As technology advances, we find ourselves with more and more devices to control. From TVs to cable boxes to DVD players, each device comes with its own remote control. It can be overwhelming to keep track of so many remotes, not to mention the frustration of trying to find the right one when you need it. This is where an RCA Universal Remote comes in handy…but only if you know the right code!
RCA Universal Remotes use 4-digit codes to control TVs, and there several code options for each brand. You can also pair the remote with sound systems, streaming devices, and gaming consoles directly, so consider a remote control model with more than the standard 3-device connection limit.
Programming the RCA Universal Remote is simple and straightforward. With a list of 4 digit codes available for major brands such as LG, Samsung, and Sony, you can easily program your remote to work with your devices. The RCA website even has a remote code finder tool to help you find the right code for your device. We’ll look at those codes and how to program your remote, and after that some other home theater use cases you probably haven’t thought of yet below that.
How Programming Your RCA Remote Works
Programming your RCA remote is a straightforward process that requires a few simple steps. First, you need to understand that you need codes to program your remote. These codes represent the manufacturer and model of the device you want to control with your RCA remote. And if you have a different brand, be sure to reference our other guides for programming Vizio and Phillips remotes, or for connecting to TCL, Toshiba, Sharp, Insignia, or Hisense TV’s specifically.
While we’ll look at the most common 4 digit codes you need in this article, you can also use RCA’s device lookup tool for remote codes here. This tool allows you to enter the make and model of your device and get the corresponding remote codes.
Lastly, we’ll go ahead and recommend an RCA universal remote that allows you to control more devices than standard. The RCA 6 Device Universal Remote (on Amazon) will help you control more devices in your home theater, and we’ll touch on that later in the article. But for now, just know you probably want a remote with more than the standard 3-device control.
Pro Tip: Use a universal remote with more than the standard 3-device limit, so that you can wrap more of your home theater equipment into one remote control!
OK, without further ado, let’s get to it!
How To Program Your RCA Universal Remote
Programming your RCA Universal Remote can be easy and straightforward. Here are the steps to follow, and if you run into issues, be sure to check the troubleshooting section near the bottom of the article.
And you’ll need your code during this process, so glance through the article and make sure you have some codes to try ready before you enter the setup process.
Steps to Program RCA Universal Remote for a TV
- Turn on the TV you want to program the remote to, and have your codes ready.
- Press and hold the “Code Search” button on your RCA Universal Remote until the light on the remote turns on.
- Press the button for the device you want to program, such as “TV” in this case.
- Enter the four-digit code for your device using the number keys on the remote. You can find the code for your device in the RCA Remote Code Finder.
- Press the “On/Off” button on the remote. If the device turns off, the programming is complete.
Programming RCA Universal Remote for DVD Player
- Turn on your DVD player, and navigate to the DVD player’s input on your TV so you can see what’s going on.
- Press and hold the “Code Search” button on your RCA Universal Remote until the light on the remote turns on.
- Press the “DVD” button on the remote.
- Enter the four-digit code for your DVD player using the number keys on the remote. You can find the code for your DVD player in the RCA Remote Code Finder.
- Press the “On/Off” button on the remote. If the DVD player turns off, the programming is complete.
The RCA Codes For The Most Popular Brands
Here is a table with the RCA codes for the most popular TV brands. If you don’t find your code here check out RCA’s website to run a code search.
| Brand | RCA Code |
|---|---|
| GE | 1004, 1005, 1006, 1019, 1022, 1051, 1064, 1079, 1080, 1081, 1082, 1125, 1135, 1196 |
| LG | 1006, 1012, 1026, 1047, 1054, 1055, 1064, 1078, 1081, 1097, 1098, 1099, 1100, 1101, 1111, 1129, 1132, 1144, 1149, 1171, 1205, 1206, 1248 |
| Sony | 1002, 1205, 1216, 1218, 1243, 1435, 1459 |
| Samsung | 10812, 10060, 10702, 10178, 10030, 10766, 10814, 11060, 11903, 11030, 10587, 10329, 10032, 10482, 10650, 10766, 10814 |
| Hisense | 10748, 11314, 11660, 12183, 13519, 13523, 13949, 13950, 13953 |
| Panasonic | 10051, 10250, 10650, 10702, 10761, 10765, 10850, 10851, 10855, 11480, 11927 |
| Philips | 10054, 10037, 10051, 10080, 10154, 10236, 10463, 10706, 10708, 10761, 11394, 11744 |
| Sharp | 10093, 10165, 10386, 10463, 10748, 10768, 10818, 11602, 11641, 11917, 11919 |
| Toshiba | 10156, 11156, 11256, 11356, 11524, 11635, 11935, 12006 |
| Mitsubishi | 10093, 11250, 10178, 10150, 10836, 11250 |
| Vizio | 11758, 11756, 11759, 11760, 10864, 10885, 11756, 11758, 11759, 11760 |
If the codes provided by RCA’s code lookup tool don’t work for your device, there are a few other things you can try. First, make sure that you’re following the programming instructions for your remote correctly. Sometimes, a small mistake can cause the codes not to work.
