Program a DIRECTV Remote to Control Your Soundbar

Yes, you can program a DIRECTV remote to control your soundbar’s power and volume, replacing the soundbar’s own remote for everyday use. This works with most current DIRECTV remotes (models like the RC73, RC73B, and Genie remotes) using either an automatic code search or a manual code entry. This guide walks you through both methods, explains how the remote sends commands, and covers common troubleshooting steps.

How DIRECTV Remote Programming Works

DIRECTV remotes use infrared (IR) signals to control your TV and soundbar. When you press a button, the remote sends a specific IR code that the soundbar recognizes as a command for power, volume up, volume down, or mute. The remote stores a library of codes for many brands and models. Programming tells the remote which code to use for your particular soundbar.

Newer DIRECTV remotes also support RF (radio frequency) to control the receiver itself, but the audio device (soundbar) is always controlled via IR. That means the remote must have a clear line of sight to the soundbar’s IR sensor. If your soundbar is hidden inside a cabinet or behind a door, IR signals may not reach it.

Before You Start: Check Your Remote and Soundbar

Confirm your remote model. Look at the back of the remote or under the battery cover. Most current remotes are the RC73 or RC73B. The programming steps are similar for all models, but the exact button names may differ slightly.

Also check that your soundbar has an IR receiver. Almost all soundbars do, but a few very old or very new models might use only Bluetooth or Wi-Fi for control. If your soundbar came with a remote that uses RF only, the DIRECTV remote cannot control it.

Finally, make sure your soundbar is powered on and within about 10 feet of the DIRECTV remote. You’ll need to point the remote directly at the soundbar during programming.

Method 1: Automatic Code Search

This method scans through the remote’s built-in code library until it finds one that works with your soundbar. It’s the easiest option and works for most brands.

1. Turn on your soundbar manually (using its own remote or its power button).
2. Press and hold the MUTE and ENTER buttons on the DIRECTV remote simultaneously for about 3 seconds. The green light at the top of the remote will blink twice and then stay solid.
3. Press the AV1 button (or AUX on some models). The green light will blink once and then stay solid.
4. Press the CHANNEL UP (CH+) button repeatedly, one press per second. The remote will send a power-off signal to the soundbar with each code.
5. When the soundbar turns off, you’ve found the correct code. Press MUTE to lock it in. The green light will blink twice.

If you pass the correct code, keep pressing CH+ until the soundbar turns back on, then press MUTE. The remote will remember the code even after you change batteries.

Method 2: Manual Code Entry

If you know your soundbar’s brand, you can enter a specific code directly. This is faster if you have the code list, but you’ll need to find the correct code for your model.

1. Turn on your soundbar.
2. Press and hold MUTE and ENTER until the green light blinks twice.
3. Press AV1 (or AUX). The light blinks once.
4. Enter a 4-digit code from the DIRECTV remote code list for your soundbar brand. The green light will blink twice if the code is accepted.
5. Test the VOLUME and MUTE buttons. If they don’t work, try the next code for your brand.

Common code examples (but always check the full list for your model):

• Bose: 4642, 4643, 4650
• LG: 4671, 4672, 4673
• Samsung: 4630, 4631, 4632
• Sony: 4601, 4602, 4603
• Vizio: 4657, 4658, 4659

These are examples, not guarantees. The exact code varies by model and remote version.

What to Do If the Code Search Doesn’t Find Your Soundbar

If the automatic search cycles through all codes and your soundbar never turns off, try these steps:

• Check the remote’s mode: Make sure you pressed AV1 (or AUX) and not a TV or DIRECTV button. The remote only sends soundbar codes in the correct mode.
• Try a different input: Some remotes have two AUX modes (AV1 and AV2). Repeat the search using AV2.
• Update the remote’s code library: Some DIRECTV remotes can be updated by pressing a specific key sequence. Check your remote’s manual for the update procedure. This is rare but possible.
• Use the DIRECTV website: DIRECTV’s official support site has a code lookup tool where you can enter your remote model and soundbar brand to get a list of codes.

If none of these work, your soundbar may not be in the remote’s library. In that case, you can use a universal remote or a learning remote that can capture IR signals from your original soundbar remote.

Programming a DIRECTV Genie Remote (RC71, RC72, RC73)

Genie remotes (RC71, RC72, RC73) work the same way as the standard remotes, but the buttons may be labeled differently. The AV1 button is often labeled “AUX� or has a small icon of a speaker. The programming sequence is identical: hold MUTE + ENTER, press AUX, then search or enter a code.

If you have a Genie remote with a “TV� button and an “AUX� button, you can program both. The TV button controls your TV, and the AUX button controls your soundbar. This lets you use one remote for both devices.

Common Problems and Fixes

• Volume controls both TV and soundbar: If your TV speakers are still active, you may need to turn off the TV’s internal speakers or set the audio output to “externalâ€� in the TV’s menu. This prevents double volume.
• Soundbar doesn’t respond to power button: Some soundbars have a standby mode that ignores IR power commands. Try pressing the power button twice quickly, or check the soundbar’s settings for “IR controlâ€� and enable it.
• Remote works but volume changes in large jumps: This is normal. The DIRECTV remote sends a single volume step per press, but some soundbars interpret it as a larger step. You can’t adjust this from the remote.
• Remote stops working after a few days: The code may have been lost due to a remote reset or battery change. Reprogram it using the same steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I program my DIRECTV remote to control my soundbar without a code?
Yes, the automatic code search method doesn’t require a specific code. It scans the entire library until it finds the right one.

Will the DIRECTV remote control the soundbar’s input or settings?
No, the DIRECTV remote only controls power, volume, and mute. It cannot change inputs, adjust bass, or access other soundbar settings.

What if my soundbar is not listed on the DIRECTV code list?
Try the automatic search first. If that fails, your soundbar may not be compatible. You can also try a universal remote that supports learning from your original remote.

Does the DIRECTV remote work with Bluetooth soundbars?
No, the DIRECTV remote uses IR only for soundbar control. Bluetooth soundbars that don’t have an IR receiver cannot be controlled by the DIRECTV remote.

Can I program the remote to control both my TV and soundbar at the same time?
Yes, but you need to set the TV to output audio through the soundbar. Then program the TV button for the TV and the AUX button for the soundbar. The volume buttons will control whichever device is in the active mode.

When to Consider a Universal Remote Instead

If your soundbar is not compatible with the DIRECTV remote, or if you want to control multiple devices (TV, soundbar, streaming box) with one remote, a universal remote might be a better solution. Many universal remotes support IR learning, which lets you copy the exact signals from your original soundbar remote. Some also use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi for more advanced control. However, a universal remote adds another device to manage and may require its own programming.

Related

• Echo Music on All Devices? Setup Guide
• Delete Hibernation File Windows 10: Safe Steps
• Share Audio on Mac: How to Use It