Madeline Gearheart | October 31, 2017
How To: Pairing Your Remote and DISH Receiver
Whether you’re just getting started with your new DISH receiver, you’ve lost your old remote in the black hole underneath your couch, or you just want an additional control for your TV, you’ll need to pair the device to your receiver before you can use it.
Thankfully, this user-friendly process is easy to do, and most remotes connect with the press of only a few buttons—just use our guide below to get started.
Step 1: Check for Compatibility
If you’re replacing an old remote or getting an extra one, it’s important to find a replacement compatible with your DISH receiver. Of course, if you’re setting up a brand new remote and receiver, you’ve already got a compatible controller.
Certified DISH Remotes
The surest way to ensure compatibility is by using a certified DISH remote. These remotes have the DISH logo along the bottom and often automatically pair with your receiver. In some cases, your replacement remote may have different buttons than the original, which can limit its usability. Don’t hesitate to contact DISH directly to purchase the right remote for your receiver.
Universal and Learning Remotes
If you’re looking to replace a DISH remote quickly and easily, a traditional universal remote can work well. Learning remotes, though, take universality one step further by offering programmable buttons so you can sync up all your most-used buttons just the way you want them. DISH Network receivers utilize an infrared (IR) frequency of 57 kHz, which is on the higher end of power output for IR remotes. Whether you choose a universal or learning remote control, make sure the device is rated for that output.
Step 2: Find the Pairing Code
While some modern remotes pair instantly with the push of a special scanning button, most controllers require a simple input code for the connection to occur successfully.
To pair your remote, look in the device’s instruction manual for the pairing code that works with your receiver. You can also find your remote in DISH’s pairing how-to library.
Step 3: Input the Pairing Code
Once you’ve found the directions for your specific remote model, the how-to instructions on DISH’s website tell you to press a series of two or three buttons on your remote while the TV is on. This will then prompt your receiver to ask for the input code. Once you’ve entered that code, the remote is ready to go.
Pairing Learning Remotes
Learning and universal remotes are a bit more complex. Most can learn from your old remote (if you still have it) by reading its IR signal and copying the signal to one of the buttons on the new device. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines carefully and you should have your new remote set up in no time.
Once you’ve connected your remote to your receiver, you can begin watching and recording your favorite shows. If you’d like to preserve your remote and avoid pairing new ones too often, try to keep your current controller gunk-free with an alcohol wipe or cleaning cloth and remove the batteries before you store the remote for long periods of time.
