How to choose the right remote for your Garage Door

Garage Door not opening or closing properly? Think a new opener might solve the problem? Before you buy a universal remote and hope for the best, it’s important to make sure you’re choosing the right remote for your specific garage door system.

If you're unsure what to look for, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, including a step-by-step checklist to help you find a compatible replacement remote quickly and confidently.

Why remote compatibility matters

When it comes to replacing your garage door remote, not all options will work with every opener. Your garage door opener is the system that controls door movement, including the motor unit, gears, remote, and wall switch.

Garage door openers operate using specific radio frequencies and coding systems. If the remote and opener don’t match in frequency or coding, they won’t communicate, leaving you locked out of your garage.

Even universal remotes aren’t guaranteed to work with all opener brands or models. That’s why it’s best to choose a remote that’s designed to be compatible with your existing opener.

Step-by-step guide to choosing the right remote

Follow these steps to find a compatible remote that works seamlessly with your garage door opener.

1. Identify your Garage Door opener brand and model
You can usually find the brand and model number on the motor unit or in the original product manual. It may also be printed on the back of your existing remote.

2. Check the frequency or coding type

Most Garage Door opener remotes operate within the 433MHz frequency range, but not all do. Different brands may use different coding methods, including rolling code technology which refereshes the signal each time you use the remote to reduce the chance of code technology, which refreshes the signal each time you use the remote to reduce the chance duplication or interference.

You can usually find the frequency or code type printed on the back of the remote, inside the battery cover or on the motor unit. This may also be listed in your product manual.

3. Determine whether you need a genuine or universal remote

If you have multiple garage doors with different brands of openers, a universal remote may offer added convenience. However, for most setups, a genuine remote designed for your specific opener brand is the better choice.

Genuine remotes often provide stronger signal performance, wider range, and more reliable operation. They’re also less likely to experience interference from devices like LED lighting.

4. Consider remote features and functions

Genuine replacement remotes often include extra features like:

• Multi-button operation for multiple doors
• Car visor clips
• Motion-sensor lighting
• Compatibility with smart home systems

They’re also typically easier to set up than universal remotes, which may require manual programming or code entry.

Popular Garage Door remote brands in Australia

Some of the most popular garage door remote brands in Australia include Steel-Line, B&D, Merlin, ATA, Chamberlain, Avanti, Easy Lift, Boss Openers, Bollinger, Vicway, and Taurean.

If you're replacing a Garage Door remote from one of these brands, it's best to visit them directly.

Troubleshooting tips before buying a new remote

If your Garage Door remote isn't working properly, there are a few simple things to check before  replacing it.

• Replace the batteries. A dim or unresponsive indicator light often means the batteries are flat.
• Check for interference. Devices like baby monitors or cordless phones can disrupt the remote’s signal. Try switching them off and test again.
• Reprogram the remote. Refer to your garage door opener manual for instructions on how to reset or re-sync your remote.

Final tips before you buy

Before purchasing a new remote, consider the following:

• Choose a remote with rolling code technology to help prevent signal copying or interference.
• Consider upgrading to a smart remote that you can operate from your phone or device for added convenience.
• Buy from a supplier with a simple returns policy in case the remote isn’t compatible.
• Keep a spare remote on hand in case one is lost or damaged.
• Note down your opener’s model number — it’s useful for future support or replacements.

Where to buy replacement Garage Door remotes

You can buy replacement Garage Door remotes from online retailers and locksmiths, but these are the universal kind, and you risk them being incompatible with your Garage Door opener or difficult to set up.

The best place to buy a replacement remote is from your Garage Door manufacturer, who will likely have a more extensive range of products that are compatible with your opener. These generally also come with warranties, should anything not work correctly with your new remote.

Steel-Line Garage Doors offers a wide range of Garage Door openers that are compatible with many best-selling openers. They include key features like courtesy LED lights, soft start and stop functionality, auto reverse, and remote handsets for multiple doors. Many are also compatible with smart devices for  easier, more flexible access.

Explore our full range of Garage Door remotes and wall transmitters online , check out our Home Enhancers section for other Garage Door accessories to make life easier.

Frequently asked questions

• How do I determine which Garage Door opener I need?

Start by checking the brand and model number on your current opener, then follow our step-by-step guide above.

• Can any remote work on any Garage Door?

No, Garage Door remotes need to match the opener’s frequency and coding system to function correctly.

• How do I match my Garage Door remote?

Identify your garage door and opener brand, then check the manufacturer’s website for compatible remotes and accessories.