If you need a replacement remote for your LiftMaster garage door opener – whether because your old remote is lost, broken, or you just want an extra one – there are several convenient places to purchase one. In this article, we’ll cover the best sources for genuine LiftMaster remotes (and compatible alternatives), what to check before buying to ensure compatibility, and some tips to get the right remote for your opener.
Best Places to Buy Replacement LiftMaster Remotes
1. LiftMaster’s Official Website:
One direct option is to buy from the manufacturer’s website or an authorized retailer. LiftMaster (through the Chamberlain Group) sells remotes and accessories on their official site. You can find various models of remotes – from basic one-button remotes to multi-button and universal remotes – listed with their prices. Buying directly can assure you that you’re getting a genuine product. For example, LiftMaster offers a 2-button universal remote (model 380UT) that is advertised to be compatible with all LiftMaster openers made since 1993.
The official pricing for remotes on their site typically ranges from around $30 to $50 depending on the model (one-button remotes on LiftMaster’s site might be about $25-30, while a universal remote control is around $40). The site also provides a compatibility chart or tool – you can input your opener model or the color of your “Learn” button to confirm which remotes will work. Once you know the model you need, you can order it online and have it shipped to you. Alternatively, the site can direct you to local dealers that carry that remote.
2. Authorized LiftMaster Dealers and Garage Door Service Companies:
If you prefer to get a remote quickly or want some help programming it, you can buy through a local LiftMaster dealer or garage door service company. Authorized dealers often stock common LiftMaster remote models for the openers they sell. You might pay a few dollars more than online, but you have the benefit of immediate pickup and advice. For instance, if you walk into a garage door service shop, they can help identify the right remote by asking your opener’s model or year.
Many dealers also carry universal remotes that are compatible with LiftMaster (and other brands), which is handy if the exact original remote isn’t available. Buying local also ensures you get a legitimate unit (beware of very cheap knock-off remotes sold in some places; a dealer will provide the real thing). Plus, if you’re already having a technician out for service, you can ask them to bring and program a new remote as part of the service call.
3. Home Improvement and Hardware Stores:
Large retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, Menards, and even some Ace or True Value hardware stores often carry garage door opener remotes in their stores or online catalogs. Usually, the remotes you find at these stores are either Chamberlain-branded (for the DIY market) or universal remotes that work with multiple brands (Chamberlain makes a universal remote that can be programmed for LiftMaster, as do a few third-party brands). These universal remotes are typically clearly labeled with what openers they support.
Since LiftMaster and Chamberlain technology is closely related, a Chamberlain universal remote almost always can be programmed to a LiftMaster opener (the packaging will list “works with LiftMaster, Chamberlain, Craftsman, etc.”). For example, big box stores sell Chamberlain’s universal remote model KLIK5U or similar, which can control two doors and is compatible with LiftMaster Security+ and Security+ 2.0 systems. Prices in-store are competitive; you might find basic remotes in the $30 range. The advantage of a store purchase is convenience – you can often get one the same day. The store’s website will often allow filtering by brand compatibility, so searching “LiftMaster remote” on Home Depot’s site, for instance, will show you what fits.
4. Online Marketplaces (Amazon, eBay, etc.):
Online shopping offers perhaps the widest selection. On Amazon, you can find genuine LiftMaster remotes (sold by Chamberlain Group or authorized resellers) as well as third-party compatible remotes. Amazon often has the popular models like the LiftMaster 893LM (3-button remote for Security+ 2.0 openers) or the older 373LM (3-button for Security+ 315MHz openers), etc. Be sure to check that the seller is reputable and that the product is described as new and compatible with your opener.
There are also some off-brand remotes on sites like Amazon and eBay that are cheaper, but use caution: while many of these knock-off remotes do work fine (they essentially clone the signal), they may not have the same build quality or warranty. If you want to ensure longevity and security, sticking to LiftMaster/Chamberlain branded remotes is recommended. On eBay, you might find deals on used or new-old-stock remotes for older openers, but again, verify compatibility.
