Garage Door Remote Control FAQ

Garage door remotes are an essential part of any modern garage system, offering the convenience of opening and closing your door without leaving your car. But not all remotes are the same—features, compatibility, and performance can vary widely between models. To help you navigate your options, our experts have answered some of the most common questions we receive about garage door remotes. Keep reading to learn about the different types available, how to replace them, what you can expect to pay for top brands, and more.

How to Know When it is Time to Replace Your Remote

Just because your remote isn’t operating the garage door doesn’t necessarily mean it’s broken or needs replacing. If you find yourself pressing the button multiple times with little or no response, start by checking your distance from the opener—being out of range is a common issue. If you're within range and still experiencing problems, try replacing the batteries. Next, ensure there are no obstructions blocking the signal between the remote and the opener. If none of these steps solve the problem, it might be time for a replacement. The good news is that many universal remotes are available and compatible with most opener brands.

What is a Universal Remote?

One popular option is the universal garage door remote. These remotes, made by various manufacturers, are designed to work with most newer garage door openers—regardless of brand. However, compatibility isn’t guaranteed for older models. To determine if your opener will work with a universal remote, locate the manufacturer and model number on the motor unit of your garage door opener. Compatibility details are typically listed in the opener’s instruction manual.

If you're unable to find the model number, don’t worry—most newer systems are generally compatible with universal remotes

Are All Garage Door Remotes Universal?

No. Garage door manufacturers make specific replacement remotes for each model of opener with limited compatibility. If you have multiple garage doors with different openers installed, it may be worthwhile to purchase a universal opener for convenience.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Garage Door Remote? 

The price of a replacement garage door remote can vary, depending on the brand, model and functionality. They include basic Chamberlain and LiftMaster models ($20-30) and garage door openers with keyless entry keypads and security features ($35-40). Universal remotes can range from $20-45 and higher. 

Additional Garage Remote Features

Garage door remotes can vary widely in both features and design, depending on the model. Many offer multiple buttons to control more than one door, while others include additional functions like garage lighting control—or even built-in flashlights for added convenience. 

Remotes come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit different preferences and lifestyles. Some feature clips for attaching to a car visor or belt, while others are compact enough to fit on a keychain or be worn on a lanyard for easy access.

Need More Information about Garage Door Openers? 

Please ask! Our in-house customer service team can help you with your questions. Get in touch with us today.