If you don’t want to use multiple remotes to control your TV and devices, you can program your DirecTV remote to operate more than just your cable box. Still, you may find that your remote stops working properly or you may get a new TV and need to reprogram your existing remote.
The DirecTV RC73 allows you to control your entire entertainment system with a single remote. It’s a convenient feature that you’ll definitely want to take advantage of.
To program your DirecTV RC73, you can use the automatic CodeFinder feature, or pair the remote using manual code entry. You’ll need to pair the remote with your receiver, TV, and other devices individually.
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Types of DirecTV Remotes
DirecTV offers two types of remotes: the standard universal remote and the Genie remote. Both are programmable and may be used to operate both the receiver and TV.
The universal remote can be programmed for up to four different devices. So, you can use it to control your TV, receiver, DVD player, and other accessories. The first DirecTV remote of this style was the RC24.
Any of these remotes with model number beginning with “R” are equipped with RF technology.
The Genie remote is a smaller, simpler version than the long, white universal remote. Genie remotes are equipped with RF technology as well as IR capabilities. These remotes are compatible with any DirecTV receivers made in 2003 or later.
There are three current Genie remote models: RC71, RC72, and RC73. They all have the same capabilities and features, but later models may be compatible with newer TVs.
If your DirecTV Genie remote has an “H” at the end of the model number, it means you have a hotel remote and it will not work with residential entertainment setups. These are the RC70H, RC71H, and RC73H.
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How to Program RC73 for Audio Device
To program your Genie remote to a sound bar or other audio device, follow these simple steps:
- Ensure TV is powered on and the device you want to pair the remote to is powered off
- Point the remote at your Genie receiver
- Press and hold MUTE and ENTER simultaneously (Note: ENTER is not the same as “SELECT”)
- Release the buttons when the green light on the remote flashes twice
- The TV screen should display “Applying IR/RF setup”
- Power on your audio device
- Press MENU on the remote
- Select Settings
- Select Remote Control
- Select Program Remote
- Select your audio device
- Follow the on-screen instructions to finish programming your remote
To program your audio device manually, follow these steps:
- Ensure TV is powered on and your audio device is powered off
- Point your remote at your Genie receiver and press and hold MUTE and SELECT until the green light on the remote blinks twice
- Enter the code 961 into the remote
- Press channel up
- Press ENTER (Note: ENTER is not the same as “SELECT”)
- Press OK when the TV displays “Your remote is now set up for RF”
- Power on your audio device
- Press MENU on the remote
- Go to settings → remote control → program remote
- Follow the on-screen instructions to finish programming your remote
How to Program RC73 for DIRECTV Ready TV
For a DIRECTV ready TV, programming your remote is simple. Follow these directions to program your Genie RC73 to your TV.
1. Ensure your TV is powered off and your receiver is powered on
2. Press and hold MUTE and ENTER on your remote until the green light flashes twice
3. The TV screen should display “Applying IR/RF setup”
4. Turn on your TV
5. Press and hold MUTE and SELECT until the green light flashes twice
6. Enter your manufacturer’s 5-digit code (code lookup tool)
| DIRECTV Ready TV Manufacturer | Remote Programming Code |
| Samsung | 54000 |
| Sony | 54001 |
| Toshiba | 54002 |
How to Program RC73 Manually
Even if you can’t use automatic programming features, you can still program your DirecTV remote manually. One way to do this is by following these easy steps:
Programming A GE Universal Remote I...
1. While pointing the remote toward your receiver, hold down MUTE and SELECT until the green light blinks.
2. Press: 961
3. Press channel up
4. Press ENTER (Note: ENTER is not the same button as SELECT)
5. When you see the message Your remote is now set up for RF, press okay
6. Turn on the device you want to program/pair with the remote
7. Press MENU
8. Go to Settings & Help → Settings → Remote Control → Program Remote
9. Select the device you wish to program from the list and follow the on-screen instructions to complete
INTERESTING READ: RCA Universal Remote Codes
DIRECTV Remote Codes for LCD TVs
If you want to program your RC73 remote using your TV’s specific code, here is a list of some of the most common manufacturers and their corresponding 5-digit code.