If you’re still having trouble, try searching for codes using a search engine. You can search for your TV brand and “RCA universal remote codes” to see if anyone has posted codes online that you can use. You can also try contacting RCA’s customer support team for assistance.
Also, have a look at our dedicated guides for programming different TV brands:
- Element TV Remote Codes + Simple Programming Steps [2023]
- TCL Universal Remote Codes + Setup Instructions [2023]
- Universal Remote Codes For Hisense TVs + Quick Setup Steps [2023]
- Toshiba Universal Remote Codes + Programming Without A Code [2023]
What Are Some Other Home Theater Devices You Can Control?
As mentioned above, there’s lot’s of opportunity to expand the functionality of your universal remote by controlling more devices with it. Here are just some of the options common to the home theater space:
Soundbars and Audio Systems
If you have a soundbar or audio system, you can control them using your RCA remote. You can use the remote to adjust the volume, change the audio source, and turn the device on and off.
To do this, you will need to find the correct RCA remote code for your device, then you can simply program your remote to control your soundbar or audio system in just like you did your TV.
Streaming Devices
RCA remotes can also control streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, and more. Usually this is something that “just works” using the TV pairing, if the device connected is using an HDMI-CEC port.
We cover that idea more in this article, but for now, just try it out. For an Apple TV, for instance, if the HDMI-CEC doesn’t work, you can pair the RCA remote to the Apple TV directly using it’s “Learn remote” functionality.
Gaming Consoles
You can also use your RCA remote to control gaming consoles like PS4 and Xbox. You can use your remote to navigate through the console menu, select games, and control the volume. To do this, just search for the pairing codes for your console and run the pairing process like you did for the TV (but using a different pairing key on the remote, not “TV,” which would overwrite it!)
Some Advanced Tips For Troubleshooting RCA Universal Remotes
If you’re experiencing issues with your RCA Universal Remote, then here are some common issues we hear about during this process and their solutions:
Issue 1: The Remote is Just Not Working Properly
If your RCA Universal Remote is not working properly, try the following troubleshooting steps:
- Replace the batteries with new ones.
- Make sure the remote is pointed directly at the device you’re trying to control.
- Check if there are any obstructions between the remote and the device.
- Reset the remote by removing the batteries and pressing and holding the number 1 key for several seconds. Then, reinstall the batteries and try again.
Issue 2: The Remote is Not Controlling the Correct Device
If your RCA Universal Remote is not controlling the correct device, try the following troubleshooting steps:
- Make sure the remote is in the correct mode by pressing the corresponding component key (TV, DVD, VCR·AUX, SAT·CBL) so the remote knows which component you want to operate.
- Check if the device is set up correctly and is working properly.
- Try reprogramming the remote with the correct code for the device.
Issue 3: The Remote is Not Responding to Commands
If your RCA Universal Remote is not responding to commands, try the following troubleshooting steps:
- Check if the device is set up correctly and is working properly.
- Try reprogramming the remote with the correct code for the device.
- Check if the batteries are low and need to be replaced.
Mastering Your RCA Universal Remote
As we wrap up, it’s clear that the RCA Universal Remote is a powerful tool in taming the electronic beasts in our home theater systems. It’s a one-remote solution to the mess of many, offering compatibility with an array of devices, from your favorite TV to your DVD player.
But the real magic lies in the 4-digit codes, those mystical numbers that let your remote speak the language of your devices. They can be a bit tricky, but keep in mind that you only have to program your remote once if you take the time to figure it out and get it right!