Searching for a replacement garage door remote can feel more complicated than it should be. There are many products available, brands overlap, and the descriptions are not always as clear as you would like. The good news is that the process is straightforward once you know what information to gather and how to use it. This guide takes you through the selection process step by step, with specific guidance for the most common UK motor brands.

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Step One: Find Your Motor's Make and Model Number

Everything starts with the motor's make and model number. This is the single most important piece of information you need, and without it you are guessing. The model number is printed on a label attached to the motor unit itself, typically on the underside, back, or side of the casing. On some motors it is inside the cover that protects the programming buttons and terminals.

Write down both the brand name and the full model number exactly as they appear. Model numbers often include a combination of letters and numbers that distinguish between motor variants within the same product range, and the wrong variant may use a different frequency or coding system. Write down what you see rather than trying to remember it.

If the label on the motor is worn, damaged, or missing, the model number may also appear on the original installation documentation, on a sticker inside the door panel, or occasionally stamped into the motor casing itself rather than on a label.

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Step Two: Identify the Frequency and Coding Technology

Once you have the model number, you can look up the frequency and coding technology your motor uses. This information is in the motor's manual or on the manufacturer's technical documentation, which is often available to download from the manufacturer's website using the model number.

For most UK motors installed in the last 20 years, the frequency will be either 433.92 MHz or 868 MHz, and the coding will be a rolling code system. Knowing these two things narrows the field considerably and ensures that any compatible remote you find will be able to communicate with your receiver.

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Guidance by Motor Brand

The following covers the most commonly found garage door motor brands in UK homes and the key things to know about finding compatible remotes for each.

Hormann

Hormann is one of the most widely installed garage door brands in the UK. Their motors use several different remote systems depending on the model and age of the unit. Older Hormann motors use their HSM (Hand Sender Memorising) system, which operates at 868 MHz. More recent Hormann motors use BiSecur technology, which uses AES-128 encryption and is not compatible with older HSM remotes.

The key distinction with Hormann is to confirm whether your motor is HSM or BiSecur before purchasing. An HSM remote will not work on a BiSecur receiver and vice versa. Check the motor label and documentation carefully. Genuine Hormann remotes are widely available and are the most reliable choice for their systems. Aftermarket alternatives exist for HSM systems but are less common for BiSecur due to the proprietary encryption.

Marantec

Marantec motors are found in a significant number of UK homes, particularly garage doors installed by specialist fitters. Marantec uses their own Digital coding system. Different Marantec motor series use different frequencies, with some operating at 433 MHz and others at 868 MHz. The motor's model number and documentation will confirm which frequency your unit uses.

Genuine Marantec remotes are the most reliable option, though compatible aftermarket remotes are available for many models. Always verify the model number against the compatibility list rather than assuming all Marantec remotes are interchangeable.

Came

Came is an Italian brand widely used across European garage and gate installations. Came remotes typically operate at 433.92 MHz with rolling code technology. The most common Came remote families include the TOP series and the BPT series. Compatible aftermarket remotes are widely available for Came systems and are generally reliable when sourced from a reputable supplier. The Came programming process is well documented and straightforward.

FAAC

FAAC motors are used for both garage doors and automatic gates. FAAC remotes typically operate at 433.92 MHz, though some models use 868 MHz. FAAC uses rolling code technology on most of their current product range. Compatible aftermarket remotes are available for most FAAC motor models. FAAC programming typically involves accessing a programming button on the motor or receiver unit and following the pairing sequence described in the manual.

Chamberlain and LiftMaster

Chamberlain and LiftMaster are part of the same group and share technology. Their Security+ and Security+ 2.0 systems use rolling code technology and are among the most widely used in North America, with a growing presence in the UK. Genuine remotes are widely available and the brand has a clear product hierarchy that makes identifying the correct replacement relatively straightforward.

Somfy

Somfy motors are used for both garage doors and roller shutters. Somfy uses their own RTS (Radio Technology Somfy) system, which operates at 433.42 MHz. This is a slightly different frequency from the standard 433.92 MHz used by most other brands, and this distinction matters: a standard 433 MHz remote will not work on a Somfy RTS receiver. Always verify that a replacement remote explicitly supports Somfy RTS rather than simply 433 MHz.

BFT

BFT is an Italian brand used for garage doors and gates. BFT remotes typically operate at 433.92 MHz with rolling code technology. Compatible aftermarket remotes are available for most BFT motor models from reputable suppliers.

Nice

Nice motors are commonly found on automatic gates and some garage door installations. Nice uses rolling code technology on their current range, typically operating at 433.92 MHz. The Nice FLO and FloR remote families are among the most commonly encountered. Compatible aftermarket remotes are widely available.

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Step Three: Choose Between Genuine and Compatible Aftermarket

Once you have identified which remotes are compatible with your motor, you typically have a choice between the genuine manufacturer's remote and a compatible aftermarket alternative. For most UK motor brands, both options are available and both can work reliably.

Genuine remotes carry the assurance of being designed specifically for your motor by the same manufacturer. They are the safest choice for systems with proprietary or encrypted rolling codes, such as Hormann BiSecur, where aftermarket alternatives are limited. They tend to cost more and may not always be available for older or discontinued models.

Compatible aftermarket remotes from a reputable specialist supplier are a practical and more economical alternative for most common motor brands. The key is to buy from a supplier that lists your specific motor model as compatible rather than making general claims about broad compatibility.

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Step Four: Verify Before You Buy

Before finalising your purchase, run through the following checks.

• Is your motor's make and model number explicitly listed as compatible with this remote?
• Does the remote operate on the same frequency as your motor (433 MHz, 868 MHz, or other)?
• Does the remote use the same coding protocol (rolling code, fixed code, or a specific proprietary system)?
• Does the supplier have a clear returns policy in case the remote does not pair correctly?

If you can answer yes to all four, you have a well-founded basis for the purchase. If you are uncertain about any of them, contact the supplier before buying. A reputable garage door parts supplier will be able to confirm compatibility against your motor model number.

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Summary

Choosing the right garage door remote starts with your motor's make and model number, not with the brand name on a remote's packaging. Use the model number to identify the correct frequency and coding protocol, then find a remote that explicitly lists your motor as compatible. For brands with proprietary systems such as Hormann BiSecur or Somfy RTS, pay particular attention to ensuring the remote supports the specific system rather than just the general frequency band.

Browse our range of garage door remote controls, organised by motor brand and model, to find the right remote for your system with confidence.