Basic Frequency Conversion
For common Chamberlain, LiftMaster, and Craftsman models (1995-2015).
Make old remotes work with new openers. Program universal garage door remotes.
Most newer garage door openers use different frequencies (315MHz or 390MHz) and rolling code technology that older remotes don't support. Our converter helps you calculate the right frequency and programming steps to make universal remotes compatible.
Not all combinations work. Our tool checks compatibility based on brand, frequency, remote type (rolling code vs fixed code), and protocol. We prevent incompatible matches and show you exactly which remotes work with your opener.
Manufacturers changed technology over time. Security+ and Intellicode systems use rolling codes. Older systems (pre-1995) typically use dip switches. Select your opener brand and model in our tool - we'll tell you exactly which type you have and how to program it.
These are radio frequencies used by garage door openers. 315MHz is common for Genie and older models. 390MHz is used by Chamberlain, LiftMaster, and Craftsman Security+ systems. Our converter calculates the timing adjustments needed when converting between frequencies.
This usually indicates weak signal, wrong frequency, or interference. Our tool helps you verify you're using the correct frequency for your opener model, and provides timing calculations to ensure your remote is transmitting on the right settings.
First, check if your old remote uses the same frequency as your new opener. If not, you'll need a universal remote compatible with your new opener. Use our converter to find the right universal remote, then follow the programming steps for your opener's learn button color (yellow, purple, orange for Chamberlain/LiftMaster; Intellicode for Genie).
The learn button is typically located on the motor unit hanging from your garage ceiling. For Chamberlain/LiftMaster/Craftsman, look near the antenna wire on the right side. For Genie, check the power head. The button color indicates the technology type: yellow (Security+ 2.0), purple/orange (Security+), red (older Security+), green (Billion Code).
Most modern garage door openers can store 5-8 remote codes. Chamberlain Security+ and LiftMaster typically store up to 8 remotes/keypads. Genie Intellicode stores up to 7 remotes. If you need to add more than the maximum, you'll need to erase all codes and reprogram your most-used remotes.
To clear all remote codes from your garage door opener, press and hold the learn button for 10 seconds until the LED light turns off. This erases all programmed remotes and keypads. You'll need to reprogram each remote by pressing the learn button once, then pressing the remote button.
A blinking learn button usually indicates the opener is in programming mode (normal) or there's an error. If it blinks 5 times and stops, the memory may be full or there's a programming error. Unplug the opener for 30 seconds and try again. If the blinking continues, consult your opener's manual for specific error codes.
A blinking opener light usually indicates the safety sensors are misaligned or obstructed. Check the sensors on both sides of the garage door near the floor. Both should have steady lights (usually green or amber). Clean the sensor lenses and realign them until both lights are steady. The door won't close if sensors aren't aligned.
Yes, some LED lights emit radio frequency interference that can block garage remote signals, especially at 310MHz and 390MHz. If your remote works from close range but not far away, try turning off your garage LED lights and test again. If this fixes the issue, replace the LED bulbs with CFL or incandescent bulbs, or install LED bulbs designed to minimize RF interference.
The lock button on your wall control panel disables all remote controls for security. When locked, only the wall button will open the door. Press and hold the lock button for 3 seconds to toggle it on/off. If your remotes suddenly stop working, check if the lock is engaged - the wall panel light will usually blink when locked.
You can buy a universal garage remote ($15-25) instead of an expensive original remote ($40-70). Use our tool to find a compatible remote for your opener brand. For rolling code openers (most modern ones), you'll need to program the new remote using the learn button on the motor unit. For dip switch models, match the switch pattern from the motor unit receiver.
Some garage remotes lose their programming when the battery is removed for too long (Genie Intellicode remotes are notorious for this). If your remote stops working after a battery change, simply reprogram it by pressing the learn button on the opener and then the remote button. This resyncs the remote with the opener.
Yes! Chamberlain, LiftMaster, and Craftsman are all owned by The Chamberlain Group and use identical technology. A Chamberlain remote works with a LiftMaster opener and vice versa. Match the learn button color (yellow, purple, orange) to ensure compatibility. Security+ 2.0 remotes work with Security+ 2.0 openers, etc.
For newer vehicles with HomeLink: First, clear any old codes by pressing and holding the two outer HomeLink buttons. Then press the learn button on your garage opener. Within 30 seconds, press and hold the HomeLink button you want to program. For Security+ 2.0 openers (yellow button), you may need a HomeLink repeater. Consult your vehicle's manual for specific steps.
Rolling code (also called Security+, Intellicode, CodeDodger) generates a new code each time you press the remote. This prevents code grabbing devices from copying your remote's signal and replaying it to open your garage. When you program a rolling code remote, the opener learns the remote's unique code and stays synchronized with each press.
For dip switch (fixed code) remotes and openers: Open your existing working remote and note the position of each dip switch (usually 9-12 switches in a row). Set your universal remote's dip switches to match the exact same pattern. Up usually means + or on, down usually means - or off. The pattern must be identical for the remote to work.
Common Genie remote issues: 1) Battery needs replacement, 2) Remote lost programming (common after battery change), 3) Intellicode needs reprogramming, 4) Wrong frequency (310MHz vs 390MHz). Try reprogramming by pressing the learn button on the Genie receiver, then pressing the remote button 3 times (Genie's unique programming method).
Learn button color indicates technology type: Yellow = Security+ 2.0 (Chamberlain/LiftMaster/Craftsman 2011+), Purple/Orange = Security+ (2005-2011), Red = Security+ (older), Green = Billion Code (pre-2005), No button/Dip switches = Fixed code. Make sure your new remote matches the technology type for compatibility.
Professional garage door service calls typically cost $100-150 just for showing up, plus parts ($40-70 for a new remote). Programming a remote takes a technician 5 minutes but you still pay the service fee. Our tool helps you DIY program a universal remote ($15-25) in minutes, saving $100+ compared to calling a professional.
Yes! Craftsman garage door openers are manufactured by The Chamberlain Group and use Chamberlain's Security+ and Security+ 2.0 technology. Chamberlain remotes are fully compatible with Craftsman openers. LiftMaster remotes also work. Just match the learn button color and technology type to your Craftsman opener.
This is almost always a safety sensor issue, not a remote problem. The sensors on both sides of the door near the floor must be aligned and unobstructed. Clean the sensor lenses and check for loose wiring. The opener light will usually blink when the sensors are blocked. The wall button will still close the door (it overrides sensors when held continuously), confirming this is a sensor issue.
For common Chamberlain, LiftMaster, and Craftsman models (1995-2015).