Stolen Garage Door Remote? Here’s What You Need to Do Next.
As a homeowner, the safety and security of your property is of utmost importance. One of the most vulnerable areas of your home is the garage, where you store your vehicles and other valuable possessions.
When your garage opener remote is stolen, it can leave you feeling vulnerable and uncertain about the safety of your belongings. In this article, we’ll explore the steps you should take to protect your garage and your property when your remote is lost or stolen.
We understand: When you realize you could be the target of theft, it can cause panic and uneasiness. That’s why we’re always there for you, offering our support and expertise. We can give you the details you need and provide professional assistance. Just contact us today.
Understanding the Risks of a Stolen Garage Remote
When a thief gains access to your garage opener remote, they have the ability to easily enter your garage and steal your belongings. In addition to the loss of valuables, the thief may also be able to access the rest of your home through the garage, putting your family at risk.
To minimize the risk of theft, it’s important to take immediate action as soon as you discover that your remote is missing.
What’s the First Thing You Should Do When Your Garage Opener Remote is Stolen?
The first thing you should do any time you’re the victim of a crime is to contact the relevant authorities. Contact the police to report your crime. Depending on what else was stolen, you may need to contact your insurance company to file a claim.
Act quickly. Waiting to file a report or contact your insurance company could lead to delays with your claim or may hurt your chances of resolving the problem.
Changing the Codes on Your Garage Opener
After contacting the police to report your crime, the next step is to reprogram your garage opener system and cancel the remote. This will prevent anyone with the stolen remote from being able to gain access to your garage.
To change the codes on your garage opener, you’ll need to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or consult a professional technician.
How Do I Reprogram My Garage Opener Remote?
The reprogramming process varies from one type of garage opener to the next, so check the instructions in your garage opener manual before doing this yourself. If you can’t figure out how to reprogram your automatic garage door opener, contact your garage door contractor for help.
Learn to Operate Your Garage Door Manually
While you are waiting on a replacement for your stolen garage door remote, you may need to operate your garage door remote manually.
Make sure you follow safety guidelines when doing this, as a garage door in need of maintenance can be tougher to operate manually. Not sure how? Just reach out to us and we’ll be happy to help.
Prevent Theft In the Future
Protect yourself from future thefts! Keep your garage opener remote with you when you park the car for the night, or when you’re leaving your car in a parking lot.
Never leave your remote out in the open in your vehicle where it can be seen. If you do leave your remote in the vehicle for any reason, put it somewhere it can’t be seen. Placing the remote in the open can encourage thefts or break-ins.
Protect Yourself! Install a New Smart Garage Door Opener
One of the best ways to protect your garage and your property is by investing in a smart garage opener. These devices allow you to control your garage remotely using your smartphone or tablet, and can be programmed to send alerts if anyone tries to access your garage without your permission.
The new OHD Anywhere smart garage door controller is a great solution. This controller is compatible with most garage door openers and allows you to operate up to three garage doors from your Apple or Android smartphone via the OHD Anywhere mobile app.
To check if your garage door opener is compatible, check out this useful compatibility guide and contact us today to get your garage upgraded and never keep track of a garage door remote again.
In addition, many smart garage openers have additional security features such as two-factor authentication and encrypted transmissions, which can help to prevent unauthorized access.
Securing the Perimeter of Your Garage
In addition to changing the codes on your garage opener and investing in a smart device, it’s also important to secure the perimeter of your garage. This can be achieved by installing a sturdy lock on the garage door and adding a security system that includes motion sensors and surveillance cameras.
Protecting Your Garage When Your Garage Door Remote is Stolen
When your garage opener remote is stolen, it’s important to take immediate action to protect your garage and your property. By changing the codes on your garage opener, investing in a smart device, and securing the perimeter of your garage, you can minimize the risk of theft and ensure the safety of your belongings.
Are you ready to replace your garage door opener? Contact Overhead Door Company of Wilmington to get a quote and schedule an appointment.
