receiver
	Order a new remote	Order online or reach customer service via Live Chat or Call
Genie Remote	Change mode	Menu > Settings > Remote Control > IR/RF Setup > Select RF > Press Continue > Exit Menu
	Change mode back	Press Mute and Select buttons at the same time > Wait for the green light to flash twice > Press 987 > Wait for the green light to flash 4 times > Press Guide, Mute or List to confirm remote is restored

Final thoughts

We hope that these suggestions get your remote working. If not, then it might be time for an upgrade.

FAQs

What company is DirecTV?

DirecTV is a subsidiary of AT&T.

How big is the company?

The company services the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean