The Best Universal Remotes + Complete Remote Code List
A universal remote can simplify your home entertainment setup by replacing several separate controllers with one device. Depending on the remote, it may control your TV, soundbar, Blu-ray player, AV receiver, streaming device, and other compatible equipment.
The difficult part is often finding the correct remote code. Samsung, LG, Sony, Philips, TCL, Panasonic and other brands may use several different code sets, and the correct code also depends on the brand and model of the universal remote itself.
This guide explains how universal remote codes work, how to program a remote manually or with automatic code search, and provides common codes for popular TVs, soundbars, Blu-ray players and AV receivers.
How Universal Remote Codes Work
Most traditional universal remotes communicate with televisions and other home entertainment devices using infrared (IR) signals. To control a particular device, the universal remote must use a compatible set of commands.
A setup code tells the universal remote which command set to use. This is why programming instructions commonly ask you to select a device type and enter a numeric code.
However, there is an important detail: there is no single universal code that works with every universal remote. Code databases vary between remote manufacturers and models.
For example, a Samsung TV may use one code with one universal remote and a different code with another. Even televisions from the same manufacturer can use different command sets.
For that reason, treat the codes below as common codes to try. The manual or official code database supplied with your particular universal remote should always be your primary reference.
How to Program a Universal Remote
The exact procedure varies by manufacturer, but many traditional universal remotes follow a similar setup process.
- Turn on the TV or other device you want to control.
- Insert fresh batteries into the universal remote.
- Select the appropriate device mode, such as TV, DVD or AUX.
- Press and hold the Setup, Code Search or equivalent button according to the remote’s instructions.
- Enter one of the codes for your device brand.
- Point the remote at the device and test the Power button.
- Test Volume, Mute, Input and navigation controls.
- If some or all functions do not work, repeat the process using another code.
Always check the instructions supplied with your particular remote because the button sequence can be different.
Using Automatic Code Search
Many universal remotes include an automatic or manual code-search function. This is particularly useful when you don’t know the correct code.
In search mode, the remote tries compatible command sets until the device responds. Once your TV or other equipment reacts, you save that setting according to the remote manufacturer’s instructions.
Automatic search can take longer than entering a code directly, but it is often the easiest solution when none of the listed codes works.
Universal Remote Codes for Popular TV Brands
The following are commonly used universal remote codes for popular television brands. Because code systems vary between universal remote manufacturers, not every code will work with every remote.
Start with the first code for your TV brand. If it does not work, try the remaining codes and then use your remote’s automatic code-search function.
| TV Brand | Common Codes to Try |
|---|---|
| Samsung | 0101, 0019, 0060, 0056, 0030, 0178, 0644, 0702, 0812, 2051 |
| LG | 0178, 0030, 0056, 0017, 0005, 1423, 2065, 0715, 1859, 2731 |
| Sony | 0000, 0810, 1685, 1904, 4981, 3519, 1036, 1111 |
| Panasonic | 0250, 0650, 1457, 2264, 1480, 0170, 2149 |
| Philips | 0054, 1454, 2195, 0208, 0807, 2211, 1867 |
| Toshiba | 0156, 0060, 1256, 1956, 2314, 0924 |
| Sharp | 0093, 0165, 3850, 0818, 0923, 1437 |
| Vizio | 1758, 0117, 0912, 1756, 2707, 10864 |
| Hisense | 1170, 0780, 0216, 0156, 0099, 1249 |
| TCL | 11756, 12434, 12290, 14398, 387, 535 |
| JVC | 0060, 0923, 1814, 0650, 1288, 0463 |
| Sanyo | 0490, 0494, 1147, 2050, 2676 |
| RCA | 0047, 0090, 0679, 2187, 2434, 11447 |
| Emerson | 0181, 0171, 0038, 1963, 2002 |
| Magnavox | 0054, 1454, 0706, 1867, 1963 |
| Westinghouse | 0143, 0885, 1217, 1346, 3251 |
| Insignia | 12049, 1326, 1517, 1963, 2002 |
| Polaroid | 0178, 1004, 2000, 2434, 1523 |
| Hitachi | 0145, 0056, 0702, 2000, 1030 |
| Mitsubishi | 0093, 0150, 0178, 1250, 1908 |
If none of these codes works, don’t assume that your TV is incompatible. Your universal remote may simply use a different code database.
Universal Remote Codes for Blu-ray and DVD Players
| Brand | Device | Common Codes to Try |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung | Blu-ray / DVD | 20199, 10812, 22369, 2399, 20490 |
| LG | Blu-ray / DVD | 2039, 2270, 2371, 1602, 0741 |
| Sony | Blu-ray / DVD | 0533, 0864, 1904, 1516, 2014 |
| Panasonic | Blu-ray / DVD | 0490, 20703, 21579, 1908, 20490 |
| Philips | DVD Player | 3128, 4028, 5531, 1154, 0666 |
| Toshiba | DVD Player | 0924, 0973, 1911, 2006, 0394 |
| Sharp | DVD Player | 2000, 2030, 2044, 2107 |
| Vizio | Blu-ray Player | 22563, 22564, 22565 |
| Hisense | DVD Player | 2211, 2212, 2213 |
Universal Remote Codes for Soundbars
A universal remote can also control many soundbars, particularly basic functions such as power, mute and volume.
| Brand | Common Codes to Try |
|---|---|
| Bose | 1960, 1229, 1280, 4005, 31517 |
| Samsung | 3261, 2106, 2006, 2014 |
| LG | 1293, 3261, 4083, 1197 |
| Sony | 1345, 1346, 4024, 31759 |
| Yamaha | 0176, 0376, 1276, 30176 |
| Polk Audio | 4001, 4002, 4003 |
| JBL | 4009, 4010, 4011 |
Universal Remote Codes for AV Receivers
Home theater receivers and AV amplifiers normally use different command sets from televisions, so make sure your universal remote is in the correct device mode before entering a code.
| Brand | Device | Common Codes to Try |
|---|---|---|
| Yamaha | AV Receiver | 0176, 0376, 1276, 30176, 30376 |
| Denon | AV Receiver | 0160, 0176, 1142, 4001, 1360 |
| Onkyo | AV Receiver | 0135, 0185, 3083, 30135 |
| Pioneer | AV Receiver | 0014, 0185, 1023, 3010, 4002 |
| Marantz | AV Receiver | 0039, 1142, 4001, 1289 |
| Harman Kardon | AV Receiver | 0110, 0590, 1518, 2005 |
| Sony | AV Receiver | 1758, 1759, 1760, 31759 |
| Bose | Home Theater System | 1960, 1229, 1280, 4005 |
| Cambridge Audio | AV Receiver | 2001, 2002, 2003 |
| Anthem | AV Receiver | 5001, 5002, 5003 |
What to Do If Your Universal Remote Code Doesn’t Work
It is completely normal for the first code you try not to work. A manufacturer may have used several IR command sets across different products and model generations.
Try these steps:
- Try every listed code: don’t stop after the first unsuccessful attempt.
- Use fresh batteries: weak batteries can reduce IR range and cause inconsistent operation.
- Check device mode: make sure the remote is set to TV, DVD, AUX or the appropriate mode.
- Point directly at the device: traditional IR remotes generally require a reasonably clear line of sight.
- Use automatic code search: this can find a compatible command set when manual codes fail.
- Check the remote manufacturer’s code list: this is the most reliable source for codes designed specifically for your remote.
Power Works but Volume Doesn’t
Sometimes a code controls only some functions. For example, Power may work while Volume, Input or Menu does not.
This usually means the selected code is only partially compatible. Try another code for the same brand. A different code set may provide more complete control.
No Code Works
If none of the codes works, use automatic code search if your remote supports it. If that also fails, check whether the remote offers a learning function.
A learning remote can copy supported infrared commands directly from the original remote, which can be especially useful for uncommon or older equipment.
Types of Universal Remotes
Basic IR Universal Remotes
Basic models are designed for straightforward setups such as a television plus a DVD player or soundbar. They are inexpensive and usually rely entirely on infrared commands.
Multi-Device Remotes
These remotes can control several devices and may include backlit buttons, macros, programmable keys and other convenience features.
Learning Remotes
A learning remote can capture compatible IR commands from an existing remote. This can solve compatibility problems when the correct code is unavailable in the remote’s built-in database.
Smart Remote Systems
More advanced control systems may combine IR with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, hubs, apps or smart-home integration. Compatibility varies considerably, so check which devices and communication methods a system supports before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the universal remote code for my TV?
There is usually no single code that works with every universal remote. The correct code depends on both your TV and the manufacturer and model of the universal remote. Start with the common codes for your TV brand, then check the remote manufacturer’s instructions if they do not work.
How do I find my TV code?
Check the code list supplied with your universal remote first. If you no longer have the manual, look for the manufacturer’s official code database or use the remote’s automatic code-search function if available.
Can I program a universal remote without a code?
Often, yes. Many universal remotes include an automatic code-search feature that lets you search through compatible command sets without entering a code manually.
Why does one code control only some TV functions?
A code may use a command set that is only partially compatible with your particular television. Try another code listed for the same brand to see whether it provides more complete functionality.
Can one universal remote control my TV and soundbar?
Yes, many multi-device universal remotes can control both. You normally program the TV and soundbar separately and then select the appropriate device mode when controlling them.
Can a universal remote control an AV receiver?
Many universal remotes support popular AV receiver brands, including Yamaha, Denon, Sony, Onkyo, Pioneer and Marantz. Compatibility depends on the particular remote and receiver.
Final Thoughts
A universal remote remains a practical way to simplify a TV or home theater setup, particularly when you have several devices and want to reduce the number of controllers on the coffee table.
The most important thing to remember is that universal remote codes depend on the remote itself as well as the device you want to control. A code that works for one universal remote may not work for another.
Start with the common codes listed above, test all essential functions, and try alternative codes when necessary. If manual programming fails, use automatic code search or consult the official instructions for your particular universal remote.
