How to Set Up Smart Control Pro 5 URC 7956 and Activities

Hello! If you’re like me, you love the idea of a single remote controlling your entire entertainment system, but the setup process can sometimes feel a bit daunting. I recently got my hands on the One For All Smart Control 5 (model URC 7956), and I’ve put together this guide to walk you through the setup process, from the super simple method to the more advanced options, including the powerful “Activities” feature. Let’s get that coffee table clutter cleared!

Before we start, make sure you’ve installed four AAA batteries and that the device you want to control is powered on (not just on standby).

Find Your ONE FOR ALL Remote Control Codes

SimpleSet Method To Setup URC 7956 Remote ((Method 1)

The SimpleSet method is, by far, the fastest way to get up and running. It’s designed for the most popular brands and can have you controlling a device in under a minute.

  1. Press and Hold SETUP: Hold the SETUP button until the LED light under the device key blinks twice. The current device mode’s LED will stay lit.
  2. Select Your Device: Press the DEVICES key repeatedly until the LED for the device you want to program is lit. For example, if you’re setting up your television, make sure the TV light is on.
  3. Find Your Brand’s Digit: Look at the lists below and find the number corresponding to your device’s brand.
  4. Press and Hold the Digit: Aim the remote at your device and hold down the digit for your brand (e.g., ‘1’ for a Samsung TV).
  5. Wait for Shutdown: The remote will now send a power-off signal every three seconds. Keep holding the button.
  6. Release Immediately: The moment your device switches off, release the digit.
  7. Confirmation: The LED will blink twice and turn off. Your remote should now be controlling your device. Try a few buttons to make sure everything works as expected.

If some keys don’t work correctly, simply start the process again from step 1. The remote will automatically try the next code in its memory for that brand.

Code Method To Setup URC 7956 Remote (Method 2)

If your brand wasn’t on the SimpleSet list, don’t worry! The code setup method is your next best bet. You’ll need to find your device’s 5-digit code from the above list which we provided.

  1. Turn On Your Device: Make sure it’s powered on.
  2. Locate Your Brand’s Code: Find your brand in the code in above provided list.
  3. Press and Hold SETUP: Hold the SETUP button until the device LED blinks twice.
  4. Select Your Device: Press the DEVICES key until the LED for the device you’re setting up is lit.
  5. Enter the 5-Digit Code: Type in the first 5-digit code listed for your brand.
  6. Confirmation: The LED will blink twice and go out.
  7. Test It: Point the remote at your device and press the POWER key. If it turns off, you’re all set! If not, repeat steps 3-7 using the next code in the list for your brand.

How To Set Up The Activities Feature In Smart Control Pro 5 Remote

Activities are perhaps the coolest feature of this remote. An Activity combines multiple devices into a single, seamless control mode. For example, in a “Watch TV” Activity, the volume buttons can control your Soundbar while the channel buttons control your Set Top Box.

If you set up the default devices for an Activity (like a TV and a Set Top Box), that Activity will be automatically configured. To customize it or change the combination, follow these steps:

  1. Press and Hold SETUP: Hold SETUP until the device LED blinks twice.
  2. Select an Activity: Press the ACTIVITY key to scroll through the modes (Watch TV, Watch Movie, Listen to Music). Stop when the icon for the Activity you want to change is flashing.
  3. Choose a Combination: Press the number key that corresponds to the device combination you want. The available combinations are listed below.
  4. Confirmation: The LED will blink twice and go out, saving your new Activity setup.

To use an Activity, just press the ACTIVITY key until its icon is lit. To go back to controlling a single device, press the DEVICES key.

Activity Combinations:

ActivityCombinationDevices
WATCH TV1TV + STB
2TV + STB + AUD
3TV + AUD
WATCH MOVIE1TV + BLU
2TV + BLU + AUD
3TV + MEDIA
4TV + MEDIA + AUD
LISTEN TO MUSIC1TV + AUD + MEDIA
2AUD + BLU
3AUD only

Pro Tip: In any Activity, if you hold down the Power button for 2 seconds, the remote will send the power command to every device in that Activity, turning them all on or off together.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I control Bluetooth-only devices with the URC 7956?

No, the URC 7956 only works with infrared-compatible devices. For modern streaming devices like the Amazon Fire TV which often use Bluetooth, a specialized model like the Smart Streamer is required as it can control devices via Bluetooth. Bluetooth-only gaming consoles and other devices cannot be controlled by this remote.

How do I know which code worked for my device?

When the correct code is entered, the LED will blink twice and your device will respond to the Power button. Test multiple functions to ensure full compatibility.

Can I control more than 5 devices?

The URC 7956 is designed to control up to 5 devices maximum. However, Activities allow you to use multiple devices seamlessly as if they were one.

What if my brand isn’t in the SimpleSet list?

Use Method B (Set Up by Code) with the comprehensive code list, or try the One For All Advanced App which has access to the most current device database.

How do I reset the remote to factory settings?

A factory reset is a good last resort if you’re having persistent issues. Before you do this, you may want to try the simpler solutions in our general guide for when a One For All remote is not working. To perform the reset, hold down SETUP and the red button simultaneously until the LED blinks twice, then enter 9-8-1.

Conclusion

The One For All Smart Control 5 is a fantastic tool for simplifying your home theater. By using either the quick SimpleSet method or the comprehensive Code Setup, you can get individual devices working in no time. But the real magic happens when you configure Activities, which truly creates a “one remote” experience. I hope this guide has helped you get everything set up smoothly so you can get back to what’s important: enjoying your movies, music, and shows.

About the author

David Reid

I'm David Reid, the founder of oneforallremotecodes.com. I started this website to solve these common frustrations. After years of being the go-to person for helping friends and family, I created this central hub to share all the codes and straightforward instructions that anyone can use.

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