How to Set Up Your URC-7981 Smart Control 8 Remote

This guide provides two simple methods to program your One For All URC-7981 Smart Control 8 remote. Whether you prefer the guided experience of a smartphone app or want to enter a code directly, these step-by-step instructions will help you get your remote set up and controlling your devices in minutes. We’ll also cover answers to common questions to help you troubleshoot any issues along the way.

Method 1: Programming with the One For All App (Recommended)

The easiest and most reliable way to program your remote is by using the free One For All smartphone app. The app has the most up-to-date database of codes and guides you through the entire process.

1. Download the App: Search for the “One For All Advanced App“ on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and install it on your phone.
2. Pair Your Remote: Open the app. You will be prompted to pair your remote with your phone. To do this, press and hold the DEVICES and ACTIVITY keys on your remote for a few seconds until the TV LED starts flashing.
3. Follow the Guided Setup: Once paired, the app will walk you through adding each of your devices. All you need to know is the brand of the device you wish to set up.

Method 2: Programming with Setup Codes

If you prefer not to use the app, you can program the remote by entering a 5-digit code for your device.

Step 1: Find Your Device Code

First, you need to find the 5-digit setup code for the brand and type of device you want to control.

Step 2: Prepare Your Remote and Device

• Turn on the device you want to program (e.g., your TV). Make sure it is fully powered on, not on standby.
• Point your URC-7981 remote towards the device.

Step 3: Enter Programming Mode

1. Press and hold the SETUP button until the LED under the device icon blinks twice.
2. Press the DEVICES key repeatedly until the LED for the device you want to set up is lit (e.g., TV, STB, S.BAR).

Step 4: Enter Your 5-Digit Code

1. Using the number keys, enter the 5-digit code you found in Step 1.
2. The LED will blink twice and go out to confirm the code has been entered.

Step 5: Test the Code

1. Aim the remote at your device and press the POWER key.
2. If the device turns off, your remote is successfully programmed.
3. If it does not turn off, simply repeat Step 3 through Step 5 with the next code in the list for your brand.

How To Setting Up Activities

If you set up the default devices for any Activity on the remote (for example a TV and STB for Watch TV), that Activity will be set up automatically. To change to a different combination:

What Are Activities?: Activities intelligently group multiple devices into unified control modes. Select “Watch TV” and your remote automatically routes volume to your TV while channel controls go to your Set Top Box. Five Activity Modes—Watch TV, Watch Movie, Listen To Music, Play Game, and Custom—offer flexible device combinations for every entertainment moment.

1. Hold down SETUP until the LED under the device blinks twice. The LED under the current mode key will stay lit.
2. Use the ACTIVITY key to scroll through the Activities until the one you want to set is flashing.
3. Press the number of the combination you want to set (e.g., 2 for TV + STB + AUD in Watch TV).
4. The LED will blink twice and go out.

To access Activities, simply press the ACTIVITY key to scroll through until the desired one is lit. You can return to controlling by device using the DEVICES key.

Special Features

AV Shift: When the AV key is pressed in an Activity, the Menu Up, Down, Left, Right and OK keys temporarily control the TV for input selection. These keys revert to controlling the relevant Activity device after pressing OK or waiting 10 seconds.

Power Macro: Hold down the Power key for 2 seconds in any Activity to send the Power function to each device within that Activity. For example, holding Power in Watch TV mode will turn both the TV and Set Top Box on or off simultaneously.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

Programming your URC-7981 remote is a straightforward process. For the most extensive and up-to-date device compatibility, using the One For All App is the best choice. However, programming with codes provides a reliable alternative. Once set up, you can enjoy the convenience of controlling all your devices with a single, powerful remote.