Have you misplaced your garage door remote? Or perhaps you know exactly where you left it and it’s now missing. In either case, it’s best to assume worst case scenario which is someone else has obtained your remote.
Fortunately, all is not lost. If you act quickly, you can ensure you and your belongings stay safe from unwanted guests. If you’re at home, immediately disable your garage door opener. You can either do this by unplugging the power or on newer models check for a switch that disables wireless remotes. Most openers will have a small colored button near the motor that will reset all remotes if held down for a few seconds. Consult your owner’s manual or call a garage door repair company if you’re not sure.
Reprogramming Garage Door Remotes
The good news is that once you reset your remote codes and re-program them, the stolen remote is useless and can’t be used to enter your garage. If you’re using an old-style garage door opener that is not programmable, then you should immediately contact a garage door technician for assistance in replacing the opener. Most repair companies offer 24/7 service. Because this is an emergency, you should consider opting for a replacement immediately.
If you’re not able to immediately replace the opener, you should at least keep it disabled and ensure your interior garage door is locked. It’s also a good idea to remove all important belongings out of your garage. In addition, consider reporting the theft to your local authorities.
Avoiding Garage Theft
We know most homeowners prefer to clip their garage door remotes to their car visor. While convenient, it is not recommended from a safety standpoint. You should treat your remote like you do your house keys – keep them safe and outside of plain view always.