It is easy to program a universal remote to work with your Emerson TV. You will need some codes for your TV. These codes tell the remote how to talk to the TV. This guide helps you find the right codes. It shows you how to set up your universal remote. You can use simple steps to make your remote work with your Emerson TV.

Image Source: www.pcguide.com
Why Use One Remote?
Using one remote is good. It makes things simple. You do not need many remotes on your table. One remote can turn on your TV. It can change the channel. It can change the sound. It can work your cable box. It can work your DVD player. It is much cleaner. It is much easier to find. A universal remote does all this. It works with many devices. It can work with your Emerson TV.
Finding Codes For Emerson TV
You need special numbers. These are called codes. Universal remote codes for Emerson TV tell your remote what to do. They are like a secret language. Your remote needs the right code. Then it can control your Emerson TV. Where do you find these codes?
Check Your Remote Manual
The best place is the book that came with your universal remote. This book is called a manual. It lists many codes. It has codes for different TV brands. Look for “Emerson” in the list. Write down the codes you find. There might be more than one code for Emerson. This is normal. You might need to try a few codes.
Look On The Internet
If you do not have the manual, look online. Many websites list remote control codes for Emerson television. Search for your remote brand. Search for “codes for Emerson TV”. For example, search “GE universal remote Emerson TV code”. Or search “RCA universal remote Emerson TV programming”. Look for “Universal remote code list for Emerson”. Find a list of codes for Emerson TVs. Write them down. Get a few codes if you can.
Check The Remote Company Website
Go to the website for your remote brand. They often have a place to find codes. This is a good source for Emerson TV remote setup codes.
How To Program Your Remote
There are different ways to program a universal remote. The most common way uses the codes you found. This is often called manual programming universal remote Emerson. There is also an auto search method. And sometimes a brand search. We will start with the manual way. It uses the codes you wrote down.
Manual Code Entry Method
This is the most common way. You put the code into the remote.
Get Ready
- Have your Emerson TV.
- Turn on your Emerson TV.
- Have your universal remote.
- Have the list of Emerson codes you found.
- Sit near your TV.
Simple Steps To Program
These steps work for many universal remotes. The names of buttons might be a little different.
- Press the ‘Setup’ Button: Find the button called ‘Setup’ on your remote. It might also say ‘Program’ or ‘Set’. Press this button. Keep pressing it.
- Watch a light on your remote. A small light will turn on. It will stay on.
- When the light stays on, let go of the ‘Setup’ button.
- The light staying on means the remote is ready to learn.
- Press The Button For Your Device: Now you need to tell the remote what device you are setting up. You want to set up your TV.
- Find the button that says ‘TV’ on your remote.
- Press the ‘TV’ button one time.
- The light on the remote might blink. Or it might stay on. This is normal. The remote knows you want to set up the TV.
- Enter The Code: Now type in one of the Emerson TV codes you wrote down.
- Use the number buttons on your remote.
- Emerson codes are usually 3, 4, or 5 numbers long.
- Type the first code from your list.
- As you type, the light on your remote might blink. This shows it is getting the numbers.
- Watch The Light: After you type the last number of the code, watch the light.
- If the code worked, the light might blink fast. Then it might turn off. This usually means the code was accepted.
- If the light stays on, or blinks slowly, the code might not have worked.
- Test The Remote: Point the universal remote at your Emerson TV. Try pressing a button.
- Try the ‘Power’ button. Does the TV turn off?
- Try the ‘Volume Up’ button. Does the sound go up?
- Try the ‘Channel Up’ button. Does the channel change?
- If the remote works, great! You are done. The remote is programmed.
- Try Another Code: If the first code did not work, do not worry. That is why you have a list.
- Start over from step 1.
- Repeat steps 1, 2, and 3.
- This time, enter the next code from your list.
- Go to step 4 and 5. Test the remote again.
- Keep trying each code on your list until one works.
