GE Universal Remote Codes: The Ultimate Guide to Easy Programming (2025)

Published December 8, 2025 · Updated December 9, 2025

If you’re tired of juggling multiple remotes for your TV, DVD player, streaming box, or sound system, a GE Universal Remote can be a real lifesaver. These remotes are designed to control several devices at once using simple, easy-to-enter codes. However, many people struggle with finding the correct GE universal remote codes or understanding how to program them properly.

This detailed and beginner-friendly guide will walk you through what GE remote codes are, how to use them, how to program your device, and where to find the right codes, making the entire process quick and frustration-free.

What Are GE Universal Remote Codes?

GE universal remote codes are preset 3-digit, 4-digit, or 5-digit numbers that sync your GE remote with different electronic devices. These codes are stored inside the remote and allow it to communicate with thousands of TV brands, audio systems, streaming players, and more.

Each brand has its own set of codes. For example:

Samsung TVs use a different set of codes than LG TVs.
Sony DVD players require different codes compared to Panasonic.
Some devices even have multiple possible codes depending on the model.

These codes allow your remote to perform essential functions such as:

Power On/Off
Volume control
Input switching
Channel navigation
Menu access

Once the correct code is programmed, your GE remote functions just like the original remote.

Types of GE Universal Remotes and Code Versions

Before entering codes, it’s important to know the type of GE remote you have. GE remotes usually come under two categories:

1. CL3 Code List

Older GE remotes that work with thousands of classic TVs and devices.

2. CL4 Code List

A newer version with updated codes for modern televisions and streaming devices.

3. CL5 Code List

The newest system with the largest database of codes for advanced smart TVs and audio equipment.

You can find your remote’s code list version by:

Checking the battery compartment
Looking for a printed label (CL3, CL4, or CL5)

Knowing your code list version ensures you use the correct codes.

Popular GE Universal Remote Codes for Common Brands

Here are some of the most widely used codes for major TV brands:

GE Remote Codes for Samsung TV

0105
0077
0070
0172
0007

GE Remote Codes for LG TV

0004
0050
0012
0057
0080

GE Remote Codes for Sony TV

0002
0011
0036
0128

GE Remote Codes for TCL Roku TV

2891
1741
6171

GE Remote Codes for Vizio TV

0056
0178
1758

GE Remote Codes for Hisense TV

0073
0182
0366

GE Universal Remote Codes for DVD Players

Sony: 0573, 0533
LG: 0405, 0972
Panasonic: 0437, 0632

GE Universal Remote Codes for Soundbars

Samsung Soundbar: 3260, 2106
Vizio Soundbar: 1517, 2707
Bose: 4001, 4002

If a code doesn’t work, don’t worry—most devices have multiple codes. Simply try another one until the remote responds correctly.

How to Program GE Universal Remote Using Codes

Follow these simple steps to link your GE universal remote to any device:

Step 1: Turn On Your Device

Switch on the TV, DVD player, or soundbar you want to control.

Step 2: Hold the Setup Button

Press and hold the Setup button (usually a small red or black button).
Keep holding until the red LED light on the remote stays ON.

Step 3: Select Device Type

Press the button for the device you’re programming:

TV
DVD
AUX
SAT/CABLE

The LED light should blink once and stay solid.

Step 4: Enter the Code

Enter a 3, 4, or 5-digit code from the list above or from the GE manual.

If the code is accepted:

The LED light turns off.

If the code is incorrect:

The LED will blink.
Try the next code on the list.

Step 5: Test the Remote

Use:

Power button
Volume
Channel
Menu

If everything works, programming is complete.

How to Program GE Universal Remote Without Codes (Auto-Search Method)

If you don’t have your device’s code or the manual is missing, use the auto-code search.

Step-by-Step Auto Program

Turn on the device.
Hold Setup until the red light stays lit.
Press the device button (TV, DVD, or AUX).
Press Power repeatedly (slowly).
- The remote will test thousands of codes automatically.
When your device turns off, press Enter to save the code.

