You’re sitting there, staring at a piece of plastic that’s supposed to make your life easier, but instead, it’s just a paperweight. We’ve all been there. You bought a GE universal remote because the original dog-chewed Sony or Samsung remote finally gave up the ghost. Now you’re hunting for GE universal remote control codes for TV sets that actually work. It’s frustrating.
Honestly, the biggest mistake people make is thinking there’s just one magic code for their brand. If you have a Vizio, you might think "1011" is the end of the story. It isn't. GE remotes have gone through several "versions" or CL (Code List) generations over the years. If you're using a code from a CL3 list on a CL5 remote, you’re going to be pressing buttons for an hour with zero results.
Identifying Your Remote Version (The CL Secret)
Before you even look at a code list, open the battery compartment. Seriously. Take the batteries out and look at the sticker inside or the stamping on the plastic. You are looking for a small notation like CL3, CL4, CL5, or CL6.
This matters because GE (which is actually licensed by Jasco Products) updates their internal database every few years. A CL3 remote is an older model. It uses four-digit codes. A CL5 or CL6 remote is newer and often supports more modern smart TV functions. If you don't see a CL version, it’s likely an older V1 or V2 model. Trying to use a V5 code on a V2 remote is like trying to put a Tesla battery into a 1998 Honda Civic. It just won't fit.
The Most Common GE Universal Remote Control Codes for TV Brands
Let's get into the actual numbers. Keep in mind that for most major brands, you'll want to try the first code listed. If that doesn't work, move down the line.
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Samsung
For newer GE remotes (CL3/CL4/CL5), try 0101, 0001, 0089, or 0311. If you’re rocking an older version, you might need 0004 or 0009. Samsung is usually pretty consistent, so one of these almost always sticks.
Vizio
Vizio is a bit of a wildcard. Try 1161, 0081, or 5262. Some people find that 0117 works for older non-smart Vizio models.
LG
LG codes are generally 0005, 0080, 0156, or 1005. If you have an LG OLED, the newer CL5 remotes are much better at handling the "Home" and "Back" functions than the older CL3 versions.
Sony
Sony is classic. Start with 0002, 0071, or 0405. Interestingly, Sony’s infrared signals haven't changed much in twenty years, so even an old code sometimes works on a brand-new Bravia.
TCL (Roku TV)
This is where people get stuck. TCL TVs usually use the Roku platform. Try 6171, 6051, or 6201. Don't bother with the standard "TCL" codes found in old manuals; you specifically need the ones designated for Roku-integrated sets.
Hisense
Try 1021, 0661, or 2171. Hisense uses different boards depending on whether the TV runs Google TV, Android TV, or Roku, so you might have to cycle through five or six codes here.
How to Actually Program the Thing
There are two main ways to do this. You can do the Direct Code Entry or the Auto Code Search. Honestly, Direct Code Entry is better if you have the list, but Auto Search is a lifesaver if you're dealing with an off-brand TV like a Sceptre or an Element where the codes are a nightmare to find.
Direct Code Entry Steps:
- Press and hold the SETUP button until the red light stays on.
- Press the TV button.
- Enter the 4-digit code. The light should turn off.
- Point it at the TV and hit the power button.
If it turns off, you're golden. If it doesn't, start over at step one with the next code. It's tedious, I know. But it's better than getting up to change the volume.
The Auto Search Method:
This is for when you've tried ten codes and none of them work.
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- Turn the TV on manually.
- Hold SETUP until the light stays red.
- Press TV.
- Press and release the POWER button every 2 seconds. The remote is basically sending a "power off" signal for every brand it knows, one by one.
- When the TV finally shuts off, immediately press the TV button (or Enter) to lock it in.
Warning: if you're too slow and press the button again after the TV shuts off, you’ve moved to the next code and missed it. You’ll have to start over. It's a game of reflexes.
Why Your Remote Isn't Working (Common Troubleshooting)
Sometimes it's not the code. Sometimes it's the hardware.
Check your batteries first. Universal remotes are notorious for acting "glitchy" when the voltage drops just a little bit. The light might still blink, but the infrared signal isn't strong enough to reach the TV. If the remote resets every time you drop it, the battery springs might be loose. A little piece of folded paper behind the battery cover can sometimes fix that weird GE design flaw.
Another issue is "Mode Confusion." If you accidentally hit the "CBL" or "AUD" button, the remote is trying to talk to a cable box or a soundbar. It won't control your TV volume until you hit the TV button again.
Advanced Functions: Volume Lock
This is the "pro" tip. Most people hate having to switch back and forth between "TV" and "AUD" to change the volume. You can lock the volume buttons to one device regardless of what mode you're in.
To do this on most GE remotes:
- Hold SETUP until the red light stays on.
- Press the VOL + button.
- Press the device button you want to control volume (e.g., TV).
- The red light will flash twice.
Now, even if you are in "DVD" mode, the volume buttons will still control your TV. It saves a lot of clicking.
Dealing with Smart TV Buttons
If you have a newer GE remote, it probably has buttons for Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+. Getting these to work is hit or miss. These buttons are usually hardcoded to specific shortcuts. If your GE remote version is older than the TV, those shortcut buttons might never work because the "app launch" signal didn't exist when the remote was manufactured. There’s no way to "program" the Netflix button specifically; it either works with the main TV code or it doesn't.
Actionable Next Steps for Success
Stop searching for random lists on old forums. The first thing you should do right now is check that battery compartment for the CL version.
Once you have the version (CL3, CL4, or CL5), go to the official Jasco Products website. They manage the GE remote brand. They have a "Code Finder" tool where you can input your remote’s model number (usually found on the back, like 33709 or 40081) and your TV brand. This will give you the most accurate, updated list for your specific hardware.
If the official codes fail, use the Auto Search method but do it slowly. It can take up to 250 clicks to cycle through the entire library. Be patient. If your TV is a "store brand" like Insignia (Best Buy) or Onn (Walmart), try the codes for LG or Samsung first, as these budget brands often use the same internal components as the giants.
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Final piece of advice: write the working code on a small piece of tape and stick it inside the battery cover. Future you will be incredibly grateful when the batteries die and the remote loses its memory.
Summary of Reliable GE TV Codes by Brand (CL3-CL6)
Brand | Primary Codes
--- | ---
Samsung | 0101, 0811, 0001, 0701
Vizio | 1161, 5262, 0081, 0117
LG | 0005, 0156, 1005, 0080
Sony | 0002, 0071, 0405, 0505
TCL (Roku) | 6171, 6051, 6201, 1751
Hisense | 1021, 0661, 2171, 0501
Insignia | 0451, 0101, 5011, 1181
Panasonic | 0003, 0070, 0160, 0062
The reality is that universal remotes are a bridge between old tech and new tech. They aren't perfect. If you have a high-end smart TV with voice control and a pointer, a GE universal remote will only ever give you the basics: power, volume, channel, and source. You won't get the fancy voice search. But for a $10 solution to a lost remote, it's hard to beat once you have the right numbers.
Check your model number, find your CL version, and start with the most common codes. Most people find their match within the first three attempts. If you've hit twenty codes and nothing is happening, it's time to check if your TV is using Bluetooth instead of Infrared (IR). GE remotes are IR-only. If your TV only takes Bluetooth signals (like some high-end Sony or Shield TV units), a standard universal remote won't work regardless of the code.
Take a look at your remote's model number now and match it to the Jasco database for the most painless setup.