How to Disable a Lost or Stolen Garage Door Remote

You pull into your driveway and reach for the garage door remote, only to realize it’s missing. You check your pockets, search the car seats, and scan the entire car, but the remote is gone for good. 

Maybe your car was broken into, or the remote fell out while you were rushing around. Maybe you loaned it to a friend or family member and forgot to get it back. Whatever the reason, losing your garage door remote is a serious concern. 

Your garage likely holds valuable outdoor equipment, tools, and, most importantly, your vehicles. If an intruder gains access to your garage, they could easily make their way into your home, putting both your belongings and your family’s safety at risk. 

However, there’s no need to panic just yet. By taking a few quick steps and adding some extra security measures, you can protect your garage and home from any potential threats.Let’s go over how to deactivate a garage door opener and what you can do to prevent this situation from happening again.

Table Of Content

1. Identifying the Type of Garage Door System
2. Steps to Disable a Stolen or Lost Remote
3. Additional Security Measures
4. Keep Your Garage Door Remote Safe

Identifying the Type of Garage Door System

Before disabling a lost garage door remote, you must understand what type of opener system you have.

• Chain-driven openers use a metal chain to lift and lower the door. While durable, they tend to be noisy.
• Belt-driven openers are similar but use a rubber belt instead of a chain. They’re much quieter and a popular choice for garages near living spaces.
• Smart openers allow you to control your garage door through an app on your phone. They often come with added security features and can send you alerts when the door is opened.

How you disable the remote depends on the type of opener you’ve got. Older models, like chain- or belt-driven systems, usually have a manual reset button on the motor housing. For smart systems, you can manage and disable remotes straight from the app.

Steps to Disable a Stolen or Lost Remote

With 9% of burglars gaining entry through the garage, losing a garage door remote can be unsettling. Fortunately, disabling it is straightforward.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you secure your garage door in Reno, NV:

Locate the Garage Door Opener Unit

The first step is to identify the model and brand of your garage door opener. Generally, this information is printed on the side or back of the unit. You can use it to look up any specific instructions for your opener online. 

Since the opener is typically mounted overhead, be sure to use a sturdy ladder to safely reach the unit. Turn off the power to the garage door opener at the breaker box to avoid any accidents.

Disabling the Remote

Once you have safe access, you can move on to the next step of disabling the remote.

Using the Reset Button

Most garage door opener units have a reset button designed for situations like this. It’s usually a small button labeled “Reset” or “Learn,” found near the motor or the back of the opener unit. If you’re having trouble finding it, check the user manual or search online for your model.

• Press and hold the reset button for about 10-15 seconds.
• You should see a light flash on the unit, indicating that all remotes, including the lost one, have been disabled.
• Release the button once the light becomes steady.

Clearing all the Remote Codes

By pressing the reset button, you’re essentially wiping out all the remote codes stored in the system. Put simply, any remote that was previously connected to your garage door opener, including the missing one, will no longer work. 

Clearing all remote codes may sound drastic, but it’s the best way to prevent unauthorized access. While you’ll need to reprogram your existing remotes afterward, it’s a small price to pay for securing your home. 

Reprogramming New Garage Door Remotes

To reprogram a new remote or the ones you still have: 

• Press the “Learn” or “Reset” button on the garage door opener unit. You only need to press it briefly this time, not hold it like you did when clearing the codes. 
• Within 30 seconds of pressing the button, press and hold the main button on the new remote you want to program. 
• Release the button when the garage door opener lights blink or you hear a clicking sound. 

If you have multiple remotes to program, simply repeat these steps for each one. For model-specific guidance, like how to set a LiftMaster remote, you can also contact the manufacturer directly. 

After programming the new remote, you’ll need to test it to make sure everything works properly. Stand a few feet away from the garage door and press the button on the remote. If the door opens or closes, you’ve successfully programmed the remote.  

If the door doesn’t respond, double-check the steps to make sure everything was done correctly, and try reprogramming the remote again. 

Keep in mind that this process is different for smart garage door openers. Smart openers are controlled through their apps, so check the settings for specific steps on disabling and reprogramming the remote.

Additional Security Measures

Once you’ve disabled the lost remote, there are a couple more steps you can take to boost your garage security:

Changing the Keypad Code

If your garage door has a keypad, remember to update the access code regularly. Regular updates make it more difficult for anyone with old codes to re-enter, especially if you’ve shared the code with family, friends, or service providers before. 

1. Locate the “Learn” or “Reset” button on your garage door opener unit. 
2. Press and hold until the keypad light blinks. 
3. Enter a new code into the keypad, followed by “Enter” or “Send.” 
4. Test the code to confirm it works. 

You can also call for local garage door repair in Reno, NV, to inspect your unit for any weak spots.

Upgrading to a Smart Garage Door Opener

For a stronger defense, consider upgrading to a smart garage door opener remote. Smart openers provide remote monitoring, alerts for unauthorized activity, and the ability to lock down your garage from anywhere.

Keep Your Garage Door Remote Safe

To avoid the stress of losing or having your garage door remote stolen again, it’s important to take a few preventive steps. Instead of leaving your remote clipped to the visor, try keeping it in a more secure, hidden spot in your car. A great option is to attach the remote to your keyring so it’s less likely to be left behind. 

Additionally, always lock your car doors, even if you’re just stepping away for a quick errand. Burglars look for easy opportunities, and an unlocked car is an open invitation. Also, avoid leaving your remote or vehicle registration in plain sight, as they provide thieves with an easy way to access both your garage and your home. 

Have more questions about disabling a lost garage door remote? The team at Thompson Garage Doors is here to help! As Reno’s trusted garage door experts, we’re ready to guide you through the process and even suggest smart opener options for added security. Reach out to us today!