Now that you’ve secured your garage, you may wonder, ‘what next?’
The answer: It’s time to replace your garage door opener.
Replacing your garage door opener does not have to be an overwhelming task. In fact, it may be easier than you think. We’ll take a closer look at the process and provide five simple steps you can take for a worry-free replacement. In addition, we’ll examine some of the most frequently asked questions we receive.
How to Replace Your Garage Door Opener Remote
Garage door remote openers have made life a lot simpler since the 1950s, when controlling your garage door meant doing a lot of heavy lifting by hand.
Today, all it takes is the touch of a button to open or close your garage door—until the remote breaks or gets lost, that is.
Happily, while dealing with a broken or missing garage door opener remote might be inconvenient, replacing it isn’t a big deal.
Choosing a Replacement Garage Door Opener Remote
Like your TV, your garage door is designed to work with a specific remote. So the first thing you want to do is determine if you can get a replacement directly from the door manufacturer.
If you have your original manual that came with your door, there’s a good chance it contains the contact information you need. Contact the manufacturer’s customer service department or technical help line to see if you can order a replacement remote directly.
To order a replacement, you’ll need the model number for your remote. Most remotes have the model numbers printed on them, either on a label on the back or side or sometimes in the battery compartment, underneath the batteries or on the back of the battery cover.
If you can’t find the number on the remote, check the housing for the opener unit itself. Many manufacturers list the make and model number right on the box that contains the motor or drive unit. Be sure to turn off the power before checking these areas to avoid accidents.
Consider a Universal Garage Door Opener Remote
There are lots of garage door makes and models, and that means there are lots of different remote controls, too.
Again, like your TV, some companies have made it easier to replace a broken or missing remote with a universal option that’s designed to work with many different makes and models.
Just like a remote from the original manufacturer, a universal remote needs to be programed and paired with your door before you can use it. Setting up a universal remote might take a few more steps than a remote from the door manufacturer, but as long as you follow the steps in the remote manual, setup is fairly straightforward.
Not all doors work with universal remotes, and not all universal remotes are compatible with every garage door manufacturer. Before buying a universal remote, check to make sure the remote you’re considering is designed to work with your specific door make and model.
What if you don’t have your manual or can’t find a way to contact the original company? Or what if you’re not sure which universal remote will work with your door? Give us a call. Chances are we can find the information you need to contact the company, or we may be able to order a new remote on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my garage door opener myself?
Yes, replacing a garage door opener remote is a simple process that can be done by most homeowners.
How do I know if my new remote is compatible with my garage door opener?
Check the manual of your garage door opener or look for compatibility information on the packaging of the new remote.
Do I need to clear the memory of my garage door opener before programming a new remote?
Yes, it’s important to clear the memory of your garage door opener to ensure that your new remote will work properly with your garage door opener.
Do I need to test my new remote after programming it?
Yes, it’s important to test your new remote to make sure it’s working properly.
What if my new remote doesn’t work after programming it?
Make sure that you have cleared the memory of your garage door opener and that your new remote is compatible with your garage door opener. If you’re still having issues, consult the manual of your garage door opener or contact a professional for assistance.
How do I replace the battery in my garage door opener remote?
Check the manual of your garage door opener or look for instructions on the back of the remote to determine how to replace the battery.
5 Steps to Getting Garage Door Opener Replacement
An old and unreliable garage door opener can be a problem. It can trap your car in the garage, make you late to work, and may even become a safety hazard. When the time comes to replace your garage door, knowing what to do can make the process easier overall. The most important step to getting your garage door opener replaced is finding the right garage repair person.
Working with an experienced, seasoned professional can make your automatic garage door installation a less stressful and overall better experience.
1. Research garage door contractors in your area.
Look for a contractor with a reputation you can trust. Longevity is a sign of a good contractor, as well as transparent pricing and quality products.
- Get referrals from friends or neighbors.
