How to Program an ONN Universal Remote: With + Without Codes

This article was co-authored by Jocotra Cathey and by wikiHow staff writer, Darlene Antonelli, MA. Jocotra Cathey is a TV Mounting Service Expert and the business owner of TV Mount Charlotte, a professional TV mounting company operating in Charlotte, North Carolina. For the past 18 years, Jocotra's company has offered premier home theater installation services, specializing in home theater design, wiring and installation, projector and screen installation, wire concealing, and more. He has received certifications in Computer Science and Low-Voltage Certification from Central Piedmont Community College.

This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.

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An ONN universal remote can control up to four different audio and video devices, including televisions, DVD players, audio, satellite, streaming devices, and cable boxes. This wikiHow teaches you how to program your ONN universal remote control by entering device codes or using the automatic code search feature.

ONN Remote Programming

Hold down the “Program” button until the “Power” button turns red.
Press the button for the device you’re programming, like “TV” or “Stream.”
Point the remote at the device and hold down the “OK” button.

Method 1 of 3:

Without a Code

Turn on the device you want to control. For example, if you’re programming the remote for use with your TV, turn on your TV player manually by pressing the Power button on the TV.

Press and hold the Program button on your ONN remote. Release when the Power button lights up red. [1] X Research source

Press the device type button on the ONN remote. For example, if you’re programming the remote for your television, press the TV button. For streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, or Apple TV, select Stream. The red indicator light will blink once and remain lit.

Once a valid code is found, the device you're setting up will turn off.
This can take up to 10 minutes, though it usually won't take that long.
If you accidentally stop pressing the OK button, you can press it again to start transmitting codes from where you left off.

Start this process over again if not every button on the remote works for you. [2] X Research source

Advertisement Method 2 of 3:

Using a Code

Your manual may list several possible codes for each device. Keep all of the codes handy in case the first doesn't work.
New product codes may not appear on online lists immediately. You can search for alternative code lists on Google or Bing by typing "ONN universal remote control codes."

Turn on the device you want to control. For example, if you’re programming the remote for use with your DVD player, turn on your DVD player.

Press and hold the Program button on your ONN remote. Release when the Power button lights up red. [3] X Research source

Press the device type button on the ONN remote. For example, if you’re programming the remote for your television, press the TV button. The red indicator light will blink once and remain lit.

Make sure you enter the code within 35 seconds of pressing the device button. Otherwise, the remote will reset and you’ll be required to start over.
If the Power light is still on, you most likely entered an invalid code and can try again. Remember that each device has multiple codes that you can try!

If your device fails to power off, enter the next 4-digit code from the manual (if available) and try again. Continue entering codes until your device powers off using the remote. [4] X Research source

Advertisement Method 3 of 3:

Troubleshooting

Try Auto Code Search if manual codes don't work. In some cases, your device might need a code that isn't listed in the manual. Try using auto code search if a code isn't working.

Try a different code if the one you're using has limited functionality. Some codes may offer more functions than others. Try looking up a different code or using the automatic code search if the code you're using doesn't allow you to do things like control volume, fast-forward, or rewind.

Remove obstructions between the ONN remote and your device. If you experience difficulties with programming the remote control, it may be due to interference by furniture or other large objects.

If replacing the batteries doesn't help, you might have a damaged remote. You can either repair it or buy a new one.

Community Q&A

Does this remote have a button to go back to the previous channel? Community Answer

Unfortunately, no, it does not. You have to change channels manually or use the arrow keys. There is no "back" button.

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There is no audio. What should I do? Community Answer

Make sure the volume has been turned up. If that doesn't help, then the issue may be with the audio settings on your TV.

What do I do if when I press the up and down arrow keys to change the channel, it changes the input source instead?

Community Answer

For installing a universal remote, consult the instructions in the guide of your television. Mostly you have to go to the settings and search for set up remote. Then you need to press some buttons which the TV asks youit for so 's able to recognize it. Not all remotes do work with every TV.

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If you have the universal remote for Roku and streaming ONN TVs, the remote is pre-programmed. All you need to do is insert batteries into the remote to start using it!

If you don't like the ONN Universal Remote, you can use alternatives, like the RCA Universal Remote, or GE Universal Remote.

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