Table of Example Emerson TV Codes
Here are some codes. These codes might work. Remember to check your remote’s manual first. The codes in your manual are best. Different remotes use different code lists.
| Universal Remote Brand (Example) | Emerson TV Codes (Try These) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GE Universal Remote | 0180, 0451, 0464, 0700, 0877 | GE universal remote Emerson TV code list |
| RCA Universal Remote | 1447, 1354, 1204, 1017, 1082 | RCA universal remote Emerson TV programming |
| Spectrum Remote Control | 0451, 0180, 1151, 0000 | Spectrum remote control Emerson TV setup |
| One For All Remote | 0451, 0180, 0000, 1151, 1523 | Universal remote code list for Emerson |
| Philips Universal Remote | 0451, 0180, 0000 | More codes in Philips manual |
| Magnavox Universal Remote | 0451, 0180, 0000 | Magnavox is like Emerson sometimes |
Please Note: These codes are just examples. The exact codes you need depend on your specific universal remote model. Always look at the code list that came with your remote first. Or check the remote maker’s website. Using the code list for your remote model is very important for success.
Programming Different Remote Brands
The steps are much the same for many remotes. But some brands have small differences. Let’s look at a few common ones.
GE Universal Remote Emerson TV Code
Steps for a GE remote are similar to the manual method.
- Turn on the TV: Make sure your Emerson TV is on.
- Press ‘Setup’: Press and hold the ‘Setup’ button on the GE remote.
- The light will turn on. It will stay on.
- Let go of ‘Setup’.
- Press ‘TV’: Press the ‘TV’ button on the remote one time.
- Enter the Code: Type a GE universal remote Emerson TV code. Use the numbers you found. For example, try 0180.
- Watch the Light: The light should turn off after you enter the last number if the code is good.
- Test It: Point the GE remote at the Emerson TV. Press ‘Power’. If the TV turns off, the code worked. If not, try another code from your GE list. Repeat steps 1-5 with the next code.
RCA Universal Remote Emerson TV Programming
RCA remotes also use code entry.
- Turn on the TV: Power on your Emerson TV.
- Press ‘Code Search’: Find the button labeled ‘Code Search’ on your RCA remote. Press and hold it.
- A light on the remote will turn on. It will stay on.
- Let go of ‘Code Search’.
- Press ‘TV’: Press the ‘TV’ button on the remote one time.
- Enter the Code: Enter an RCA universal remote Emerson TV programming code. Look at your RCA manual for codes like 1447 or 1354.
- Watch the Light: After typing the code, the light should turn off if the code is right.
- Test the Remote: Point the RCA remote at the Emerson TV. Press ‘Power’. If it works, you are done. If not, try the next RCA code. Repeat steps 1-5 with a new code.
Spectrum Remote Control Emerson TV Setup
Spectrum remotes are common with cable service. Setting up a Spectrum remote control Emerson TV setup also uses codes.
- Turn on the TV: Your Emerson TV must be on.
- Press ‘Setup’: Press and hold the ‘Setup’ button on your Spectrum remote.
- The light on the remote will turn red. It will blink two times. Then it will stay solid red.
- Let go of ‘Setup’.
- Enter the Code: Type the code for Emerson TV. Use codes from your Spectrum guide. Common codes are 0451 or 0180.
- Type the numbers.
- Watch the light.
- Watch the Light Again: After typing the code, the red light should blink green two times. Then it turns off. This means the code worked.
- If the red light blinks red many times, the code did not work.
- Test the Remote: Point the Spectrum remote at the Emerson TV. Press the ‘TV’ button. Then press ‘Power’. Does the TV turn off?
- If it works, good job!
- If not, repeat steps 1-4 with another code from your Spectrum code list for Emerson.
These steps are general. Your specific Spectrum remote might have slightly different steps. Always check the guide that came with your Spectrum remote.
How to pair universal remote with Emerson TV (General Steps Review)
The steps above show you how to pair universal remote with Emerson TV. The main idea is always:
- Get the remote ready (often by pressing ‘Setup’).
- Tell the remote what device it is for (press ‘TV’).
- Enter the special code for the TV brand (type the Emerson code).
- Check if it worked (watch the light, test buttons).
- If it did not work, try a different code.
This is how to pair universal remote with Emerson TV using the code method.