| TV Brand/Manufacturer | DIRECTV Remote Codes |
| AOC | 11589, 12087, 11089, 11365, 11590,12014, 12402, 12621, 13707 |
| Audiovox | 11564, 10451, 10180, 13410, 13065, 12513, 12413, 12121 |
| Coby | 13478, 13646, 13629, 13627, 13493, 13202, 12560, 12348, 12347 |
| Craig | 10180, 13423 |
| Daewoo | 10154, 10451, 11661, 10623, 10661, 10672, 13115 |
| Dynex | 12049, 11463, 12184 |
| Element | 11886, 12183, 12964, 13559 |
| Emerson | 11864, 11394, 11886 , 10178, 10171, 10154, 10451 |
| Fujitsu | 10809, 10179, 10186, 10853 |
| GE | 11447, 10178, 10047, 10051, 10451, 10765, 11347, 11547, 11917 |
| GoldStar | 10178 |
| GPX | 10179, 12617, 12784, 13402 |
| Haier | 11753, 11749, 11748, 11570, 12293, 12309, 12494, 12690, 13204, 13382 |
| Hisense | 10748, 11314, 11660, 12183, 13519 |
| Hitachi | 11643, 10145, 10679, 10797, 11484, 11576, 11904, 12207, 12756 |
| Hyundai | 11219, 13418 |
| Insignia | 12049, 11423, 11564, 10171, 10463, 12751, 12432 |
| LG | 11423, 12358, 12731, 12424, 12834, 10178, 10017, 11265, 10700, 12612, 12864, 13941 |
| Magnavox | 11867, 11454, 11455, 12597, 12372, 11755, 10054, 10171 |
| Memorex | 10178, 10154, 10463, 10150, 10179, 11570, 11665 , 11670, 11892, 11903, 11911, 11924, 11927, 11938, 12739 |
| Mitsubishi | 11250, 10093, 10178, 10150, 11797, 11917 |
| Orion | 10463, 11463, 10179, 11911, 11938, 13540 |
| Panasonic | 11480, 10250, 11291, 12264, 10650, 10051, 11271, 11924, 11927, 11941, 11946, 11947, 12240, 12654 |
| Philips | 11867, 11454, 11455, 11744, 12597, 12372, 11394, 10054 |
| RCA | 11447, 12434, 12746, 12932, 12187, 10093, 10047, 10051, 11661 |
| Samsung | 10702, 10650, 10178, 10060, 10178, 10766, 10814 |
| Sansui | 10171, 10463, 11463, 11409, 11670, 11892, 11904, 11911, 11935, 11938, 13540, 13564 |
| Sanyo | 11142, 10054, 10154, 10088, 11362 |
| Seiki | 10178, 12964, 13559, 13560, 13953 |
| Sharp | 12360, 10818, 10093, 11393, 11917, 12402, 13867 |
| Supersonic | 11753, 12104, 12784, 13154, 13204, 13593, 13595, 13877, 13894 |
| Sylvania | 11864, 11394, 11886, 10054, 10171, 11271, 11314, 1 1595, 11665, 11913, 11931, 11944, 11963 |
| Symphonic | 11394, 10171, 10180, 11595, 11904, 11913, 11944 |
| Toshiba | 11524, 11656, 10156, 11156, 11256, 11936, 12006 |
| Viewsonic | 12049, 10864, 11755, 11564, 12087, 13706, 12839 |
| VIZIO | 11758, 13758, 12757, 10864, 11756, 10885 |
| Zenith | 11423, 12358, 12731, 10178, 10047, 10017, 10463, 11265, 10145, 11661, 11365, 11904, 11911, 12612, 12742 |
DIRECTV Remote Codes for TV/DVD Combination
To program your DIRECTV remote for a TV/DVD player combo, you would follow the same steps as you would normally for programming a TV. Since the DVD player is built-in to the television, there’s no need to program the two devices separately in most cases.
It’s always best to start with the automatic programming feature to see if that will take care of the issue. To do this, follow these simple steps:
1. Press MUTE and SELECT until the green light flashes
2. Press 961 followed by the CHANNEL UP button
3. Press ENTER
4. Look for the message “Your remote is now set up for RF” on the TV screen
5. Press Menu → Settings & Help → Settings → Remote Control → Program Remote
6. Select the device you want to pair and follow the on-screen instructions
If this doesn’t work, you may need to locate your device’s programming code. Consult the list above for codes by manufacturer. Or, you can try the programming tool online provided by DIRECTV.
How to Program Your Old DirecTV Remote Without a Receiver
If you have an old DIRECTV universal remote lying around, you may still be able to get some use out of it even if you don’t have a receiver.
You can actually program the remote to control basic functions on your TV giving you an added remote for things like power on/off and audio control. So, if you lost your TV remote or just want to have an extra, you’re in luck!
To program your old DIRECTV remote without a receiver, follow these steps (TV should be turned ON when you start):
1. Press MUTE and SELECT at the same time and hold until the green light flashes twice
2. Enter the code: 991 (watch for two more flashes at the top of the remote)
3. Press 1 (should flash twice again)
4. Press CHANNEL UP, then pause for about 1 second, then press CHANNEL UP again, continuing slowly until the TV turns OFF.
5. After the TV turns OFF, press SELECT
Once you complete these steps, the remote should work to turn your TV on and off and control the volume and channel selection buttons.
How to Reset Your DIRECTV Genie Remote
If your remote is malfunctioning or if you get a secondhand remote from someone else, you may want to reset it.
To reset your Genie remote, follow these steps:
- Look for the RESET button which may be located on the side of the receiver or inside the access card door.
- Press RESET and wait at least 15 seconds
- Your remote should be reset and ready to use
If you don’t have or can’t find a RESET button, you can also reset the receiver and remote simultaneously by unplugging the receiver from the wall outlet for at least 15 seconds. Then, plug it back in and wait for everything to reload.
Another way to reset your remote is by following these steps:
- Press and hold MUTE and SELECT until the green light blinks twice
- Enter 981
Changing Remote to RF Mode Without Using DVR
It’s possible to put your DIRECTV remote into RF mode without using the DVR or receiver. This may be necessary if your DVR is in RF mode but your remote is in IR mode.
To change the remote to RF mode, here’s what to do:
- Slide MODE switch to the DIRECTV position
- Press and hold MUTE and SELECT until you see the green light blink twice
- Enter 961, then press the CHANNEL UP button
- Enter 347379
- Press SELECT
The remote should now be in RF mode. You can check this by covering the top of the remote with your hand and pressing INFO with your other hand. If it’s not working, you may need to try the steps again.
If it’s still not working, try resetting the remote first, then going through the steps again if needed.
