How to program your DISH remote to your TV (with or without a code)

💡 Need to know

• Newer remotes don’t need a code. DISH 54.0 pairs automatically.
• Older models = manual setup. You’ll need a TV brand code.
• If it’s not working: Try fresh batteries, re-pairing, or resetting the receiver.

Your TV has been whispering, "Come watch me," all day, and you're itching to catch up on your shows. You've got your soon-to-be-empty bag of Doritos and your favorite drink. And that ridiculously cozy blanket? Already wrapped around you like a tortilla. But before you can start channel surfing, you need to figure out how to program your DISH® network remote to the TV.

From picking the best streaming devices to setting up smart home tech, Asurion Experts help millions of customers with their tech care needs. Here's how to program a DISH remote to your TV.

Identify your DISH remote model

The DISH remote setup process looks different depending on the model. Some remotes have the model number printed on the back. If you don't see it there, open up the battery compartment and look inside.

Older TVs often come with a DISH 40.0 remote, which lets you control your TV with old-school buttons. Some people refer to this model as a DISH Joey or DISH Hopper remote, because it is only compatible with these receivers.

DISH 50.0 and 54.0 remotes still have all the usual buttons, but they're more advanced. They let you control your TV with voice commands. All you need to do is hold down the microphone button and say, "Stranger Things" or "horror movie." It's much faster than click-click-clicking through an on-screen keyboard.

Older remotes often require you to enter a DISH TV code during setup. On the other hand, DISH 54.0 remote pairing is code-free, which means it will automatically detect and pair with your TV—no trial and error necessary.

Program your DISH remote using the TV Pairing Wizard

During the DISH satellite setup, the handy on-screen pairing wizard walks you through connecting the remote. Follow these steps:

1. Press the Home button on your remote twice. If it doesn't have this button, press Menu instead.
2. Select Settings > Remote Control > TV.
3. Click on the TV Pairing Wizard.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to find your TV brand and try the suggested pairing codes.
5. Once the wizard finds the right code, select Finish to pair the remote.

Program the remote manually (for older remotes)

Older models may not work with the Pairing Wizard, but that doesn't mean you're doomed to a life without a remote. Here's how to do it manually:

1. On the remote, find the mode buttons: TV, DVD, AUX, and SAT.
2. Hold down the button for the device you want to program until all four light up.
3. Release the mode button—it should start blinking.
4. Press the Power button.
5. Enter the 3- or 4-digit code for your TV brand (found in the manual or on the DISH website).
6. Press Power again. If the TV turns off, you're good to go.

You can't pair an older DISH remote without a code, so don't give up if the first one doesn’t work. For brands like LG, there are more than 20 possible codes—expect some trial and error.

Troubleshoot programming issues

If your remote still isn't paired, try these fixes:

• Replace the batteries. Weak batteries = weak signal.
• Reset the remote. Remove batteries for 10 seconds, then reinstall them.
• Reset the receiver. Unplug it for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and try again.
• Try a different code. If the Power button works but the volume doesn’t, the code might be wrong. Try another from the DISH list.