You’re sitting there with a universal remote in one hand and a smartphone in the other, scrolling through endless forums. It’s annoying. You just want the volume to go up without having to stand up and walk across the room like it’s 1994.
Honestly, finding the right sony av receiver remote codes feels like a weird scavenger hunt where the prize is just... convenience. But here’s the thing: most people fail because they try one code, it doesn't work, and they give up. Or worse, they use a code that turns the receiver on but won't touch the volume.
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Sony is a giant. They’ve been making audio gear since your parents were in high school. Because of that, the "code" isn't just one number; it depends entirely on whether you're holding a Comcast remote, a DIRECTV wand, or that chunky RCA universal thing you bought at a drugstore.
The Codes That Actually Work
If you’re looking for a quick fix, these are the heavy hitters. I’ve seen these work on everything from the old-school STR-DE series to the newer 4K-ready units.
For most 4-digit remotes (common with GE and Philips), try these first:
3606, 3621, 3622, 1085, 1285, 1468, 1585. If you’re rocking a 5-digit remote (Xfinity, DIRECTV), the list changes.
Try: 31758, 30158, 31759, 11758.
Wait. Did you know some Sony remotes use 2-digit or 3-digit codes? It's rare now, but for Sony-branded universal remotes, the code is often just 01 or 001.
Why one code works and others don't
It’s about the "language" or the IR protocol. Some codes only handle the power toggle. Others are more "complete," meaning they talk to the volume and the input switcher. If you find a code that turns the unit off but won't change the volume, keep going. You haven't found the right one yet.
Cable and Satellite Specifics
Service providers love to make their own rules.
Xfinity (Comcast)
For the XR11 or XR15 (the voice remotes), the process is kinda slick but picky. You usually have to program the TV first. If the remote doesn't know what TV you have, it often refuses to talk to the Sony receiver. Once the TV is paired, hold the Setup button until the light turns green. Punch in 31758. If that fails, try 31759.
DIRECTV
These guys are a bit different. You’ll usually need to slide the switch at the top to AV1 or AV2. Hold Mute and Select until the light blinks twice. For Sony, the magic number is often 31758.
DISH Network
DISH remotes usually like 656, 780, or 761. If you have the newer 40.0 or 50.0 remotes, you can actually go into the "Settings" menu on the Hopper/Joey and let the system "search" for the Sony code for you. It’s way less of a headache.
The Secret "Command Mode" Trap
This is the "pro" tip that almost no one talks about. If you’ve tried every code in the book and the receiver still won't react, your Sony receiver might be set to the wrong Command Mode.
Sony receivers have multiple modes: AV1 and AV2.
Most universal remotes are built to talk to a receiver that is set to AV2. If your receiver is stuck in AV1 (often the factory default for older units), it will ignore every signal your universal remote sends. It’s like trying to speak French to someone who only speaks Spanish.
To fix this, you usually have to go into the receiver’s "System" or "Easy Setup" menu using the buttons on the front of the actual machine. Look for "Command Mode" and flip it. You’ll hear a little "click" in your soul when the remote finally starts working after this change.
Step-by-Step Programming (The Manual Way)
If you have a generic universal remote (like a GE, RCA, or One For All), the process is basically universal.
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- Manually turn on your Sony receiver.
- Press and hold the Device button (it might say "Audio" or "AUX").
- While holding that, hit the Setup or Magic button until the light stays on.
- Type in the code (start with 3642 or 1085 for Sony).
- The light should turn off.
- Aim it and hit Power.
If it turns off, you're golden. If not, start over with the next code. It’s tedious. I know.
Troubleshooting When Things Go South
Sometimes the remote works for five minutes and then quits. Or the "Volume Up" button works but "Volume Down" does nothing.
- Check the Batteries: Seriously. If the batteries are low, the remote might have enough juice to send a "Power" signal but not enough for the complex "Volume" signals.
- Clear the Path: Sony IR sensors are notoriously picky about angles. If you have a soundbar sitting right in front of the receiver, it might be blocking the "eye."
- The "991" Search: If you’re truly desperate, most remotes have a "library search" mode. You hold Setup, type 991, and then keep hitting "Channel Up" until the receiver turns off. It cycles through every code in its memory. It might take 10 minutes, but it works.
Summary of Sony Audio Codes
| Brand/Remote Type | Most Common Codes |
|---|---|
| Common 4-Digit | 1085, 1285, 3606, 3622, 1468 |
| Common 5-Digit | 31758, 30158, 31759, 11758 |
| Xfinity | 31758, 31759, 30158 |
| DIRECTV | 31758, 31633 |
| DISH | 656, 780, 761 |
| Sony Brand | 001, 01 |
Actionable Next Steps
First, identify how many digits your remote requires. If it’s a newer cable remote, start with the 5-digit codes. If it’s a cheap universal one from a big-box store, use the 4-digit ones.
If the first three codes fail, immediately check your receiver's front panel for the Command Mode setting. Switching that from AV1 to AV2 solves about 80% of "unfixable" remote issues.
Once you get a code that works for power, test the volume immediately. If volume doesn't work, don't settle; keep cycling through the codes until you find the one that gives you full control. It's worth the extra five minutes to not have to keep two remotes on the coffee table forever.