When your garage door opener starts acting up—maybe the remote stops working, the keypad malfunctions, or your system needs a security refresh—resetting the opener is usually the best first step. If you own a Craftsman garage door opener, you’re in luck. Most Craftsman models are user-friendly, and resetting them is straightforward—especially if your model includes the red “Learn” button.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to reset garage door opener with red button Craftsman models, explain why you may need to perform a reset, and give you helpful tips to reprogram your remotes, keypads, and in-car openers.
How To Reset Garage Door Opener With Red Button Craftsman – Step-by-Step Process
If your Craftsman garage door opener features a red “Learn” button, it means you’re working with a system that uses Security+ technology—a trusted standard for safe and secure operation. Resetting this type of opener clears stored remote and keypad codes and allows you to start fresh with your programming.
Read too: Craftsman Garage Door Keypad Not Working? Here’s How to Troubleshoot and Fix It
Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Locate the Red “Learn” Button
The red button is usually found:
- On the back or side of the garage door opener motor unit.
- Under a light cover (you may need to slide it open).
- Marked with “Learn” beside or above the button.
The red button identifies an earlier generation of Craftsman openers that are still widely used today.
Step 2: Erase All Existing Codes
To perform a full reset and remove all remotes, keypads, and HomeLink devices:
- Press and hold the red “Learn” button on the motor unit.
- Hold it for 6 to 10 seconds until the LED light next to the button turns off.
- Release the button. This clears all previously programmed devices from memory.
🔄 Note: After this step, no remote or keypad will be able to operate the door until it’s reprogrammed.
Step 3: Reprogram Your Remote Control
Now that the memory has been wiped, reprogram the remotes:
- Press the red Learn button once (not hold).
- Within 30 seconds, press and hold the button on your remote control.
- The motor light will blink or click once, indicating successful programming.
- Release the remote button.
Repeat for all additional remotes.
Step 4: Reprogram the Keypad
If you use a Craftsman wireless keypad:
- Press the red Learn button on the motor unit once.
- Within 30 seconds, enter your new 4-digit PIN on the keypad.
- Press and hold the Enter button until the opener light blinks or you hear a click.
- Release the button and test the keypad.
Step 5: Test the System
Check all programmed devices (remotes and keypads) to ensure they now work with the opener. If they do, congratulations—you’ve successfully reset your Craftsman garage door opener using the red Learn button.
Why Reset a Craftsman Garage Door Opener With a Red Button?
There are several valid reasons to reset your garage door opener:
- Lost or stolen remote: Prevent unauthorized access to your home.
- Malfunctioning keypad: A reset often fixes connectivity or response issues.
- Moving into a new home: Clear all old codes from previous owners.
- Adding new remotes: Ensures fresh and secure pairing.
- Intermittent performance: Resetting often resolves glitches caused by power surges or interference.
Understanding how to reset garage door opener with red button Craftsman is part of good home security and garage maintenance.
Troubleshooting Common Reset Issues
Even though the reset process is simple, you might run into hiccups. Here are some quick fixes:
Remote Still Doesn’t Work After Reset
- Make sure you pressed the red button once before pairing.
- Check the remote battery—a weak battery may not signal properly.
- Be within 5 feet of the opener during programming.
Keypad Not Pairing
- Ensure the keypad is compatible with your Craftsman opener.
- Double-check your PIN entry and press Enter firmly.
- Some models require pressing # before entering the code.
Garage Door Opener Light Doesn’t Blink
- Confirm the motor is receiving power.
- The lightbulb may be burned out—listen for a clicking sound instead.
How to Identify Your Craftsman Opener Model and Compatibility
Not all Craftsman openers use a red Learn button. The Learn button color indicates the generation of the opener:
- Red: Security+ (early models)
- Purple: Security+ 315MHz
- Yellow: Security+ 2.0
- Green/Orange: Legacy models
If yours has a red Learn button, this guide applies directly to your setup. Models like 139.53600, 139.53985D, 139.53778 often include this button.
Benefits of Resetting and Reprogramming Regularly
Resetting your garage door opener isn’t just for fixing problems—it also boosts safety and keeps your system performing at its best.
Here’s why:
- Enhanced security: Prevents old devices from opening your door.
- Better organization: Know exactly which remotes and keypads are in use.
- Cleaner performance: Resets often clear system glitches or bugs.
- Peace of mind: You control who has access to your garage.
How to Maintain a Craftsman Opener With a Red Button
To extend the lifespan of your opener and keep resets to a minimum:
- Change remote/keypad batteries annually.
- Lubricate the door tracks and chains or belts.
- Check sensor alignment every few months.
- Update light bulbs with compatible ones (use non-LED for older models to prevent interference).
- Keep the antenna straight and unobstructed for better remote reception.
When to Upgrade Instead of Resetting
Although resetting helps resolve many issues, it might be time to upgrade your system if:
- Your opener lacks safety sensors (required after 1993).
- You want to control the opener via smartphone (e.g., MyQ).
- The opener is no longer responsive even after multiple resets.
- The unit makes loud, grinding noises or shows signs of wear.
Modern garage door openers offer Wi-Fi connectivity, battery backup, and improved safety features that older red-button Craftsman models may lack.
FAQs: How To Reset Garage Door Opener With Red Button Craftsman
Q: How many remotes can I program to a Craftsman opener?
A: Most models allow up to 4–6 remote devices. After that, programming a new one may replace the oldest stored code.
Q: Will resetting the opener affect my vehicle’s HomeLink system?
A: Yes. After a reset, you’ll need to reprogram your in-car HomeLink system like any other remote.
Q: Can I reset the opener without a ladder?
A: You’ll need to access the motor unit, which usually requires a ladder. Always use proper safety precautions.
Conclusion: Why Knowing How To Reset Garage Door Opener With Red Button Craftsman Matters
Resetting a Craftsman garage door opener with a red Learn button is a quick and effective way to troubleshoot problems, enhance home security, and maintain control over who has access to your garage. With just a few steps—locating the red button, clearing the memory, and reprogramming remotes—you can restore your system to like-new performance.
Whether you’re a new homeowner, dealing with lost remotes, or just want peace of mind, mastering this simple process can save time, money, and stress.
So next time you encounter a garage door that won’t respond, remember: the fix may be as easy as pressing a red button.