How to Reset Garage Door Opener and Secure Your Home
You can reset your garage door with the push of a button
Whether you’re locked out of your garage because your remote control or keypad isn’t working or if you’re worried about break-ins after losing the remote, it’s important to know how to reset your garage door opener. The good news is that resetting most garage door openers can be done with a simple press of a button. While you’ll need to reprogram the device to work with your remotes and keypad again, that process is also quick and easy. Here’s how to reset your garage door opener and re-pair it with your connected devices.
Check Your Owner’s Manual
Resetting your garage door opener will disconnect any currently paired remotes or keypads, eliminating any potential security risks associated with others having a remote or access code.
While the process for resetting most newer garage door openers is essentially the same, some companies use their unique programming methods, and older garage door opener models use an analog DIP switch system. Check your owner's manual if you have a newer, switch-free model that cannot be reset using the steps below.
Check for Electrical Issues
Trying to reset a garage door opener with electrical damage can be dangerous, so before touching the device, look for any of the following issues:
Lights or electrical outlets in the garage aren’t working correctly.
Your circuit breaker trips regularly.
The ground fault circuit interrupters (GCFI) on your garage power outlets frequently shut off.
The garage door opener’s warning light is on or flashes on and off.
The unit has no power but is plugged in.
The opener doesn’t work correctly. For example, it only opens partially before powering off or opens on its own.
You might need professional garage door opener repair services if you notice any of these issues.
Find the Reset Button
The reset button may be on the wall unit, in a box near the motor, on the exterior of the motor housing, or concealed under a plastic panel or beneath the light cover on the motor. Depending on your system, the button will likely be labeled “Learn” or “Home” and have an LED beside it.
Hold the Learn or Home Button
Photo: mirsad sarajlic / Stock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesPush and hold the “Learn” or “Home” button while watching the nearby LED light. Hold the button down for around five seconds until the light either goes out or starts flashing.
Reprogram the Garage Door Opener Remote
Resetting your garage door opener means you’ll also need to reprogram any remotes and keypads to reconnect them to the device. You’ll only have about 30 seconds to connect the remote after pushing the button on your garage door opener, so have your remote nearby. If you are programming your car’s built-in garage door remote, you may want a helper near the vehicle so you don’t have to run back and forth.
Reset the Garage Door Remote
Press the “Learn” or “Home” button once, but do not hold down the button, or you may accidentally reset the garage door opener. The LED light should turn on or begin blinking to indicate that it is ready to be paired.
Next, push the button on the remote. Once it connects to the garage door opener, the garage door light will flash or slowly power off. Press the button again to open or close the garage door and verify the remote works.
Reconnect Your In-Vehicle Remote
Push the learn or home button on the garage door opener once. Quickly press the button on your vehicle’s remote, which is often on the roof near the rearview mirror. The garage door light should start blinking or turning off slowly.
Push the vehicle’s remote button again to verify it can control the garage door. If it fails, try again and make sure you push the button in the car within 30 seconds of pressing the button on the garage door opener. If it continues not to work, check your owner’s manual for manufacturer-specific pairing instructions.
Reset the Entry Pin
Photo: mirsad sarajlic / Stock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesIf your keypad was sold with your garage door opener, resetting the entry pin is simple. However, if you have a universal, remote-entry keypad, consult the instruction manual, as the pairing process for these devices varies by manufacturer.
Press the Learn or Home Button
Do not hold the button, or you will reset the garage door opener. The LED light should flicker or turn on when you press the button.
Enter a New Pin
On your keypad, enter a four-digit code, then hit enter.
To keep your home secure, never use easy-to-guess numbers for your PIN, such as your home address, birthday, phone number, or “1234.”
Check the Garage Door Opener
When the reset is successful, the garage door light should flash on or off or slowly go off. If this happens after you hit enter on the keypad, the pin has already been reset, but some devices require you to press the learn or home button a second time to confirm the reset.
Test the Pin
Verify the new pin works by opening or closing the garage with the keypad. If you made a mistake and pressed the wrong code while programming, you must reset the garage door opener and start over.
When to Reset Your Garage Door Opener
Whether you have a tilt-up garage door, a sectional model, or one of the garage door alternatives that are becoming increasingly popular, you can open your garage with the push of a button. But when you’re having issues with your remote or keypad, or you’re concerned about your garage’s security, it’s probably time to reset the opener. While there are plenty of reasons why resetting your garage door opener might be necessary, some of the most common situations include:
You’ve moved into a new home and want to ensure the previous occupant’s remotes won’t connect.
You’re a landlord, and your tenant recently moved out.
Your remote is not working, although the batteries haven’t died.
You forgot the code for the remote entry keypad.
You gave the remote entry keypad code to someone you no longer trust.
You believe someone may have hacked your garage door remote or keypad.
Your neighbors have reported someone hacking garage door systems in the area.
Resetting a Garage Door Opener Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro
Resetting a garage door opener can be an easy and cost-free DIY project for any homeowner who has a few minutes—or sometimes even seconds—to spare. However, there are times when the fix doesn’t always work. If your garage door doesn’t work after resetting and repairing it with your remotes and keypad, you can try the pairing process again.
If it still doesn’t work and you can’t identify the problem, call an expert. Your garage door opener could have electrical problems, damaged parts, or be worn out, and a garage opener repair pro can help determine the cause of the problem and if you need a replacement. On average, the cost to replace your garage door opener is about $378 and will give you about 10 to 15 years of use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sometimes. While some garage door openers have battery backups to ensure they do not reset after power outages or disconnections, not all models offer this benefit. If your garage door is unplugged and it does not have a battery, it will reset, and you’ll need to reprogram it and pair it with your remote and keypad.
Garage door openers normally last about 10 to 15 years. However, they can have a longer lifespan when the garage door is properly maintained, as this reduces wear on the engine—so don’t put off that garage door spring adjustment. Overall, garage door openers used less frequently will often last longer than those used twice daily, which is probably why some houses still have functional DIP switch devices, although they are over 30 years old.
Yes, like a garage door opener, remotes wear out faster when used daily. One of the most common issues with garage door remotes is worn-out buttons that can no longer make full contact with the circuit board below. While you may be able to blow out dust or debris under the buttons to help them touch together, most malfunctioning remotes need to be replaced.
When you find yourself locked out of your garage after a power outage resets the door opener, you’ll need to get back in before you can re-pair the devices together. First, if there’s a door between your garage and home, use that. If not, use the quick-release key that disconnects the door from the garage door opener. Insert the key, turn it, and pull the lock out to reveal the release cable. Tug on the cable until it disconnects from your door opener. If your garage key is also locked inside, it’s time to call a locksmith.
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