Remote Not Learning
Craftsman Garage Door Opener
Severity:What Does This Error Mean?
Craftsman openers use the same learn button system as Chamberlain. Press the coloured button on the back of the motor head once, then press the remote button within 30 seconds. Match the colour of the learn button to a compatible remote frequency.
How to Fix It
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Climb a ladder and locate the learn button on the back of the Craftsman motor head, near the antenna. The button is purple, yellow, red, orange, or green depending on year and frequency.
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Match the colour of the button to a compatible remote. Yellow learn buttons take Security+ 2.0 (yellow) remotes. Orange or red take older Security+ (orange/red) remotes. Purple is Billion Code, used on older units.
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Press and release the learn button once. The learn LED next to it will light for 30 seconds. Within that window, press and release the remote button you want to use to operate the door.
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Listen for two clicks from the opener or watch for the courtesy light to flash twice — confirmation that the pair was successful. Test by pressing the remote at a normal distance.
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If the LED never lights when you press learn, the receiver board may have failed. If the LED lights but the remote does not pair, you have either the wrong remote colour, a dead battery in the remote, or full receiver memory. Hold the learn button for 6 seconds to clear all remotes and start fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any Chamberlain remote with my Craftsman opener?
Yes, as long as the colour and frequency match. A yellow Chamberlain remote pairs with a yellow Craftsman/Chamberlain learn button. A red or orange Chamberlain remote pairs with a red or orange learn button.
How do I find my old learn button colour without a ladder?
Use a phone camera with flash to take a photo of the back of the opener. The learn button is the only coloured button next to the antenna wire. Compare the colour to your remote.
What if my Craftsman opener does not have a learn button?
Very old Craftsman openers (pre-1993) used DIP switches instead of a learn button — there are 8-12 small switches inside the remote and the opener that must be set to the same pattern. These openers should be replaced for safety reasons.