Other Programming Methods
Sometimes the code entry does not work. Or maybe you lost your code list. Universal remotes often have other ways to program them.
Auto Search Method
This method makes the remote search for the right code itself. It tries many codes fast.
- Turn on the TV: Make sure your Emerson TV is on.
- Press ‘Setup’: Press and hold the ‘Setup’ button on your remote. The light comes on and stays on. Let go of ‘Setup’.
- Press The Device Button: Press the ‘TV’ button one time.
- Start The Search: Now you start the auto search. The button you press next depends on your remote.
- Some remotes need you to press ‘Power’.
- Some need you to press ‘Channel Up’.
- Look in your remote’s manual to see which button starts the auto search.
- Press the correct button (like ‘Power’ or ‘Channel Up’) one time.
- Watch For A Reaction: The remote will start sending out codes. Point the remote at your TV.
- The remote’s light might blink as it searches.
- Watch your TV screen or the TV itself.
- When the remote finds the right code, your TV will react. It might turn off. Or the channel might change. Or the volume bar might show up.
- Lock The Code: As soon as the TV reacts, press a button on the remote to save the code. Again, this button is different for different remotes.
- Often, you press ‘Setup’ again.
- Sometimes you press ‘Enter’ or ‘Stop’.
- Check your manual!
- Press the correct button right away. This stops the search and saves the code that just worked.
- Test The Remote: Try other buttons like Volume and Channel. If they work, you did it!
- If you waited too long in step 6, the remote might have sent out another code. The saved code might be wrong. If this happens, you have to start over from step 1. This time, be faster to press the save button.
The auto search can take some time. Be patient. Point the remote at the TV the whole time.
Brand Search Method (Less Common)
Some remotes have a way to search only within codes for one brand. This is like auto search but faster if you know the brand.
- Turn on the TV: Emerson TV needs to be on.
- Press ‘Setup’: Press and hold ‘Setup’ until the light stays on. Release ‘Setup’.
- Press The Device Button: Press ‘TV’.
- Enter Brand Code: Some remotes let you enter a special 2-digit code for the brand. For Emerson, this might be 00 or something else. Look in your manual for a “Brand Code” list. Enter this code.
- Start Search: Press the button to start the search (often ‘Power’ or ‘Channel Up’).
- Watch and Lock: Just like auto search, watch for your TV to react. As soon as it does, press the save button (like ‘Setup’ or ‘Enter’) immediately.
- Test: Check other buttons.
This method is not on all remotes. Manual code entry and full auto search are more common.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Sometimes programming does not work the first time. Do not worry. Here are some things to check.
Remote Light Does Not Turn On
- Check the batteries: Are the batteries dead? Put in new batteries. Make sure they are in the right way (+ and – match).
- Remote is broken: Is the remote old or damaged? Maybe it is broken and cannot program.
TV Does Not React To Any Codes
- Are you using the right codes? Are the codes for your specific universal remote model and for Emerson TV? Codes from a different remote’s manual might not work. Find the code list for your remote.
- Are you pointing the remote right? Make sure you point the front of the universal remote at the Emerson TV. There is a sensor on the TV. The remote needs to aim at it.
- Did you follow the steps exactly? Go back and read the steps slowly. Did you press the buttons in the right order? Did you hold ‘Setup’ long enough? Did you press ‘TV’ at the right time? Did you enter the code correctly? One wrong step can stop it from working.
- Is your remote simple? Some very cheap universal remotes only have a few codes. They might not have the code for your Emerson TV model.
- Try the auto search: If manual code entry fails, try the auto search method. The remote might find a code the manual does not list.
Remote Programs But Only Some Buttons Work
- This is common. Some codes are better than others.
- The first code you tried might turn the TV on and off. But maybe the volume or channel buttons do not work.
- This means that code is partially correct. But it is not the best code for your specific Emerson TV model.
- Try other codes! Go back to your list of Emerson codes. Try the next code. One of the other codes might be a better match. It might make all the buttons work.
- Repeat the programming steps with a new code. Test all the important buttons (Power, Volume, Channel, Input). Keep trying codes until you find one that makes most or all buttons work.
