A garage door opener is a handy accessory for any car owner. It lets you open and close your garage door from your vehicle or inside your home without having to lift the heavy door manually. However, like most small items, garage door openers are prone to getting lost or misplaced, often at the worst possible times. But there’s no need to panic if yours is missing. In this guide, we explore some actions you can take after losing your garage door opener.
What To Do Immediately After Losing Your Garage Door Opener
Losing your garage door opener isn’t just a minor inconvenience. A lost garage door opener remote poses a security risk to your home if the device falls into the wrong hands. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do in the interim to mitigate this risk.
The first step, if you’re unable to locate your missing garage door opener is to look for a spare. Finding a backup allows you to continue operating your garage door remotely until you find the missing opener. If you don’t have a spare remote, you may need to purchase one online or from a local dealer. Just make sure the new remote is compatible with the frequency of your opener.
If a spare isn’t available to you, you’ll need to know how to unlock your garage door manually. This isn’t only helpful for when you misplace your opener. It can also be a temporary solution if your garage door opener breaks. To open your garage door manually, pull the release cord or handle to disengage the opener, then manually lift the door to open or lower it to close the garage.
How To Reset Your Garage Door Opener System
A missing remote garage door opener is a serious security concern. That’s because anyone who stumbles on your remote can access not just your garage but your home. Resetting your garage door creates a new code, preventing your old remote from functioning correctly. Here’s how to reset your garage door without a remote.
Clear All Existing Remote Codes
Erasing previous remote codes is a security measure that prevents unauthorized access to your garage. To do so, press and hold the “Learn” button for 10 seconds until the LED light blinks or goes out. This will clear all keyless entry codes and remote controls from the garage door opener memory.
Test the Reset Process
Once you’ve reset your garage door opener, you want to test it to ensure it’s working correctly. However, in the absence of a remote opener, you’ll need to test it using the wall-mounted button. Ensure the opener unit is plugged in and the circuit breaker isn’t tripped. Next, press the wall button to initiate the door’s movement.
Programming a New Garage Door Remote
If you’ve bought a replacement for your lost garage door remote, you’ll need to program it so it functions properly. Here’s a simple guide on how to do so.
- Press and release the “Learn” button on the opener to activate programming mode. You’ll know the unit is ready for programming if you hear a beep sound or see the light turn on.
- Within 30 seconds of activating the “Learn” button, press and hold the remote button you wish to program. Wait until the garage door opener button blinks or you hear a click before releasing the button.
- Try closing or opening your garage door using the remote to confirm whether programming is successful.
Alternative Access Solutions
A remote garage door opener offers plenty of convenience when it comes to garage access. However, it’s not an absolute necessity. Here are some workarounds that let you open and close your garage without having to do so manually.
Installing a Keypad Entry System
Garage door keypad entry systems are an excellent alternative to remote garage door openers. Installing one means you never have to worry about losing your garage keys or remote opener. You can simply open or close your garage by inputting your secret PIN code.
Keypad entry systems also provide an extra layer of security. You can set different codes for your family members, friends, or colleagues who require access to your garage and delete the codes once they are no longer required. Most keypad entry systems on the market also come with a reset function. This feature comes in very handy in case you forget your code and need to set a new one.
Using Your Smartphone as a Remote
Syncing your smartphone with your garage door opener is a super convenient way to control your garage access. Besides letting you open and close your garage door remotely, it notifies you when your garage door is used, providing extra security. This solution will only work if your garage door opener supports smartphone integration. Check your owner’s manual for compatibility details before attempting to connect your device to your garage door opener.
Wall-Mounted Control Panel Options
If you’re tired of being locked out every time you misplace your remote garage opener, then a wall-mounted garage control panel might be what you need. Like keypad entry systems, wall-mounted control panels allow you to open and close your garage without a remote.
While keypad entry systems are installed outside the garage for exterior access, wall-mounted garage controls are inside the garage. Also, unlike keyless entry systems, which allow garage access via PIN codes, wall-mounted garage control panels are operated using a button. The benefit of wall-mounted garage controls is that they don’t require batteries like most keypad entry systems. They just need to be connected to a reliable power source.
Contact Overhead Garage Door Today
Are you seeking emergency garage door repair? Overhead Garage Door is a trusted full-service garage door company serving Chicagoland and Southeastern Wisconsin. Whether you need garage door installation services or a faulty garage door opener repaired, you can count on our expert technicians to deliver. Contact us today to schedule a service and let us help you secure your vehicles.
Image by Dan Akuna is licensed with Unsplash License