You can program a DISH remote to your TV in a few minutes. The method depends on your remote. Newer remotes use a Pairing Wizard on screen, and older ones use a button sequence called Power Scan. Check your model first, then follow the matching steps below.
First, Find Your Remote Model
Look on the back of the remote or inside the battery cover for a model number such as 54.0, 50.0, 40.0, 21.0 or 20.1. Models 40.0 and higher use the Pairing Wizard. The 20 and 21 series use Power Scan.
- 40.0, 50.0, 52.0, 54.0 and Voice Remotes: use the Pairing Wizard.
- 20.0, 20.1, 21.0 and 21.1: use Power Scan.
How to Program a DISH Remote to a TV With the Pairing Wizard
Press Home twice, go to Settings, then Remote Control, choose your TV, and run the Pairing Wizard. Pick your TV brand and test codes until the volume works, then select Finish.
- Press Home twice. On the 40.0 remote, which has no Home button, press Menu once.
- Select Settings, then Remote Control.
- Choose the device you want to control, such as your TV.
- Open the wizard for that device.
- Choose your TV brand from the list.
- Press Volume Up to test the first code.
- If the TV responds, select Finish. If not, select Try Next Code and test again.
Some brands have many possible codes, so keep going if the first few fail. Several codes can work for one TV, and some control more buttons than others. If the volume works but Power does not, run it again and try another code.
Newer voice remotes such as the 54.0 can often detect the TV automatically. If yours does not, the steps above still work.
How to Program an Older DISH Remote With Power Scan
Older 20 and 21 series remotes have no wizard. Instead, you hold the TV button until all mode buttons light, then press Up repeatedly until the TV turns off, and press the pound key to save.
- Point the remote at your TV and make sure the TV is on.
- Press and hold the TV mode button for about 10 seconds, until all four mode buttons light up.
- Release it. The TV button keeps blinking.
- Press Power. The TV button stays lit.
- Press Up once every few seconds. Each press sends a new code.
- When the TV turns off, stop. That code works.
- Press the pound key (#) to save it. The TV button blinks to confirm.
- Turn the TV back on with the remote and test the volume.
Going too fast is the most common mistake. Wait a second or two after each Up press, so you do not pass the right code.
Programming Other Devices
The same steps work for a sound bar, DVD player or other device. In the wizard, choose that device instead of the TV. On an older remote, hold the DVD or AUX mode button instead of TV. Then test with the device’s own power or volume.
DISH Remote Not Working After Programming?
If the remote stops controlling the receiver or the TV, check the batteries first, then link the remote to the receiver again, and finally re-run the programming steps.
- Replace the batteries. Weak batteries cause most remote problems.
- Restart the remote. Take the batteries out for about 10 seconds, then put them back.
- Restart the receiver. Unplug it for 10 seconds, plug it back in and wait for it to start.
- Link the remote to the receiver. Press SAT on the remote, press System Info on the front of the receiver, then press SAT again.
- Program it again. If Power works but volume does not, the code is only a partial match. Try the next code.
Volume not working
On some remotes, the volume only works for the TV after you press the TV button on the side of the remote. If that does not help, the saved code does not fully match your TV. Run the programming again and try another code.
For receiver problems beyond the remote, our guide on how to hard reset a DISH receiver covers frozen screens and signal errors. If channels are missing, see why channels go missing on DISH. Watching away from home instead? Our guide to the DISH Anywhere app explains how.
Common Questions
Can I program a DISH remote to a TV without a code?
Yes. Both methods find the code for you. You only choose your TV brand or press Up until the TV turns off.
Which model do I have?
The model number is on the back or under the battery cover. Models 40.0 and above use the Pairing Wizard. The 20 and 21 series use Power Scan.
Why does my DISH remote turn the TV off but not change the volume?
The code is only a partial match. Run the programming again and try the next code until both power and volume work.
Match the Method to Your Remote
To program a DISH remote to a TV, use the Pairing Wizard on newer remotes and Power Scan on the 20 and 21 series. Go slowly, test every code, and replace the batteries first if anything seems off. For remote replacements and account help, visit DISH’s official website.
Frenzy valentine is a passionate blogger, developer, and entrepreneur. He is the founder and author of myfreshgists.com.