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Aug 05, 2024

How to Program a Garage Door Keypad: A Step-by-Step Guide 


Programming the garage door keypad can be a drag, whether you’re working with a brand-new unit or one you’ve had for years. It’s one of those tasks you probably don’t do frequently, so it’s easy to forget all the steps. And that’s if you even knew them in the first place! 

There are a few scenarios where programming or reprogramming your garage door keypad is essential, though. They include: 

  • If you’ve purchased a new garage door opener for your home. You’ll need to set the unit up from scratch. 
  • If you’ve moved into a new home. A new code can help stop the previous owners or tenants from accessing your garage. 
  • If you can’t remember the current code. Your garage should be accessible to and convenient for you and your family. 
  • If your current code is easily guessed. Think: “1234” or “0000.” 
  • If you're beefing up your home security. Did you know that nearly 1 in 10 burglars break in through the garage? 

If you fit into one of the above categories, don’t worry. We’ve gathered all the potential steps in this quick, simple guide, so you can program your garage door keypad with ease. 

Let’s get started! 

How to Program a Garage Door Keypad for the First Time 

If you’re working with a brand-new garage door keypad, follow these steps for setup: 

1. Get Familiar with Your System 

Take the keypad and opener out of the box, unwrap them, and confirm you have all the right parts. 

You might also consider flipping through the owner’s manual or looking up an online guide, just to make sure you’re familiar. 

2. Choose a Code 

Once you’ve started the programming process, you’ll likely have less than a minute to enter your new code. That’s why it’s a good idea to have one picked out ahead of time. 

The code should be hard to guess to prevent break-ins. That means that “0000” or your birth year just won’t cut it. It might be a good idea to choose something random (but easy to remember). 

Consider writing it down so you’re ready to enter it quickly later. 

3. Connect the Keypad and Garage Door Opener 

Take a moment to make sure your neighbors aren’t using their garage door opener. Otherwise, your systems might interfere with one another. 

Then, find and open your keypad. Press and hold the asterisk (*) and pound (#) buttons on it. You might see a flashing light or hear a sound, depending on your model. 

Then, turn to the control panel of your garage door opener. You might need to open a small door to access it. Find and press the “Learn” button. 

Your keypad and garage door opener should now be connected! 

4. Enter Your Code 

Now, it’s time to enter the access code you chose earlier. Remember, most units give you less than a minute to get the code in, so work quickly. 

Press each numeral button, then the “Enter” button. Depending on your model, you may need to press the “0” or “#” button afterward, to lock in the code and exit. 

5. Test Your Work 

Now, all that’s left to do is confirm that the new code is working. 

Enter your code followed by the “Enter” button. 

If, for some reason, your garage door doesn’t open, start again at step three. 

A person learning how to program a garage door keypad. It is a close-up of their hand pressing buttons on the keypad.

How to Reprogram a Garage Door Keypad 

If you’re reprograming your existing garage door keypad, follow these steps for setup:  

1. Get Familiar with Your System 

Take a look at your keypad and garage door opener. If it’s been a while since you’ve last inspected it, make a note of the manufacturer. 

You might also consider flipping through the owner’s manual or looking up an online guide, just to make sure you’re familiar. 

2. Choose a New Code 

Once you’ve started the reprogramming process, you’ll likely have less than a minute to enter your new code. That’s why it’s a good idea to have one picked out ahead of time. 

The code should be hard to guess to prevent break-ins. That means that “0000” or your birth year just won’t cut it. It might be a good idea to choose something random (but easy to remember). 

Consider writing it down so you’re ready to enter it quickly later. 

3. Clear the Existing Code 

Access the control panel of your garage door opener. You might need to open a small door to do so. 

Take a moment to make sure your neighbors aren’t using their garage door opener. Otherwise, your systems might interfere with one another. 

Find and press the “Learn” button on the control panel of your garage door opener. 

4. Enter Your New Code 

Now, it’s time to enter the access code you chose earlier. Remember, most units give you less than a minute to get the code in, so work quickly. 

Press each numeral button, then the “Enter” button. Depending on your model, you may need to press the “0” or “#” button afterward, to lock in the code and exit. 

5. Test Your Work 

Now, all that’s left to do is confirm that the new code is working. 

Enter your code followed by the “Enter” button. 

If, for some reason, your garage door doesn’t open, start again at step three. 

Wrapping Up: How to Program a Garage Door Keypad 

That wasn’t so bad, now, was it? 

Once your handiwork is complete, try to change your garage door opener code every so often moving forward. This can make it more difficult for intruders to get in with a lucky guess. 

And don’t worry, you can come back to this guide whenever needed. Good luck! 

* Specific loan program availability and requirements may vary. Please get in touch with your mortgage advisor for more information.