5. Walmart and Other Retailers:
Places like Best Buy and Walmart also carry garage door remotes, primarily through their online stores or in the automotive section. For instance, Walmart’s website has LiftMaster remotes and often the Chamberlain universals as well. These can sometimes be ordered for pickup at a local store. Pricing is similar to other retail channels – occasionally you might catch a sale or rollback on these items.
In summary, the most convenient route for many is either ordering online (Amazon or the LiftMaster store) or picking one up at a local hardware retailer. If you are in a hurry or unsure, a local garage door dealer is very helpful but might cost slightly more for the service provided.
Compatibility Tips: Getting the Right Remote
Before you click “buy” on any remote, you need to make sure that remote will work with your particular model of LiftMaster opener. Here are some tips:
- Learn Button Color / Opener Model: LiftMaster openers use a few different radio frequencies and protocols depending on the age. A quick way to determine what kind of remote you need is to check the color of the Learn button on your opener (the Learn button is on the motor unit where you program remotes). Generally:
- If the Learn button is Yellow (and the opener was made ~2011 or later), you have a Security+ 2.0 system (310/315/390 MHz tri-band). You need remotes labeled Security+ 2.0. For example, the LiftMaster 893LM (or 893MAX) 3-button remote is compatible with these. In fact, it will often say “for openers with a yellow learn button” on the packaging.
- If the Learn button is Purple (or maybe burgundy/red on some units) and the opener is from the 2000s, you likely have a Security+ system at 315 MHz. Remotes like the LiftMaster 371LM/373LM (315 MHz) will work, or the newer MAX series which are backward compatible.
- If the Learn button is Red/Orange (common on 1990s units), that was the older Security+ at 390 MHz. Remotes like 971LM/973LM work for those, or again the MAX series universal ones.
- If your opener is extremely old (pre-1993) with dip switches, then you’d use a 390 MHz dip-switch remote. However, since all openers since 1993 use the rolling code, chances are any LiftMaster still in operation will use one of the above Learn button systems. (If you do have a very old dip-switch LiftMaster, Chamberlain still makes a universal remote that can learn those codes too.)
LiftMaster’s MAX series remotes (890MAX, 893MAX, etc.) are designed to be universal across their older systems. So if you’re unsure, getting an 893MAX (or Chamberlain equivalent model) usually covers all LiftMaster openers from 1993 onward by autodetecting the frequency. The 380UT two-button universal remote mentioned earlier is another option that explicitly works with all LiftMaster generations.
- Number of Buttons: Decide how many buttons you need. A 3-button remote can control up to three garage doors (or gate openers), which is great if you have multiple LiftMaster openers on different doors, or if you want to also program it to a gate. If you only have one door, a 1-button remote is sufficient (and often a bit cheaper). There are also keychain remotes (like the LiftMaster 890MAX) which are small 3-button fobs that go on a keyring – convenient if you want to carry it with you.
- Programming: After buying your remote, you’ll have to program it to your opener. This is usually a simple process: you press the Learn button on the opener, then press the button on the remote, and the opener should click or flash to confirm. Details will be in the little instruction sheet that comes with the remote. If you bought from a dealer or store, you can ask them to walk you through it. It’s quite easy and takes under a minute in most cases. (If you have a car with HomeLink, consider programming that as well so you have both options – we covered that in a previous section.)
- Consider a Keypad: As an aside, if you’re shopping for remotes, you might also consider a LiftMaster wireless keypad if you don’t have one. Keypads (mounted outside your garage to open via PIN code) are another useful accessory. They are also available from the same sources mentioned above. Make sure to get one that is compatible with your opener (keypads also follow the same frequency generations).
Conclusion
LiftMaster garage door remotes are widely available, and you have multiple choices for where to buy one. The official LiftMaster site or a local dealer guarantees you get the right item, while hardware stores and online marketplaces offer convenience and potentially lower prices. The key is to verify the compatibility – match the remote to your opener’s model or learn-button color to ensure it will communicate properly. Thankfully, LiftMaster and its parent company Chamberlain make this easier by clearly labeling remotes and offering universal models for older systems. With a new remote in hand, you’ll regain the convenience of effortlessly opening your garage door and have peace of mind knowing you have a backup if one gets lost or broken.
