How To Program A Spectrum Remote (Step-by-Step Guide) | Upgraded Home (2024)

Spectrum remotes are generally easy to use and understand, but programming them at first can be tricky. Luckily, it takes no time at all if you prepare the device and scan for codes. Let’s take a look at the few simple steps that it takes to program a Spectrum remote.

In today’s technologically-minded world, you’re likely to have multiple electronic devices for home entertainment. There are televisions, cable boxes, DVD players, Blu-Ray players, well, you get the idea. When you have to switch between a bunch of remotes to work everything, it can be a real pain.

Luckily, with a Spectrum universal remote, you can program your remote to work with multiple devices. First, identify the model of Spectrum remote that you have as instructions can vary. Then, with just a few button pushes and the right code, you can say good-bye to remote control clutter.

If you’re tired of juggling six different remotes (or losing them), a Spectrum remote is a great solution. Once you have your remote programmed, you can enjoy seamless entertainment (and a neater coffee table).

What Kind of Spectrum Remote Do You Have?

First things first, you need to know exactly what kind of Spectrum remote you have. There are several models, and the programming method for your remote will vary based on the model.

If you still have the manual that came with your Spectrum remote, you could likely look up the info. But really, who keeps those things? Instead, it’s all here for you in one place!

Here’s a quick list of popular Spectrum remote models:

• RC 122
• UR5U-8780L/8790L
• UR3-SR3S (UR3-SR3M)
• URC-2060
• 1060BC2/1060BC3
• UR2-RF-CHD
• M2057
• Spectrum Guide Remote

To learn your remote’s model number, simply remove the battery cover. You will see the model number printed on the remote. Done!

How to Program a Spectrum Remote

It’s all in the codes! To program your Spectrum remote with your TV or another device, you will need the proper brand code.

We’ve included a handy list for you at the end of this article that includes many popular brands. Therefore, whenever you see “enter code” in our “How-To” guide, simply use the list to find the right code for you!

Note: Depending on what model remote you have, you may or may not be able to program it with components. Some models are only programmable with your television. Basically, if your remote features a device-selection button (like DVD, CBL, etc.), then you can program it with these devices.

Programming a Spectrum RC-122 Remote

You can try to program the remote using the auto-search method first.

Step 1: Prep Your Device

Turn on the device you want to use with your remote and press the corresponding button on your remote. For example, if you’re programming the remote for your TV, press the “TV” button, “DVD” for your DVD player, etc. At the same time, also press the “SELECT/OK” button.

Hold both buttons down until all of the device’s buttons blink twice.

Step 2: Scan for Codes

Point the remote at the device and press 9-9-1 on the remote. The button you selected in step one (TV, DVD, etc.) should blink twice. Press the “PLAY” arrow one time.

Step 3: Test the Remote

If your device powers off after pressing “PLAY,” press the “POWER” button to turn it back on. Test your device with the remote (changing channels, etc.). If it operates correctly, then programming was successful; press “SELECT/OK” to store the code.

If your device is not responding, then try the next step.

Step 4: Try Different Codes

If, after pressing “PLAY,” the device does not power off, press “REWIND” or “FF” to move through available codes. Do this until the device turns off, then immediately press “SELECT/OK.”

Verify that your remote is successfully programmed by following Step 3, starting with powering on your device.

The Manual Method for RC-122

If the auto-search method doesn’t work, you need to enter the code for your device manually. To do this, follow the steps above, but instead of entering 9-9-1 in Step 2, enter your device’s code.

Wait one second between entering each number of the code. Your device’s buttons should blink 3 times (if not, try another code).

Then verify that the code worked by testing out your remote. If it doesn’t, repeat the process using a different code.

Programming a Spectrum UR5U-8780L/8790L Remote

You can try to program the remote using the auto-search method first.

Step 1: Prep Your Device

Once again, turn on the device you want to use with your remote and press the corresponding button on your remote. Simultaneously press the “SELECT/OK” button for three seconds; the device’s LED light should come on for 30 seconds.

