Genie’s Intellicode technology (rolling-code remotes) was introduced in 1995. Here are some tips if you have an older Genie opener or are mixing new remotes with old units:
- Identifying Older vs Newer Genie Openers: If your opener was made in 1995 or later, it likely uses Intellicode security (and has a learn/program button). If it’s branded as “Intellicode” or Series II electronics, it is compatible with all the Genie remotes discussed here. If your opener is from the 1980s or early 90s and has a bank of DIP switches for coding (and no learn button), it is a pre-Intellicode model. Common older Genie models with DIP switches include the GT90 series, AT85, or any labeled CodeDODGER/9 Switch, etc. These will not work with Intellicode remotes since they use fixed codes.
- Using New Remotes on Older (Pre-1995) Openers: You have a couple of options to modernize a classic DIP-switch Genie:
(a) Get a Genie Master Remote (GM3T) – This is a special 3-button remote that can operate nearly all Genie openers ever made, including Intellicode and older 9- or 12-switch models. The Genie Master remote has a programming mode to learn the older fixed codes or the newer rolling codes, making it a universal Genie clicker.
(b) Install a Universal Receiver kit: Genie (and third-party manufacturers) offer external radio receivers that can be wired into your old opener. For example, you can add a Genie Intellicode receiver or a dual-frequency universal receiver. This receiver learns the new remote, and then triggers your old opener via its pushbutton terminals. It effectively upgrades your old opener to accept modern remotes (and often gives you rolling-code security).
(c) Use the original style remote: Of course, you can also seek out replacement DIP switch remotes (they still exist as aftermarket replacements) set to the same switch pattern as your opener. However, these lack the security of rolling codes and generally have limited range and interference protection. - Intellicode I vs Intellicode II: In Genie literature, you might see reference to Intellicode 1 and 2. All this means is that around 2011 Genie introduced an updated rolling code system (Intellicode II), but importantly Intellicode II is backward-compatible with Intellicode I. There is no user action needed to “choose” a mode – any Genie Intellicode remote will work with any Intellicode opener. The differences are internal and affect things like encryption, but they don’t change how you program the remotes. In fact, Genie’s latest remotes are designed to auto-seek the correct frequency (315 or 390 MHz) and code needed for the opener. So if you buy a new Genie remote today (like the G3T-R or G1T-BX), it can operate an Intellicode opener from 1995 just as easily as one from 2023 – you program it with the same steps above. The only minor caveat: very early Intellicode openers (1995–1997) sometimes recognize only the first two button positions of newer multi-button remotes. Genie notes that for those oldest units, you should use one of the top two buttons on a 3-button remote when programming. (The bottom button on a Genie 3-button remote may not work on the oldest receivers, but using the other buttons bypasses this quirk.)
- Replacing Discontinued Older Remotes: If you have an old remote model (e.g., ACSCTG Type 1, 2, or 3 – these were Genie’s original Intellicode remotes in various styles – or the old “Teardrop” shaped Genie Intellicode remotes like GIT-1, GIT-2, GIT-3), you can replace them with the newer models easily. The G1T-BX 1-button remote is a common replacement for the vintage ACSCTG Type 1 keychain remote. The G3T-R 3-button remote replaces the 2-button and 3-button versions (Type 2 and 3) that Genie used to sell. Programming the new remote to your opener is the same process (learn button, etc.), since the radio tech is the same Intellicode system. The old remote model numbers like GIT-1, G2T-2, etc., are largely obsolete – but as long as your opener has the learn code feature, a modern Genie Intellicode remote will sync with it.
- Older Intellicode Keypads and Accessories: This guide is focused on handheld remotes, but note that Genie’s wireless keypads and wall consoles also changed over time. If you have an old Intellicode keypad, it can usually be programmed to a new opener and vice versa, with similar limitations as remotes (memory limits, compatibility with Intellicode only). Should you need to reset a keypad PIN or program a new keypad, Genie provides separate instructions for those (and typically the keypad must also be learned to the opener like a remote). Keep in mind that clearing the opener’s memory (as in the reset section above) will also remove any keypad, so you’d reprogram that too afterwards.
- General Maintenance Tip: If your Genie opener is an older unit, be patient during programming – some older receivers take a bit longer to respond when learning a code. And always perform periodic maintenance on the opener (lubrication, balance tests, etc.) as described in its manual. A well-maintained opener is less likely to suffer issues that might be mistakenly attributed to the remote.
By following this guide, you should be able to program and troubleshoot most Genie garage door opener remotes – from the latest models to legacy units. Enjoy the convenience of your Genie remote system!
