If you have one of our Universal Genie Remotes, you may notice the light at top flashing slowly. I’m not talking about when it’s in use. Sometimes the battery will just flash slowly for no reason. If you’re the sort of person who is prone to being a little paranoid, it might spook you a little bit. After all, you just never know, right?
Here’s why it happens
Not to worry, this is just an indication that the batteries are getting weak. DIRECTV Genie remotes will last a very long time on batteries. On average they can last 8-9 months with normal use. I have ones that I use as spares that have lasted years on one set of batteries. The batteries last so long that it’s sometimes hard to remember that they might ever need replacing.
That’s why DIRECTV puts in this flashing light in so you know what’s going on. Here’s what DIRECTV’s own support page has to say on the subject:
Batteries and Receiver Input Setting
To test battery strength, press and hold any button on your remote. If you see:
• A solid green light – the batteries are strong.
• A fast blinking green light – the batteries are okay but may need to be replaced soon.
• A slow, blinking green light or no light – your remote needs new batteries. Remove the battery cover and insert two new AA batteries.
It’s easy to do
Just open up the battery hatch at the back of the remote by sliding it down and replace the batteries with AAs. You may have to put a little force into sliding the back hatch off… it can be very tight.
Put a pair of new batteries in. It’s not necessary to use fancy long-life or lithium ones, any old batteries will do. Then slide the hatch back in place.
How to avoid the problem entirely
One of the nice things about the Genie remote is that you can have more than one in the room. There’s no published maximum number of remotes but several folks in user forums have said that you can’t have more than 8 remotes attached to the same device. Keeping a few spare remotes can eliminate any anxiety having to do with changing batteries out. Just switch to another remote if one of them doesn’t work, and then change the remote when you have a few minutes to do it.
Of course, you can get remotes from Solid Signal at a great price. These are the genuine DIRECTV remotes that are sold at big box stores for $25 or more. I suggest stocking up on them. They’re great to have around. If you have any questions on how to set them up, check out our Ultimate Guide to DIRECTV Remotes. If that still isn’t enough information for you, get advice from the experts! Trained technicians from Solid Signal are available during East Coast business hours! Call 888-233-7563 and you’ll reach our corporate offices in Novi, Michigan. We’re here to help with free support before, during, and after the sale. Call, or if it’s after hours just fill out the form below. We’ll get back to you, usually within one business day.
