How To Program Genie Garage Door Opener [All Models]

Genie is a famous garage door opener brand and prides itself as a leader in the industry with user-friendly operations. However, not everybody is technically inclined and would prefer step-by-step instructions to set up and operate electronic devices. 

In addition, many remotes, keypads, or consoles have multiple buttons. They may require more detail, especially when doing it for the first time.

This article will cover how to program your Genie garage door opener. If you’re looking for steps to install and program a new Genie outdoor keypad, click this link. 


How to Program A Genie Garage Door Opener

Genie is one brand, but they have introduced various models and enhancements over the years. In addition, although many of their models and controls are very similar in operation and setup, the slightest difference may confuse and disrupt the setup process. For example, some remotes have a different number of buttons than others, and they don’t look the same as the keypad or the console.

The Genie garage door openers typically come with three control options: 

Each requires a setup or programming process to enable the correct function of Genie garage door openers. In addition, you may want to program your HomeLink to operate your Genie Garage door opener. Let us look at all the steps to program your genie garage door opener.


Programming A Genie Garage Door Opener To A Remote Control

The remote control is the default programming tool for garage door openers. Genie has different remotes, for example, the G3BT, the GM3T, the GIT, and the GT912. In addition, there are the New Genie Openers and the older models dating from 1995 to 2011. 

Follow the steps below carefully:

  1. Put the garage opener in programming mode by setting the button on the opener unit marked as “program” or “set.”
  2. Hold this button for at least about 3 seconds for the newer Genie models. Be on the lookout for two LED lights. The small button will turn blue, and the more extended button will be purple.
  3. For the older Genie models – Press and then release the Learn Code button once until the red LED light flashes.
  4. Pair the remote with the opener.
  5. Do this step within 30 seconds after step 1. Get your remote control and ensure you stand at least five feet away from your garage door. Push and then release the desired button on your remote control twice.
  6. Next, you will see the LED lights blink and then turn off.
  7. Press the same button for the third time to test and open your garage door.
  8. Lastly, if you take too long, the garage opener unit will flash red, and you should redo the process. 

Changing The Factory Default Pin Code On The Genie Keypad

Genie garage door opener keypads have a default factory pin. Follow these steps to personalize the pin code.

  1. Enter the default pin 3-5-7 on the keypad
  2. Press the Program key
  3. Now enter your new chosen pin code(3 to 8 digits)
  4. Press the Program key once again
  5. Your new pin code is now active

Programming A Single Genie Garage Door Opener To A Keypad

The following steps outline the keypad setup for a single garage door opener. If you have not changed the default keypad pin yet, use the default pin.  

  1. Put the garage opener in programming mode by setting the button on the opener unit marked as “Program” or “Set.”
  2. Ensure the keypad backlighting is off and remove the protective tab from the battery holder
  3. Enter the default pin 3-5-7 on the keypad. See section “changing the pin code.”
  4. Next, push the up/down keys about four times until the LED light turn purple and switches off
  5. Press the button to operate the garage door

Programming Multiple Genie Garage Door Openers to A Keypad

This step assumes you have already changed the keypad’s default pin and have programmed at least one Genie garage door to the keypad. Then, follow these steps to program the other remotes. 

  1. Enter the keypad pin.
  2. Press the Program key twice until the LED starts blinking slowly.
  3. Enter either 2 or 3 as the number of garage door openers this keypad will service.
  4. Press the Program key once to confirm the value.
  5. The LED will flash twice and turn off.
  6. Proceed to step 7 below to add the additional garage door opener to this keypad.
  7. Put the next garage opener in programming mode by setting the button on the opener unit marked as “Program,” “Learn,” or “Set.”
  8. Enter the access pin on the keypad.
  9. Press the Up/Down key on the pad once.
  10. Press the door number of the opener you are programming, for example, 2 or 3.
  11. Now, press the Up/Down key about four times.
  12. The garage door opener will start to function. 

Programming A Genie Garage Door Opener Wall Console

The Genie wall console is typically a three-function device controlling the garage door opener. Follow the steps below to program the console to the garage door opener.

  1. Put the garage opener in programming mode by locating the button on the opener unit marked as “Program” or “Set.”
  2. Push this ‘Program’ button and hold it down until you see that the LED light turns blue, and then it will switch off after a while.
  3. You will see that the longer LED light will turn purple.
  4. Now, press the Door button on the wall console three times or until the door opener starts functioning.

Firstly, you must train the HomeLink device to the remote. Follow the following steps below.

  1. Choose an open button on the HomeLink device that will be the garage door button.
  2. Press-hold any button on the remote and the chosen HomeLink button simultaneously.
  3. The HomeLink LED should blink slowly and then faster before stopping. It can take e few seconds.
  4. Release the buttons on both devices.
  5. Press and hold the chosen garage opener button on the HomeLink device for a few seconds and release.
  6. Confirm the programming by pressing the chosen garage open button on the HomeLink device again. The LED should light up in response.

Secondly, you are ready to program the HomeLink device to the Genie garage door opener. Follow the steps below.

  1. Put the garage opener in programming mode by locating the button on the opener unit marked as “PRGM” or “LEARN.”
  2. PRGM button – Press and hold this button. When the LED turns blue, release the button. The purple LED will start to blink. 
  3. LEARN button – Press and hold the button. When the red LED flashes, release the button
  4. Press and hold the HomeLink button for two seconds, and release.
  5. Again, press-hold the HomeLink button for two seconds, and release.
  6. Do this step again until the garage door opener starts to operate. At the same time, the blinking LED on the HomeLink device will turn a solid color.

How To Program Additional Remote Controls To A Genie Opener

Follow these steps to program optional control transmitters other than those provided with the garage door opener. Ensure that you stand at least five feet from the garage door opener.

  1. Locate the Program, Learn, or Set button on the Genie garage opener.
  2. Push and hold the ‘program’ button for at least two seconds.
  3. The round LED light will turn blue, and the longer LED light will flash purple.
  4. Push and then release the button on the remote at least twice
  5. Both the garage door opener LED lights will blink fast, indicating a successful pairing.
  6. To test the function, press the remote button allowing the garage door opener to function.

Programming Car2U To A Genie Garage Door Opener

The Car2U device has a default factory setting, with button 1 being the Genie Openers. Follow the steps below to program Car2U to a Genie garage door opener.

  1. Locate the Program or Learn button on the Genie opener
  2. Press and hold the Program button. The long and round LEDs will turn blue, then release
  3. The round blue LED should remain on
  4. Press the Program button once more. The long purple LED will start blinking
  5. Press the Intellicode button on the remote once
  6. Both the long and round LEDs will start blinking purple
  7. Press the Car2U button for one second and release
  8. Both the long and round LEDs will turn from blinking to solid purple
  9. Press the Car2U button once more for about one second, and release
  10. Both the long and round LEDs will change to blue and turn off
  11. Press the Car2U button again to test the Genie garage door opener function

Pro Tips To Remember

  • Ensure you have the correct model number so that you can follow the proper steps
  • Follow the correct manufacturer safety procedures. 
  • Remember to look for the LED lights and their colors, and remember not to take more than 30 seconds between each step.
  • When using a keypad, it is essential to remember the genie code and then reset your new one.
  • If you desire additional remotes, remember to program them correctly and separately.
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Tim Wells

Tim Wells, the founder of Garage Transformed, has been featured in dozens of home renovation publications, including BobVila.com, Home Stratosphere, House Digest, Livingetc, and SFGate. Since 2018, he has helped over two million people transform their everyday garages into something they can be proud of. He lives in Central Florida with his wife and bulldog.