Brands / Craftsman / Program a Remote
How to program a Craftsman garage door remote
This works for every Craftsman opener with a coloured Learn button. It takes about a minute. You'll need a step ladder.
- Find the Learn button on the motor unit. It is on the back or side, near where the antenna wire hangs down, and sometimes under the light cover.
- Press and release the Learn button once. Do not hold it, or you will erase your remotes. The small LED next to it stays lit for about 30 seconds.
- Within those 30 seconds, press and hold the remote button you want to use.
- Let go when the opener lights blink or you hear two clicks.
- Press the remote button again. The door should move. If not, repeat from step 2.
After programming: test the safety reverse. Put a piece of wood or a roll of paper towels flat under the door and close it. The door should touch it and go back up. If it doesn't, don't use the opener until it's fixed.
Buying a new remote? Match the Learn button colour
- White (round)17 compatible remotes and keypads
- Yellow (round)21 compatible remotes and keypads
- Purple (may fade to brown)20 compatible remotes and keypads
- Red / orange18 compatible remotes and keypads
- Green11 compatible remotes and keypads
- Blue (replacement board)0 compatible remotes and keypads
- Yellow square / white / gray (DIP switch)0 compatible remotes and keypads
Common problems
Why won't my Craftsman remote program?
The usual causes: the Learn button was held instead of pressed (which erases remotes), the 30-second window ran out, the remote is for a different Learn button colour, or the remote battery is flat. Check the colour first.
Can I program a Craftsman remote without the Learn button?
Only if you have a smart wall control (with a screen) or a working keypad. Otherwise you need the Learn button on the motor unit.
Will adding a new remote erase my old ones?
No. Pressing the Learn button once adds a remote and keeps the others. Only holding the Learn button down for about 6 seconds erases them.