Over the years, I’ve handled countless universal remotes, and I can spot a well-designed one immediately. The One For All Evolve 4 (URC 7145) is exactly that—a robust, intelligent remote built to command up to four different audio/video devices. It strikes a perfect balance between user-friendly setup for beginners and a deep well of customization options for enthusiasts, such as the Learning feature.
Find Your ONE FOR ALL Remote Control Codes
Before we dive in, let’s cover the basics. You’ll need to insert two AAA batteries to power the remote. Make sure any device you’re programming is turned on. On this model, the MAGIC key is your gateway to all setup functions; we’ll be using it a lot.
How To Program Evolve 4 Remote with SimpleSet Method
For anyone who wants to get up and running instantly, SimpleSet is the feature for you. It’s an incredibly efficient method designed to program the most common device brands with just a few key presses.
- Power On Your Device: Make sure the device (e.g., your TV) is on.
- Select a Device Mode: Press the MODE key repeatedly until the LED for the device you’re setting up (TV, STB, BLU, or AUD) is lit.
- Enter Setup: Press and hold the MAGIC key until the device LED blinks twice.
- Find Your Brand’s Digit: In the tables below, locate your device brand and its corresponding number.
- Press and Hold: Aim the remote at your device and hold down that number key. The remote will send a power-off command every three seconds.
- Release When It Reacts: The moment your device turns off, release the key. The LED will blink twice, and your remote is ready to go.
A quick tip from the field: If the remote works but a few functions seem off, just run the SimpleSet process again. The remote is smart enough to try the next code in its memory for that brand.
How To Program Evolve 4 Remote Using Codes
If your brand isn’t in the SimpleSet list, the code setup method is your go-to.
- Turn on your device.
- Find your brand and its 4-digit code in the manual’s code list.
- Press and hold MAGIC until the device LED blinks twice.
- Use the MODE key to select the correct device mode.
- Enter the 4-digit code. The LED will blink twice and go out.
- Test the POWER key; if your device turns off, you’re all set. If not, try the next code in the list for your brand.
Activities: (How To Use )
An Activity cleverly combines multiple devices into one mode. For example, in the “Watch TV” Activity, the Volume keys can control your soundbar, while the Channel keys control your Set Top Box.
- To Use: Simply press the WATCH TV or WATCH MOVIE key.
- To Customize: If the default device combinations aren’t right for your setup, you can change them. Hold MAGIC until the LED blinks twice, press the Activity key you want to change (e.g., WATCH TV), then press the number for the combination you need.
| Activity | Number | Device Combination |
| Watch TV | 1 | TV + STB |
| 2 | TV + STB + AUD | |
| 3 | TV + AUD | |
| 4 | TV only | |
| Watch Movie | 1 | TV + BLU |
| 2 | TV + BLU + AUD | |
| 3 | TV + AUD | |
| 4 | TV only |
Activity Power Tip: While in an Activity, press and hold the Power button for 2 seconds to turn all devices in that group on or off at once.
How To Use Macros Feature: One-Touch Automation
A macro is like a domino chain of commands started by a single button press. You can program a key to turn on your TV, switch to HDMI 1, and power on your Blu-ray player, all in one go.
- Hold MAGIC until the LED blinks twice, then press 995.
- Select the key you want to program the macro on.
- Use the MODE key to select the device for the first command, then press the command key. Repeat this for up to 15 key presses.
- To save, hold down the MAGIC key until the LED blinks twice.
Learning: The Ultimate Failsafe
The Learning feature ensures no command is ever out of reach. It lets you copy any function from any working original remote.
- Hold MAGIC until the LED blinks twice, select the device mode, then press 975.
- Press the key on the Evolve 4 you want to teach a function to.
- Press the corresponding key on your original remote. The LED will blink twice to confirm success.
- When you’re done, hold MAGIC until the LED blinks twice to save.
How To Acticate Volume Lock Feature: Unified Volume Control
A feature I’m always asked about is Volume Lock. This lets you permanently assign the volume controls to a single device (like your soundbar), no matter which device mode you’re in.
- To Lock Volume: Hold MAGIC until the LED blinks twice, press 993, select the device you want to lock to, and press MAGIC once to confirm.
- To Unlock (Full Reset): Hold MAGIC, press 993, then press VOLUME UP.
- To Exclude a Device: If you want one device (like a media player with its own volume) to be exempt from the lock, hold MAGIC, press 991, select the device to exclude, and press VOLUME DOWN. Getting different audio components to work together seamlessly is a common challenge, and sometimes requires following a step-by-step guide for integrating a soundbar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the MODE key and the ACTIVITY keys?
The MODE key switches control between single devices one at a time (e.g., TV, then STB, then AUD). An ACTIVITY key (Watch TV, Watch Movie) puts the remote into a hybrid mode where keys control different devices at the same time for a specific task.
I set up an Activity, but how do I turn everything off later?
Use the Power Macro feature. While in an Activity like “Watch TV,” simply press and hold the Power button for 2 seconds. This will send the “off” command to all devices included in that Activity.
I tried to program a long Macro and it failed. Is there a limit?
Yes, a single macro sequence is limited to 15 key presses. If you need more, you might need to split your automation into two different macro keys. For more complex sequences without these limits, you might prefer a remote where macros are created using a visual smartphone app interface.
What’s the MAGIC key?
My old remote didn’t have one.The MAGIC key is the primary setup button for the Evolve 4. Think of it as the “settings” or “program” button that initiates all customization modes.
I locked the volume to my soundbar, which is great, but now I want to temporarily control my TV’s internal speakers. What’s the fastest way?
The Volume Lock only applies in Device Mode. A quick workaround is to set up an Activity that includes “TV only” as the device. When you enter that Activity, the volume keys will revert to controlling just the TV.
Conclusion
The One For All Evolve 4 is a truly versatile command center that punches well above its weight. While SimpleSet will get you operational in minutes, its real value is unlocked when you tailor the Activities, Macros, and other advanced features to your specific needs. You now have the knowledge to build a remote experience that is powerful, personal, and finally declutters your living room.
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