How to Change Garage Door Code

Your garage door is in most cases the biggest and most convenient point of entry in terms of home security. Every homeowner should make sure it is properly secured. The most important but sometimes many people forget or ignored this step is changing your garage door security code. Whether you've recently moved in, you lost a remote, or you had a strange feeling of uncertainty about suspicious activity, there are many valid reasons to learn how to update your garage code is essential.

This extensive guide will take you through all the basics you need to know from identifying the types of keypads or remotes to resolving typical problems, so you can also keep your home and family safe.

Reasons to Change Your Garage Door Code

The following are typical justifications for changing your garage door keypad code:

• Moved into a new house: Keeps your garage inaccessible to former owners.
• Lost or stolen remote control: Prevents unwanted people from entering your house.
• Routine security updates: Lowers the danger of code duplication and hacking by updating the code.
• Installed a new opener or keypad: Ensures that you use your own secure code.
• Unusual activity detected: Guards against possible intruders or stolen codes.

Changing the code for your garage door is an easy and proactive method to increase the security of your house.

Some Indications when Your Garage Door Opener Needs to Be Reprogrammed

You should consider reprogramming your garage door opener if:

• The garage keypad stops working consistently.
• Someone else knows your current code.
• You notice the garage door opening unexpectedly.
• The keypad or remote responds slowly or unpredictably.

These are clear indicators that it’s time to reset your garage access code.

Types of Garage Door Openers and How Codes Are Changed

Understanding the type of opener you have is essential before attempting to change the code. The majority of openers fit into one of three groups:

Check your owner’s manual or the model number to confirm your opener type.

Garage Door Keypads and Remotes by Brand

How to Change Garage Door Code (Rolling Code Models)

Rolling code openers — standard since 1993 — are secure and easy to update.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Locate the Learn Button

Look at your opener's back, next to the antenna. Common locations include:

Erase Existing Code

Hold the Learn button for 5–10 seconds until the LED turns off. This clears all previous codes.

Program a New Code

• Press the Learn button once (don’t hold).
• Within 30 seconds, input a new 4-digit code using the keypad.
• Press Enter (or the appropriate button for your model).
• The opener light will flash, confirming successful programming.

Test the New Code

Stand a short distance away and enter the new code to confirm it works properly.

How to Change Code on DIP Switch Garage Door Openers?

Older garage door openers use physical DIP switches instead of digital encryption.

Steps:

1. Open both the remote and the motor unit.
2. Locate the DIP switches (usually 8–12).
3. Set a new switch pattern in both the motor and remote — this becomes your new code.
4. Close the units and test the remote.

Note: DIP switch systems are outdated and less secure. Consider upgrading to a rolling code system with a Garage Door Replacement for better protection.

How to Change Garage Door Keypad Code?

1. Enter your current code.
2. Hold down the Program or # button until the LED starts to blink.
3. Enter your new 4-digit code.
4. Press Enter to save.

How to Reset the Keypad Without the Old Code?

1. Unplug the opener for 5 seconds, then plug it back in.
2. Hold down the Learn button for six to ten seconds, or until the LED goes off.
3. Press the Learn button again.
4. In less than 30 seconds, input a fresh 4-digit code on the keypad.
5. Press Enter — the light should blink to confirm success.

Brand-Specific Procedures

LiftMaster / Chamberlain

• Press and release the Learn button (yellow or orange).
• Enter a new keypad code and press Enter.
• Light blinks to confirm.
• Test the new code.

Genie

• Press the Learn/Smart button.
• Enter the new code on the keypad and press #.
• Light flashes to confirm success.
• Test and repeat if necessary.

Craftsman

• Hold the Program/Learn button until the LED activates.
• Enter a new code and press Enter.
• Light blinks to confirm.
• Test the new code.

Always refer to your model’s manual for specific button locations and terminology.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

How Often Should You Change Your Garage Code?

Experts recommend updating your garage code every 6 to 12 months, especially if:

• You've shared it with guests or contractors
• A remote has been lost or stolen
• You've observed unusual activity

Tips for a Secure Garage Entry

• Avoid using obvious codes like "0000" or your house number.
• Update your code regularly.
• Upgrade to rolling code or smart openers whenever possible.
• Never leave remotes in vehicles or visible locations.
• For better management and monitoring, use smart applications like myQ.

Final Thoughts:

Changing your garage door code is a small but powerful step in improving your home's security. Whether you're using a keypad, remote, or a Smart Opener, staying proactive with your code management helps protect what matters most. If it’s been a while since you last changed your code or if you’re still using an outdated system — now is the perfect time to make a change.