- Look for contractors with a professional website, who list maintenance, installation and repair on their list of services.
- Call contractors to schedule an appointment to discuss your automatic garage door installation.
2. Get multiple quotes.
It’s important to get quotes from at least two professionals, if not three. Getting multiple quotes can help you compare contractors, which makes it easier to find the right one for you. Steer clear of professionals who charge dramatically less than the competition. Contractors who cut corners may install a lower quality product, may offer a lesser warranty, or may hire inexperienced workers.
3. Review each bid.
Once you’ve gotten bids from multiple businesses, make sure you’re making an apples to apples comparison. The contractor who charges less money may be installing a cheaper opener that could break faster. Research the products and know what each contractor is proposing to install.
4. Contact references.
Get references for the professional you’d like to hire, and contact all of them. Ask questions such as:
- What did this garage door contractor do for you?
- Were you satisfied with the service?
- How long ago did they perform the work?
- Would you refer this business to someone else?
Contacting references should be the last step that you take before deciding who to hire.
5. Hire a contractor.
Hiring a contractor usually involves accepting a quote or signing a contract, establishing a start day and time, and working out the method of payment.
Tell the contractor how you plan to pay to ensure that your contractor will accept the method of payment. Find out what you need to do to be prepared for your upcoming home remodel. Your contractor may need the garage cleaned or emptied, the car moved out, and so on.
Contact Wilmington Overhead Door for Garage Door Opener Replacement
Get started with your garage door opener replacement today! Contact Wilmington Overhead Door to find out more about our rates, our products and to get your project down on the schedule.
Key Takeaways:
Garage Door Opener Theft:
- A stolen garage remote can give intruders easy access to your garage and potentially your home.
- The first step after discovering the remote is missing is to contact the police and possibly your insurance provider.
- Reprogramming your garage door opener immediately can prevent the stolen remote from working.
- Refer to your manufacturer’s manual or a professional technician to safely change your opener’s access codes.
- While waiting for a replacement remote, you may need to operate your garage door manually using proper safety precautions.
- To prevent future thefts, avoid leaving your garage remote visible in your car.
- Consider upgrading to a smart garage door opener like OHD Anywhere, which allows secure control via your smartphone.
- Smart garage systems often include enhanced security features such as two-factor authentication and encrypted communication.
- Strengthening your garage’s perimeter with locks, sensors, and surveillance can further deter break-ins.
- Acting quickly and updating your security setup can help you regain peace of mind and protect your property.
Garage Door Opener Replacement:
- A faulty garage door opener can be a major inconvenience and even a safety risk.
- Start by researching local contractors with strong reputations, professional websites, and a full range of services.
- Always get at least two or three quotes to compare pricing, warranties, and product quality.
- Carefully review each bid to understand the opener models and services being offered.
- Before hiring, contact references to confirm satisfaction with previous work and contractor reliability.
- Once you choose a contractor, confirm payment methods, schedule details, and prepare your garage for installation.
- Replacing a lost or broken garage door remote is easier than you might think—and often something homeowners can do on their own.
- Always check your garage door opener’s manual or the manufacturer’s website to see if a direct replacement remote is available.
- You’ll need your remote’s model number (often found on the remote or the motor unit) to order the correct replacement.
- Universal garage door remotes are available and can work with many brands, but they must be programmed correctly and may not be compatible with every model.
- If you’re unsure about compatibility or can’t find the right remote, a garage door professional can help source the correct option for you.
- When replacing a remote, clear the opener’s memory and reprogram it to ensure proper functionality.
- Always test your new remote and replace its batteries as needed, following instructions from the manufacturer or the remote packaging.
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Sources:
This Old House, “How to Stop Garage Break-ins” https://www.thisoldhouse.com/home-safety/21015608/how-to-stop-garage-break-ins#:~:text=Reinforcing%20the%20Main%20Garage%20Door,your%20current%20one%20is%20outdated