Your garage door’s code adds a strong layer of protection against break-ins and burglary. However, if your remote control is lost or the code has been compromised, knowing how to change a garage door keypad code will spare your home from unauthorized access.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the process of changing the code on the garage door keypad and where you can get expert help if all else fails. Keep reading to see our easy step-by-step guide!
When do you have to reset a garage door code?
You’ll need to reset or change your garage door code for various safety reasons. Generally, you’ll need to reprogram garage door opener code in these situations:
- You lost your remote. If your garage door’s remote has been stolen or lost, the first thing you should do is change the code to your door. This way, you won’t be at risk of unauthorized access if the remote falls into unscrupulous hands.
- You’re moving to a new home. If the home you’re moving in already has a garage door code, make sure you reset it right away. After all, you didn’t know how many people have access to that code.
- You suspect unauthorized access. If you think that your garage door has been accessed without your permission, go ahead and change the code. This is a matter of safety and peace of mind on your end.
- Your door is malfunctioning. Sometimes, a quick code change can fix glitches or issues on your garage door. You can try this troubleshooting step just to rule out code problems.
- For regular maintenance. We always tell our clients that habitually changing their garage door’s code is a good safety precaution. You’ll never who had gained knowledge of your code, so it’s best to reset it every 3 to 6 months as part of your maintenance checklist.
How to change a garage door keypad code
Keypad code troubleshooting is one of the most common garage door problems we encounter. If you’re wondering how to set garage door codes, there are two methods for resetting garage door codes to go about it:
Changing a garage door keypad code with an existing code
Knowing how to change the code for the garage door opener is much easier if you know its existing code. If you have a keypad installed outside, you can easily do the steps there without having to enter your garage. Here’s how to do it:
- Step 1. Enter your existing code with # sign
The first thing you need to do is enter your current code as usual, but press the # sign right after.
- Step 2. Enter your new code
After that, simply punch in the new code you want to use and then press ‘Enter’ for about 2 seconds. Most garage door keypads will have its code reset with just these two easy steps.
- Step 3. Test the door
To see if you’ve successfully changed your garage door’s code, try entering the new code and see of it will open. If it does, then you’re good to go!
Changing a garage door keypad code if you forgot the existing code
If you don’t know the current code of your garage door keypad, you’ll have to reset it on the opener itself. Here are the instructions to change a garage door code in this case:
- Step 1. Locate the ‘Learn’ button
Your garage door opener’s ‘Learn’ button is often located on the small panel on the side of the unit. Just flip the cover up and you’ll see a couple of buttons and possibly some wiring as well. The ‘Learn’ button us usually color orange or red.
Once you located the ‘Learn’ button, press and hold it until the LED light above it goes out. Make sure the light is off as this means the old code has been erased and you can now program a new one.
- Step 2. Enter your new code
Take note that after pressing the ‘Learn’ button, you only have 30 seconds to set a new keypad code. With that, make sure you already have a code in mind before you start this reset process.
Once you have entered the code, press ‘Enter’, and wait for the clicking noise. Some garage door openers will have a light flash once you’ve successfully programmed a new code.
- Step 3. Test your door
Once you’ve set a new code, try opening your door with it and see if it works seamlessly.
However, if your door still uses the old code, you can check the user manual, or you can call a garage door professional to take a look at it.
In some cases, very old openers may start to go patchy when setting a new code. In this situation, you may need a garage door opener repair to fix the problem.
How to set a temporary garage door code
You also have the option to set a temporary access code to your garage door. This is a handy when you’re expecting a delivery or if you want to give family or friends temporary access to your home. For this, you can choose to set a temporary code by number of uses or amount of hours it will be valid.
Here’s how it usually works for most Chamberlain garage door openers as well as other brands like Genie and LiftMaster:
Step 1. Enter your permanent code
The first thing you should do is enter your permanent or existing PIN code. But instead of pressing ‘Enter’, you should press the star (*) key. Once you do this, your garage door opener light will flash or click three times.
Step 2. Enter your temporary code
After that, you should enter your temporary code within 30 seconds and then press and hold the ‘Enter’ key until the light flashes four times or you hear four clicks.
Step 3. Choose how long the code will be active
At this point, you can choose how your temporary code will expire. You can either set the number of hours that it will be available or the maximum number of uses.
To set the number of hours that your code will be available, press a number (usually 1 to 255). After that, hold the star (*) key until you see the garage door opener light blink at least once. This means that you have successfully programmed the temporary code.
To set the number of uses for your temporary code, choose a number (also, about 1 to 255), and then press the # key until the opener light blinks or clicks once. After that, you’re all set, and your code will expire once it’s been entered the same number of times you’ve programmed.
Additional tips to safeguard your garage door
Understanding how your garage door works and the possible risks present can help secure your property even more. To increase your door’s security, you should keep the following things in mind:
- Be mindful of your remote control. Door remote controls are easy to lose track of. And before you know it, it’s either lost or stolen. When that happens, anyone could get access to your door and compromise your safety. If you’re notoriously losing remote controls, it might be wiser to have a keypad installed instead.
- Invest in a locking technology. Having a closed garage door is different from a locked garage door. You’ll never know when someone will try to sneak into your door and realize that it’s actually a sitting duck. It’s best to call garage door repair experts to install locks for you.
- Install motion sensor lights. Motion-triggered lights are a good way to keep burglars off your garage door. A light that suddenly flicks open as they approach your garage will surely stop them off their tracks and get them running away.
- Don’t give you code to anyone. Your garage door’s code is like the password to your property. Handing it to many people will put you at great risk of break-ins. Instead, you should only share it with people you trust. And if you need someone to access your garage, you can give them a temporary code that will expire as programmed.
- Cover your garage door windows. If your garage door have windows, it’s best to install a cover or drapes over it. This way, thieves won’t go peeking and scouting for valuables. You can also opt for frosted glass if you still want to enjoy some natural light without compromising your privacy.
Need expert help troubleshooting your garage door code issues?
If you find it tricky to change your garage door keypad code, simply call us at California Garage Door Repair! We are on-call 24/7 for any of your garage door needs, from assistance in programming your keypad code to major repairs. We’ll send a licensed technician to your place in as fast as 1 hour, depending on your exact location and our availability.
For over 18 years, we’ve been helping fellow Los Angeles locals with all their garage door problems. We are their trusted door experts since 2006 for garage door repairs, installation, maintenance, and more.
Aside from garage doors, we can also repair and install all gate brands and models in LA. We’re available for same-day service – all you have to do is call. Our technicians are experts in all brands, including Chamberlain, Genie, LiftMaster, Raynor, Sommer, Clopay, and more.
So, if you need expert help in troubleshooting your garage door code or other components, contact us today! We’ll give you a free onsite quote and quick repairs to restore your door’s functionality.
