There is a common scenario in every household: you dig through a junk drawer, find an old universal remote that looks perfect, but the brand logo has rubbed off completely.
Without the brand name, you can’t find the manual. Without the manual, you can’t find the codes. The remote is essentially a paperweight.
Before you throw it away, you should know that almost all “generic” remotes are actually made by just a few major manufacturers. Even if the logo is gone, the “fingerprints” of the manufacturer are still there if you know where to look.
Here is how to identify a mystery remote so you can finally find the right programming guide.
1. Check the Battery Compartment (The Hidden Label)
This seems obvious, but many people miss it. Manufacturers often hide the model number sticker inside the battery casing to prevent it from rubbing off.
- Remove the battery cover.
- Take the batteries out completely.
- Look for a white or silver sticker on the plastic floor of the compartment.
- Look for a code starting with “Model:”, “P/N:”, or “UR”.
If you find a code like RCR311, a quick Google search will reveal it is an RCA remote. If you see UR5U, it is likely a standard Cable/Telecom remote.
[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER: Photo of an open battery compartment with the batteries removed, zooming in on a small sticker inside.]
2. The “FCC ID” Search (The Pro Method)
If there is no model number, look for the FCC ID.
By law, any device that emits radio signals (including many modern remotes) must register with the Federal Communications Commission. This ID is usually printed on the back of the case or molded into the plastic inside the battery cover.
- The Format: It usually looks like
FCC ID: [Three or Five Characters] - [More Characters]. - The Search: Go to the official FCC ID Search website or just type that code into Google.
- The Result: This will pull up the original factory filing documents, which will tell you the exact manufacturer (e.g., “Universal Electronics Inc”) and often includes a PDF of the user manual!
3. Use Google Lens (Visual Search)
If there are no stickers or numbers anywhere, you can use visual recognition.
- Place the remote on a plain white background (like a sheet of paper).
- Open the Google app on your phone and tap the camera icon (Google Lens).
- Take a photo of the remote.
- Google will scan the button layout and shape, then show you images of visually similar remotes.
Why this works: Remote molds are expensive to make. A “generic” brand sold at a dollar store often uses the exact same physical plastic shell as a branded “GE” or “Philips” remote. If the buttons match exactly, the programming codes usually match too.
4. Analyze the Button Layout (The “Shift” Key Clue)
Specific button labels are often the signature of a specific brand. Look closely at the special function keys:
- “Setup” Button: If your remote has a dedicated button labeled “SETUP” (usually at the top), it is almost certainly made by UEI (Universal Electronics Inc). These are often rebranded as One For All, Comcast, or Insignia.
- “Code Search” Button: If you see a button explicitly labeled “Code Search,” it is likely an older RCA or GEmodel.
- “Magic” Button: A button labeled “Magic” (often with a hat icon) is the trademark of One For All remotes.
Personal Experience: The “Acellories” Mystery
I once found a cheap, rubberized remote with absolutely no writing on it. Using the Google Lens method, I found it looked identical to a brand called “Acellories.”
It turned out that many budget remotes sold at gas stations and discount bins share the same internal chipsets. By using the codes for that obscure brand, I got it working.
- If you think you might have one of these odd budget remotes, check my guide on [how to find Acellories universal remote codes].
Conclusion
Just because the logo is faded doesn’t mean the remote is broken. The FCC ID and Battery Compartment are your best friends for identifying the hardware. Once you have identified the brand (or a look-alike brand), you can start the programming process.