This method takes more time but works for almost any device.

Troubleshooting GE Universal Remote Issues

Programming a remote sometimes requires trial and error. Here are common issues and solutions:

1. Remote Isn’t Responding

Replace batteries
Clean buttons
Reprogram with a new code

2. Some Buttons Work, Others Don’t

This means the code is partially compatible.
Solution: Try another code from the list.

3. Remote Won’t Save the Code

Make sure the LED is solid before entering codes
Use fresh batteries
Ensure your remote matches the CL3/CL4/CL5 code list version

4. Auto-Search Is Not Working

Move closer to the device
Remove obstacles blocking the signal
Try manual code entry

Where to Find the Correct GE Remote Code

You can find GE remote codes from:

The GE remote manual
The label inside the battery cover
Official GE remote website
Universal remote code databases
This complete guide

Always make sure to check the CL version before using any code list.

Why Use a GE Universal Remote?

There are many benefits:

1. Simplifies Your Home Setup

Use one remote instead of 3–5 remotes.

2. Affordable and Widely Compatible

GE remotes work with:

Smart TVs
LED/LCD TVs
Soundbars
Streaming devices
Blu-ray/DVD players

3. Easy to Program

Even beginners can set it up in minutes.

4. Durable and Reliable

GE remotes are known for long battery life and strong IR signals.

Tips for Using Your GE Universal Remote Efficiently

Keep your code list saved on your phone.
Label your remote with the device name (TV1, TV2, AUX).
Avoid blocking the IR sensor on your device.
Reprogram the remote if you change TVs or audio systems.

READ ABOUT IT

Budget Home Improvements: Affordable Ways to Upgrade Your Home

Conclusion

Finding and programming GE Universal Remote Codes doesn’t have to be confusing. Whether you prefer entering codes manually or using the auto-search method, this guide gives you everything you need to set up your remote quickly and easily. With the correct codes and simple steps, your GE universal remote can control your TV, DVD player, streaming box, soundbar, and more—all from a single device.

FAQs

1. What are GE universal remote codes?

GE universal remote codes are 3, 4, or 5-digit numbers that program your GE remote to control different devices such as TVs, DVD players, soundbars, and streaming boxes. Each brand has its own set of compatible codes.

2. Where can I find the correct GE remote code for my device?

You can find the correct code in the GE remote manual, inside the battery compartment (CL3, CL4, or CL5 version), on the official GE code list, or in comprehensive online guides like the one provided here.

3. How do I program a GE universal remote?

To program the remote:

Turn on your device.
Hold the Setup button until the LED stays on.
Press the device button (TV, DVD, AUX).
Enter a code from the GE code list.
Test the buttons to confirm programming.

4. What if the code I entered doesn’t work?

Try another code from the list. Many brands have multiple codes. If none work, use the auto-search programming method, which scans all available codes automatically.

5. What is the CL3, CL4, and CL5 on GE remotes?

These indicate the code list version of your GE remote.

CL3 is older
CL4 is newer
CL5 supports the latest devices

Using the right version ensures you enter compatible codes.

6. Can I program a GE remote without codes?

Yes. Use the auto-code search method:
Press Setup → device button → Power repeatedly until the device turns off. Then press Enter to save the code.

7. Why are some buttons not working after programming?

This usually means the code is only partially compatible. Try another code from the same brand until all functions (volume, power, input, channel) work correctly.

8. Can one GE universal remote control multiple devices?

Yes. GE universal remotes can control several devices, such as a TV, soundbar, DVD player, and cable box, depending on the model. Each device button can be programmed separately.

9. Why isn’t my GE remote responding?

Common reasons include:

Weak or dead batteries
Wrong code list version
Obstructions blocking the IR signal
Incorrect programming

Replace the batteries and reprogram the remote to fix the issue.

10. Do GE universal remotes work with smart TVs?

Yes. GE remotes support smart TV brands like Samsung, LG, TCL Roku, Vizio, Sony, Hisense, and many more, as long as you enter the correct code or use auto-search.