What Should I Do If My Garage Door Opener Remote Is Lost or Stolen?

Your garage door opener remote is like a key to your home. Occasionally, these small-but-important devices can go missing. Maybe your car has been broken into or stolen altogether. Maybe your remote slipped out when you were rushing to work or dropping kids off at school or perhaps you loaned your remote to a friend or family member and never got it back. No matter the circumstances, a lost garage door remote is troubling and it can leave you wondering how best to fix the problem.

The good news is you can easily secure your home even after you’ve lost your remote. Here’s a look at what to do when you lose a garage door opener remote:

REASONS YOUR GARAGE DOOR OPENER MIGHT NEED REPLACING

There are several reasons you could find yourself needing overhead garage door opener replacement. Opener remotes typically last 10 to 15 years, so you should replace yours if it's getting old or worn out. Also, consider technological advancements in safety — upgrading your remote could improve your home's security.

Your remote might need replacing if it's any of the following:

• Broken
• Lost
• Stolen
• Needs an upgrade
• Needs improved safety features

To help keep your family and home safe, you should look for more secure remote features when replacing your remote. Advanced overhead door opener features, such as automatic safety reversal, keypad entry, battery backup and wireless smart-home features can improve the safety and security of your garage.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IF YOUR OVERHEAD DOOR REMOTE IS MISSING

If your garage door remote is missing, you'll need to secure your garage and ensure it can't be opened by anyone other than members of your household. If you suspect your opener remote was stolen, contact the police. Check if anything else was stolen from your house or car and report any missing items along with your opener remote. Once you've done this, you'll need to clear the remote from the opener's memory and purchase a replacement remote control. 

Replacing your garage door opener is a matter of convenience and safety. Overhead door openers make it simple and easy to get in and out of your garage, reducing physical strain and saving you time. Additionally, the loss of the opener remote could impact the safety of your home. People can pick up and use remotes, giving them access to your garage and house.

Always replace your lost remote as soon as possible to get back to achieve the peace of mind you're used to having.

1. Erase The Remote from Memory And Reset The Opener's Code

Most homeowners have a spare garage door remote, which is excellent in a situation where one goes missing. If you have lost a garage door remote, it's time to erase the lost remote from your opener's memory and reset the code. By erasing the memory and resetting the code, you ensure your lost garage door remote will no longer work.

It’s the same as changing the locks on your house if a key goes missing. Erasing the memory and resetting the code on your garage door opener will secure your home and let you rest easy knowing that you, your home and your family are all safe.

Quality garage door opener brands like LiftMaster® provide helpful online guides for situations just like this. Take a look at LiftMaster’s helpful guide that shows you how to erase a remote control from your garage door opener’s memory.

2. Buy A Replacement Garage Door Opener Remote

Not everyone has a spare garage door opener remote — and, even if they do, they still want to replace the remote that's gone missing. To purchase a replacement opener remote, shop trusted opener brands or contact the manufacturer. You can always search for an opener remote from your unit's manufacturer to get a replacement remote control.

3. Learn How to Open Your Garage Door Manually

While you’re waiting for your new garage door remote, you may have to open and close your garage door manually. Be sure to follow all safety precautions. If your garage door and opener are in good shape, opening and closing your door by hand should be easy.

To lock your garage door without the overhead remote, you'll need to secure the lock bar for the garage. It's usually at the bottom of the door — do so before you leave so that your garage stays shut.

But, if your door or opener are in need of maintenance or repair, you may find that your door is heavy or that it won’t stay open without support. Stay safe and call on a professional for maintenance and repair support if you have any issues with manual operation.

PREVENT FUTURE OVERHEAD DOOR REMOTE LOSS

Once you have a replacement remote garage door opener, you'll want to protect yourself from losing track of it again. To prevent the remote from being stolen or lost, take steps to keep your remote secure.

Hide the remote and keep it from being left out in the open. Always lock your car, especially when the remote and other valuables are inside. When leaving your car parked during the day or overnight, house it inside the locked garage, not in the driveway.

When you purchase a replacement remote, opt for one with additional security features. More advanced openers and remotes have improved safety measures to help you keep your home safe. Smart home devices and wireless systems are even better for securing your garage. They offer convenient, safe solutions for homeowners that help prevent theft with minimal stress.

Purchase A Replacement Remote & Get Opener Service from A Clopay® Dealer

At Clopay®, we are America’s finest garage door manufacturer. We work with Authorized and Master Authorized Dealers nationwide — service professionals who have the experience and knowledge to help with all your garage door issues. Many of our dealers also specialize in garage door opener maintenance, repair and replacement. To find service and support you can trust, call on the Clopay® dealer in your area.

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Page Updated June 29, 2022