Step 2: Scan for Codes

Point the remote at the device and press the “CH+” or “CH-” buttons, one at a time, or keep one pressed. Do this until the device turns off and the remote emits power on/off signals.

Step 3: Test the Remote

Press the “POWER” button to turn on your device and test out your remote. If it isn’t working, repeat steps one and two.

If it is working, press the corresponding device button on the remote to store the code. The LED on the device button should blink twice.

The Manual Method for UR5U-8780L/8790L

Repeat step one from above, and then, while pointing the remote at the device, enter the appropriate code. NOTE: You must complete this step during the 30-second window when the LED light comes on after step one.

Try one code at a time until the device turns off. Then test the remote with your device, and press the device button on your remote to store the code.

Programming a Spectrum UR3-SR3S (UR3-SR3M) Remote

The programming for this model is very similar to the programming for the remote above – model UR5U-8780L/8790L. There are only two main differences.

One variation is that in step one, the LED will blink for 20 seconds instead of 30. The other difference is, once your device powers off, you should press “MUTE” to test your device.

Programming a Spectrum URC-2060 Remote

There are just a few steps to program this particular remote using the auto-search method.

Turn on your television, then hold down the “SETUP” button until the LED light blinks twice. Press the “TV POWER” button, then hold down the “OK/SELECT” button until the TV turns off.

Manual Method for URC-2060

If you need to enter the code directly, when the LED light blinks twice, enter the appropriate code. Then use the “POWER” button on the remote to turn off the TV. If it works, the code is correct. If not, try the next code.

Programming a Spectrum 1060BC2/1060BC3 Remote

This remote is already programmed to operate an RCA television, a Toshiba DVD player, and a Pioneer audio receiver. If you need to program it to a different device, follow these steps to put in the necessary codes:

Step 1: Prep Your Device

Turn on the device you want to program your remote for and insert any media (DVD, Blu-Ray, etc.), if applicable.

Step 2: Enter the Code

Press the corresponding device key on your remote one time. Then, hold down the “SETUP” key until the selected mode key blinks twice. Enter the appropriate code; the selected mode key will blink twice.

Step 3: Test the Remote

If the selected mode key blinks for a long time, then try the above steps again with the same code. Then, aim the remote at the device and press “POWER” or “PLAY.” If the device turns off, it works!

If not, repeat the steps using a different code from the list until you find one that works.

Programming a Spectrum UR2-RF-CHD Remote

To program this remote with your television using the auto-search method, follow these steps:

Step 1: Prep Your Devices

Turn on your Spectrum receiver and television.

Step 2: Enter Auto-Search Mode

Aim your remote at the TV and hold down the “PROG” button for five seconds. Once the red power button lights up, release the “PROG” button. The red light should stay on.

Press the “CH+” button to enter auto-search mode. The remote transmits a code every 1.5 seconds, and the red light will blink. This can take up to 15 minutes.

As soon as your television turns off, press the “TV” button to store the code.

Step 3: Test the Remote

Test the remote by using it to turn the TV on and off and adjust the volume. If it doesn’t work, repeat the steps and try pressing the “TV” button faster when your television turns off.

The Manual Method for UR2-RF-CHD

In Step 2 above, when the red light comes on, instead of pressing the “CH+” button, press the “TV” button. The red light should blink one time and stay on.

Enter the three-digit code, and if it is correct, the red light will blink twice, turn off, and the code is stored. If the code is incorrect, the red light will blink twice and stay on, and you can try another code. You can also cancel the process by pressing the “TV” button.

Test out your remote to make sure it works, and if it does not, repeat the process with a different code.

Programming a Spectrum M2057 Universal Remote

You can use this remote with multiple devices; try the auto-search method first:

Step 1: Prep Your Device

Turn on the device you want to use your remote with and press the corresponding device button on the remote. Hold down the “SETUP” button until the selected device button blinks twice.

Step 2: Search for Codes

Press 9-9-1 on your remote; the device button will blink twice. Pointing the remote at the device, alternate between pressing the “POWER” button and the device button until the device turns off. Press “SETUP” to store the code, and the device button should blink twice.