The TV Turned Off During Auto Search, But Saving The Code Did Not Work
- This means you likely waited too long to press the save button. The remote kept searching and passed the correct code.
- Start the auto search again.
- This time, watch the TV very closely. As soon as the TV does anything (turns off, changes channel, shows volume bar), quickly press the save button on the remote. Be fast!
Lost The Remote Manual and Cannot Find Codes Online
- Contact the company that made your universal remote. Look for their customer support phone number or website.
- Tell them the model number of your universal remote.
- Ask them for the list of Emerson TV codes for that specific remote model. They can often help you.
Getting The Best Code
Even if a code works, it might not be the perfect code.
- A “perfect” code makes all the buttons on the universal remote work just like the original Emerson remote.
- Some universal remotes have many functions. Input switching, menu buttons, guide buttons.
- Some basic codes only handle power, volume, and channel.
- If you tried all the codes for Emerson and found one that works for basic functions, but you want more, you might need a more advanced universal remote.
- More expensive universal remotes can sometimes “learn” functions from your original remote. This is a different process. You put the two remotes head-to-head and press buttons to teach the universal remote.
Using Your Programmed Remote
Once you program the universal remote, it should remember the code.
- You should not need to program it again unless you take out the batteries for a long time or reset the remote.
- Press the ‘TV’ button on the universal remote first. This tells the remote you want to control the TV.
- Then press buttons like ‘Power’, ‘Volume’, ‘Channel’.
- If you also programmed the remote to control a cable box or DVD player, you press the ‘Cable’ or ‘DVD’ button first before using controls for that device.
Comprehending Remote Models and Codes
Why are there so many codes? Different Emerson TV models might use slightly different ways to talk to remotes. Also, different universal remote brands use different lists of codes. A code that works for a GE remote might not work for an RCA remote, even for the same Emerson TV. This is why using the code list for your specific universal remote model is very important. Finding the right universal remote codes for Emerson TV is the key step.
How Remote Programming Works (Simple Idea)
Think of your universal remote as a speaker. Think of your Emerson TV as a listener.
- Your original Emerson remote knows the right language (code) to speak to your TV.
- A universal remote can learn different languages (codes).
- When you program it, you are telling the universal remote, “Hey, learn this specific Emerson language (code).”
- When you enter a code, you give it the “words” and “grammar” of that language.
- When you do auto search, the remote tries many languages quickly until the TV “understands” one and does something.
- Once it learns the language (code), it can “speak” commands like “Power Off” or “Volume Up” that your Emerson TV understands.
This is the simple idea behind programming. Manual programming universal remote Emerson is teaching it the language by giving it the code numbers.
More About Code Lists
Where do universal remote companies get these codes?
- They work to figure out the codes that different device makers (like Emerson) use.
- They build a big list.
- When they make a universal remote, they put a list of many codes inside its memory.
- Your remote’s manual or their website gives you a list of which codes in its memory belong to which TV brand.
- Sometimes new TVs come out. The code might not be in an old remote’s list. This can make programming hard.
What if My Emerson TV is Very Old or Very New?
- Very Old TV: The remote company might not have included codes for very old Emerson models in newer universal remotes. Try the codes listed. If none work, you might need a very old universal remote or the original remote.
- Very New TV: If your Emerson TV is brand new, the code might not be in an older universal remote’s list. Check the remote company’s website for updated code lists. Some companies let you update your remote or provide new codes online.
Summary of Programming Methods
Here is a quick look at the ways to program.
- Manual Code Entry: You have a code list. You type the code into the remote. Best if you have the code list.
- Auto Search: The remote tries many codes fast. You watch the TV. You save the code when the TV reacts. Good if you do not have codes or codes do not work.
- Brand Search: (Less common) Like auto search, but only tries codes for one brand. Need a special brand code.
Manual programming universal remote Emerson using code entry is usually the fastest if you have the right code.
Final Steps After Programming
- Label Your Remote: Put a small label on the remote. Say it is for the TV. If you program other devices, label buttons.
