How to Reset a Garage Door Opener in the UAE (Soft & Hard Reset Guide + Safety Warnings)

To reset a garage door opener, unplug the motor for 60 seconds (soft reset). If that fails, hold the “Learn” button for 6–10 seconds to perform a factory reset. Always reset the opener with the door fully closed to avoid injury or damage.

If your garage door opener suddenly stops working, moves erratically, or won’t respond to the remote, a reset usually fixes the issue. In UAE homes, frequent power fluctuations, extreme heat, and dust buildup can cause garage door motor logic boards to freeze or malfunction.

There are two different types of resets. Performing the wrong one may erase all programmed remotes, so follow the steps below carefully and in the correct order.

Before You Start: Safety First

• Close the garage door completely. Never reset the motor while the door is open.
• Inspect the springs visually. If the door feels very heavy or stuck, a broken spring may be the issue.
• Check power stability. UAE outlets should provide stable 220–240V power.

Option 1: Soft Reset (Try This First)

Use a soft reset if the opener is acting strangely, lights are flashing, or it stopped responding to a working remote.

Step 1: Disconnect Power

Unplug the garage door motor from the ceiling outlet. If the motor is hardwired, switch off the circuit breaker.

Warning: Do not press any buttons while the power is connected.

Step 2: Wait 60 Seconds

Wait at least one full minute. This allows the logic board capacitors to fully discharge and clears temporary glitches.

Step 3: Restore Power

Plug the motor back in or turn the breaker on. Indicator lights may blink briefly.

Step 4: Test the Door

Use your existing remote or wall control to test operation.

If the door works normally, the issue was a temporary logic board glitch. If not, proceed to a hard reset or contact a professional.

Option 2: Hard Reset (Factory Reset – Use With Caution)

Use a hard reset only if a remote was lost, you moved into a new villa, or the soft reset failed.

Warning: This process will erase all paired remotes and keypads.

American Motors (LiftMaster, Chamberlain, Craftsman)

1. Locate the colored Learn button on the motor housing.
2. Press and hold the button for 6–10 seconds.
3. Release when the LED light turns off or starts blinking.

All stored remote codes are now erased. You must reprogram each remote.

European Motors (Nice, BFT, Came, Somfy)

Many European motors do not have a simple reset button. Resets often require entering a digital menu or pressing a specific button sequence on the circuit board.

Critical Warning: Randomly pressing buttons can erase travel limits, causing the door to over-travel or damage the motor.

If a soft reset did not work on a European motor, professional service is strongly recommended.

When NOT to DIY

• The door moves slightly, then reverses.
• You hear humming or buzzing, but the door does not move.
• Cables appear loose or a spring has a visible gap.

These are mechanical failures. Resetting the opener will not fix broken springs, cables, or gears.

Why Professional Help Is Safer in the UAE

Garage doors in the UAE are exposed to extreme heat, dust, and voltage fluctuations. Attempting advanced resets or mechanical repairs without proper tools can lead to injury or motor failure.