Step 3: Test the Remote

Test your remote with the device to make sure it works properly. If not, try the above steps again or go to the manual method.

The Manual Method for M2057

Follow Step 1 above, then instead of pressing 9-9-1, enter the code for your particular device. If the code works, then the device button should blink twice. And, you should be able to turn off the TV with the remote’s “POWER” button.

If the code is incorrect, then the device button will give one long blink then exit programming mode. If this happens, try the process again with a different code.

Programming a Spectrum Guide Remote

Using the Auto-Search method is the simplest way to program this remote. Ensure the TV is on and hold down the “MENU” and “OK” buttons simultaneously until the “INPUT” button blinks twice.

Press the “TV POWER” button, and the input light should go solid. Aim the remote at the TV and hold down the “UP” arrow until the TV turns off. The correct code should now be stored, and you can test out your remote!

The Manual Method for Spectrum Guide Remote

If auto-search isn’t doing the trick, when the input light blinks twice, enter the code for your device. The light will blink twice, and you can test out your remote. If it doesn’t work, move on to the next code in the list.

What If My Spectrum Remote Doesn’t Work?

If you can’t get your Spectrum remote to work with your TV or other devices, start with the obvious. Ensure the remote has the correct batteries and that the batteries are working and installed properly.

Also, make sure that your Spectrum receiver cable box is turned on and not blocked by any furniture or other objects. You can also reboot your receiver by unplugging it and plugging it back in after 60 seconds.

Sometimes, repositioning your cable box slightly can help so that it can detect your remote more easily. You might also need to try reprogramming your devices or perform a factory reset on your remote.

Performing a Factory Reset on Your Remote

Some models of Spectrum remotes offer a factory reset option. A factory reset simply returns your remote to its out-of-the-box settings so you can “start from scratch.” If you want to try a factory reset on your remote, the steps vary depending on the model.

RC-122

Hold down the “CBL” and “SELECT/OK” buttons at the same time until the remote lights flash twice. Enter 9-8-1, and the lights should flash three times.

UR5U-8780L/8790L

Hold down the “CBL” and “REC” buttons until the remote lights move from right to left three times.

UR3-SR3S (UR3-SR3M)

Hold down the “CBL” and “REC” buttons until the remote lights move from right to left three times.

URC-2060

Hold down the “SETUP” button until the Cable Power LED flashes twice. Press 9-7-7, and the Cable Power LED should flash three times.

UR2-RF-CHD

Hold down the “PROG” button for five seconds. The red “POWER” button will light up. Press 9-8-7, waiting for the red light to blink once after each number.

After pressing all the numbers, the red “POWER” button will quickly blink twice.

If none of these tips work, you might need a new remote. You can contact Spectrum or visit a Spectrum store near you to get a replacement. You can also purchase some models on Amazon for between $5 and $15.

Spectrum Remote Codes

Here’s a glance at the codes for popular brands. Notice that many brands have several codes. When programming your remote, start with the first code listed for your device, then move on to the next if necessary.

Related Questions

Are Time Warner and Spectrum the same company?

If you keep seeing TimeWarner and Spectrum used interchangeably, this is because Spectrum bought TimeWarner in 2016. The parent company is Charter Communications. Therefore, you might see a model number from this article paired up with the “Charter” name, etc.

Can I use a Spectrum remote to control things like Apple TV or Roku?

You might be able to use a universal remote to operate your Apple TV or Roku, but likely in a limited capacity. The Apple TV or Roku needs to “learn” your remote through your device’s various settings.

For example, to program the remote with your Apple TV, the process is lengthy. You literally need to assign commands to each button on your remote. Refer to your Roku or Apple TV manual for specific guidelines and instructions.

What if I have a different remote or model than the ones listed here?

If you’re using a different remote from one of the ones listed in this article, check out Spectrum’s support page to see if your model is listed. Since Spectrum took over TimeWarner, there are several TimeWarner, Charter, and other remotes that you can possibly use. You can also download the manuals for each remote from the site for a complete list of brand codes.

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