Garage door opener remotes, while not the most commonly stolen items, can actually pose a security risk when they’ve gone missing – either stolen, or hopefully, just misplaced. In this blog post, the garage door opener installation experts here at Garage Door Repair Chicago will detail some tactics garage owners can implement when garage door opener remotes are missing.
Deprogram the Garage Remote
If your garage remote is stolen, try to deprogram it by accessing the receiver inside the garage door opener. Most new garage door openers have smart buttons on the motors to help disable it – and deprogram the remote’s code. A light will likely blink to indicate that the code has been deprogrammed, rendering the remote unworkable with your garage. If you have a second spare remote, try it to verify that the code has been deprogrammed. This process CAN NOT be substituted by simply unplugging the opener and plugging it back in!
Reprogramming the Garage Remote
Try reprogramming the garage remote system utilizing the guide or manual from your garage door opener manufacturer. Different garage door opener companies use different codes and frequencies, but with all of them, a blinking light will tell you whether the new code has been programmed in successfully.
Smart Garage Door Opener Wireless Networking
If you have a smart garage door opener system connected to wireless networking, open up the app on your smartphone. Garage door opener companies that provide this technology include Chamberlain, LiftMaster, Wayne-Dalton, Genie, Craftsman, and much more. Simply press the learn button until the light turns off to erase previously used codes – then enter Program options and look for the Remote tab for instructions to reprogram the remote – and again, blinking or flashing light will indicate whether reprogramming is successful.
Contacting the Authorities
Tell your local authorities that your garage door remote was stolen, as well as whether any other items were stolen. Contact your insurance company to see if your car insurance or home insurance covers the costs of any lost or stolen items.
Preventing Garage Door Remote Theft
- Always keep your car door’s locked
- Lock the door between your home and your garage at all times
- Install a deadbolt lock on the door between your home and garage if there’s not already
- Keep a mini garage door opener remote with you at all times on a keychain
- Connect your garage door system, if possible, with a smartphone for remote control capabilities.