- Store Codes Safely: Keep your code list or remote manual in a safe place. You might need it again if the remote loses power.
- Teach Others: Show others in your home how to use the new universal remote.
Programming a universal remote to your Emerson TV is a simple task once you have the right codes and follow the steps. Do not give up if the first code does not work. Keep trying the codes on your list.
FAQ: Questions People Ask
Can I program any universal remote to any Emerson TV?
Most universal remotes can control most Emerson TVs. But not every remote has codes for every Emerson model ever made. Using a recent universal remote with a list of many codes gives you the best chance.
How many codes are there for Emerson TV?
There are many codes. Different universal remote makers find different sets of codes that work. One universal remote might list 5 codes for Emerson. Another might list 10 or more. This is why you should try all the codes listed for your specific remote.
My universal remote has a ‘Search’ button, is that the same as ‘Code Search’?
Yes, often ‘Search’ and ‘Code Search’ mean the same method. It is the auto search process. The remote searches for codes itself. Check your manual to be sure.
I found codes online, but they do not work. Why?
Online code lists might not be for your exact model of universal remote. Codes are specific to both the device (Emerson TV) and the universal remote model. Always try to use the codes from your remote’s manual or the maker’s website first.
My original Emerson remote is broken. Can I still program a universal remote?
Yes! You do not need the original remote to program a universal remote using codes or auto search. You just need the universal remote itself, the Emerson TV, and the correct codes or the ability to do an auto search.
What is the best code for Emerson TV?
There is no single “best” code for all Emerson TVs and all universal remotes. The best code is the one from your universal remote’s list that makes all the buttons you want to use work on your specific Emerson TV model. You find the best code by trying them one by one.
How do I know if my universal remote is compatible with my Emerson TV?
Check the universal remote’s packaging or manual. It usually lists the brands it can control. If “Emerson” is listed, it should be able to control your TV. Finding the right code is the next step.
My TV is an Emerson, but also says Sanyo or Magnavox. Which code do I use?
Sometimes brands are related. Emerson TVs might use codes that also work for certain Sanyo or Magnavox TVs. If the Emerson codes do not work, you can try codes listed for Sanyo or Magnavox in your remote’s manual. But start with the Emerson codes first.
How long does programming take?
Manual code entry is fast, maybe 1-2 minutes per code. Trying all the codes might take 5-15 minutes. Auto search can take longer, maybe 5-30 minutes as the remote cycles through codes. Be patient.
Can I program volume lock or channel lock with my universal remote?
Some universal remotes have advanced features like volume lock. This lets you control the volume of one device (like your stereo receiver) even when the remote is set to control another device (like your Emerson TV). These features are specific to the universal remote model and require extra setup steps found in its manual. This is not part of the basic Emerson TV setup.
What if my remote is for cable or satellite, like a Spectrum remote?
Cable or satellite companies give you a remote. These remotes are often universal remotes made for that company. The steps to program them are usually in the guide from the cable/satellite company. Spectrum remote control Emerson TV setup steps are given above, using their specific codes. Look for guides from your service provider (like Spectrum, Xfinity, DirecTV, etc.) for their specific remotes.
Where can I find a universal remote code list for Emerson?
Look in the paper manual that came with your universal remote. Check the website of the company that made your universal remote. Search online using the name of your universal remote and “Emerson TV codes”. For example, “RCA universal remote Emerson TV codes”.
Can I use a code from a GE remote manual if I have an RCA remote?
No, this usually will not work. Universal remote codes for Emerson TV are specific to the universal remote model that uses them. A code from a GE list is meant for a GE remote. An RCA remote uses a different code list. Always use codes for your remote model.
How do I reset my universal remote if I mess up?
Most universal remotes have a way to reset them. This clears all the programming. The steps are different for each remote. Check your manual. Often, you press and hold ‘Setup’ and another button, or remove batteries for a while. Resetting means you will have to program everything again from the start.
Getting your universal remote to control your Emerson TV is a simple process using codes or auto search. Follow the steps carefully, use the right code list for your remote, and you will be watching TV with one remote soon.