How to Program an RCA Universal Remote to an Element TV – Easy Steps

Last Updated on November 1, 2023 by Jhonni Jets

Using a universal remote control is an easy way to reduce remote clutter and simplify your home entertainment system. RCA makes quality, affordable universal remotes that can be programmed to control your Element TV plus other devices like soundbars, Blu-ray players and more.

Programming an RCA universal remote to work with an Element TV only takes a few minutes. Once setup is complete, the RCA remote will be able to power on/off, change channels, adjust volume and access menus for your Element television.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll outline the step-by-step process for programming both older and newer RCA universal remote models to control Element TVs.

Benefits of a Universal Remote

Here are some of the top benefits of using a universal remote for your Element TV:

• Convenience – Control TV and other devices from one remote instead of flipping between multiple remotes.
• Reduced Clutter – Declutter your living room by consolidating all remotes into one.
• Affordability – Universal remotes are very budget-friendly compared to brand name remote replacements.
• Lost Remote Replacement – Easily replace lost TV remotes without having to purchase directly from the TV manufacturer.
• Extra Features – Many universal remotes add useful functions like programmable macros and backlit buttons.
• Reprogrammable – Remotes can be reprogrammed if you get a new TV, streamer or other device.

With an RCA universal remote programmed for your Element TV, you’ll enjoy smoother control and fewer headaches caused by multiple remotes.

Preparing to Program

Programming your RCA universal remote will require having access to the original Element TV remote. Before getting started, here are a few tips for preparing:

• Locate Element Remote – You’ll need your Element TV remote handy to pair functions during programming. Make sure the batteries are fresh.
• Gather RCA Remote – Have your RCA universal remote nearby. Any RCA universal remote model can be programmed to an Element TV.
• Check RCA Battery – Universal remotes require good batteries to maintain programming. Replace dead batteries beforehand.
• Position Remotes – Sit in front of your Element TV with both remotes readily accessible as you program.
• Lookup Model Number – It can be helpful to lookup your exact Element TV model number before programming.

Once you’ve got both remotes ready, you can move on to programming using either the simple code search method or automatic code detection depending on your RCA remote model.

Method 1: Code Search (3 and 4 Digit RCA Remotes)

If you have an older RCA universal remote with 3 or 4 digits on the face, you’ll program it using the manual code search method. Here are the steps:

1. Turn on your Element TV.
2. On the RCA remote, press and hold the SETUP button until the LED flashes twice.
3. Enter 991 using number buttons – this puts remote in programming mode.
4. Use number buttons to enter a 3 or 4-digit code from the TV code list (see below).
5. Test if code works by pressing POWER – if TV turns off, it worked! If not, try next code.
6. Once code is accepted, press SETUP to lock in programming.

For a list of common RCA programming codes for Element TVs, consult the Reference section at the bottom of this guide.

With 3-4 digit RCA universal remotes, you’ll need to slowly test through codes one-by-one until finding the one that controls your Element TV.

Method 2: Automatic Code Search (RCR3273 or RCR3273Z Models)

Newer RCA remotes like the RCR3273 and RCR3273Z have an automatic code search feature that detects the right code for your Element TV instead of needing to manually enter codes.

To use the automatic code search:

1. Turn on your Element TV.
2. Press and hold SETUP until the LED flashes twice.
3. Enter 991 using number buttons.
4. Press 1. The LED will flash while it searches codes.
5. Point remote at TV and press POWER once the LED stays lit. If TV turns off, it worked! If not, press 2 and repeat.
6. Once code is accepted, press SETUP to lock in programming.

This automated process tests through all possible RCA codes for your Element TV and indicates once the correct one is identified – much faster and easier than manual code entry.

Method 3: Direct Code Entry (RCR412BN Model)

Some newer RCA remotes like the RCR412BN have preprogrammed Element TV codes built-in that can be accessed through direct code entry.

For direct code entry:

1. Turn on your Element TV.
2. Press and hold SETUP until LED blinks twice.
3. Enter code 11758 using number buttons.
4. Press POWER – if TV responds, code entry succeeded!

No guessing or code searching is required with direct code entry models. The programming steps are quick and seamless.

Syncing Additional Buttons

Once the basic RCA remote functions are working, you may want to program additional buttons like menu navigation, volume and input.

To sync other buttons:

1. Turn Element TV and RCA remote on.
2. Press and hold SETUP on the RCA remote until LED flashes twice.
3. Press the button on the Element remote you want to sync.
4. Press same button on RCA remote to sync the function.
5. Repeat steps 3-4 to program other buttons.
6. Press SETUP once finished to exit programming.

Take time to sync over useful Element TV functions you’ll want while using the universal RCA remote.

Troubleshooting Tips

If running into issues getting your RCA remote to control basic TV functions, here are some troubleshooting tips:

• Try fresh batteries in both remotes. Low battery power can prevent programming.
• Point remotes directly at each other when programming to optimize the infrared signal transfer.
• Try cycling power on the TV and remote after each programming attempt.
• Visually verify you’re entering the 3, 4 or 5 digit codes correctly during programming.
• Try rapidly toggling through codes. Faster code input improves accuracy.
• If using automatic code search, repeat the process in case detection failed on initial attempt.
• Factory reset the RCA remote and reprogram from scratch for a clean slate.

With some focus and patience, you should be able to get an RCA universal remote programmed for flawless Element TV control.

Enjoy Your Programmed Remote

Once you’ve followed the programming process detailed in this guide, your RCA universal remote will be ready to fully operate your Element TV!

You’ll be able to power the TV on and off, switch input sources, adjust volume levels, access settings menus and change channels seamlessly. Reduce the remote clutter and simplify your home entertainment setup with an RCA universal solution.

Reference: RCA Codes for Element TVs

Here is a handy reference list of common RCA programming codes that work with Element TV models:

• 0178, 10178, 20178, 50178
• 0660, 10463, 20463, 50463
• 1563
• 0073, 10073, 20073, 50073

Try inputting these codes during the programming process outlined earlier in this guide. One of them will allow your RCA remote to control the core functions of your Element television.

Conclusion

Programming an RCA universal remote to operate an Element TV is quick and straightforward. Following the step-by-step instructions in this guide, you can easily setup your RCA remote to replace the Element factory remote using either manual code search, automatic code detection or direct code entry depending on your model.

Key takeaways:

• Prep both remotes before programming by checking batteries and having Element remote accessible.
• Use code search, automatic detection or direct code input to identify the programming code.
• Test basic remote functions like power, volume and channel changing.
• Sync additional buttons for menu navigation, media controls and more.
• Troubleshoot programming issues with battery checks, infrared positioning and code verification.

With your RCA universal remote ready to command your Element TV, you can conveniently consolidate multiple remotes down to just one. This simplifies your home entertainment system and makes it easy to control all devices from a single, intuitive smart remote.