How to Program a DISH Network Remote to Your TV

Madeline Gearheart

Oct 15, 2025

New customers, don’t worry about programming your DISH TV remote—it works with your new Hopper DVR receiver right out of the box.

Want to cut down on device clutter? The DISH remote is universal. Use the second set of instructions to program your DISH remote to your TV, streaming box, DVD/Blu-ray player, sound bar, or all the above.

If your remote loses its connection to the receiver, try resetting your DISH remote to fix the problem. If you still have connection issues, you can reprogram your DISH remote following these steps.

How to Program Your DISH Remote Control to TVs & More

If you have a newer remote

Usually models 40.0 or higher and included with Hopper, Joey, and Wally receivers.

If your remote has a HOME button, press it twice. If your remote doesn’t have a HOME button, press MENU once.
Select Settings, then navigate to and select Remote Control.
Under DEVICES, select the one you want to pair with your DISH remote control. If you don’t see the device you want, make sure it’s properly connected to your receiver or TV.
Select the Pairing Wizard to finish programming your DISH TV remote. The wizard will show step-by-step instructions right on your TV screen.
Test the new connection by giving your newly paired device a few commands. If things don’t seem right yet, try pairing again with a different code. Multiple pairing codes might work.

If you have an older remote

Usually models 32.0 or lower and included with ViP receivers.

Point your DISH remote control at the device you want to pair.
Press and hold the mode button that corresponds with the device type (TV, DVD, or AUX) until all four mode buttons light up. Then release the button and wait for it to start blinking.
Press and release the Power button on your remote. When the blinking changes to a solid light, proceed to the next step.
Press the Up arrow on your remote and wait a few seconds. If the device you’re pairing turns off, proceed to the next step. If it stays on, continue pressing Up every few seconds until it turns off.
When your device turns off, press the pound button (#) to save the pairing. Wait for the mode button you selected to flash three times, and the pairing should be complete.
Test the new connection by giving your newly paired device a few commands. If things don’t seem right yet, try pairing again or call customer service at 1-800-333-3474, open 7 days a week until midnight ET.

Can I Program My DISH Remote without a Code?

No, you need pairing codes to program any DISH remote control to work with your TV or media player. However, the Pairing Wizard on newer DISH remotes provides on-screen instructions and partially automates the code-finding process, making it a much smoother experience. To upgrade to a newer DISH remote control or receiver, call DISH customer service at 1-800-333-3474.

Still Having Problems with Your Remote?

After following these steps, your DISH remote should be all set up.

If you’re still having trouble with your remote, however, your issue probably doesn’t have to do with programming. A remote that responds to nothing is a receiver-connection problem, not a device-pairing problem.

Here’s what to do if your remote is still not connecting:

First, reset your DISH remote.
If resetting doesn’t solve the issue, check out our troubleshooting guide to rule out other potential problems.
Remote still not connecting? Talk with a member of DISH support at 1-800-333-3474. DISH customer service is available to help 7 days a week until midnight ET.

Haven’t signed up for DISH yet? Shop plans and call to schedule installation as soon as tomorrow.