Reviewed by Garage Results Editorial TeamUpdated July 16, 2026

Craftsman compatibility finder

Find your remote in 30 seconds

Look at the opener mounted on your ceiling, choose what you see below, then compare the full model number before ordering.

Finding a replacement remote for a Craftsman garage door opener is much easier once you stop relying on the Craftsman name alone. The best match is usually determined by the color and shape of the LEARN button on the opener, followed by the full model number and manufacture date.

Short answer: A current universal remote is usually the simplest choice for Craftsman openers made after 1993. A current Craftsman three-button remote generally fits most Craftsman openers made after 1997 with working safety sensors. Pre-1993 openers usually use DIP switches and need an exact legacy match.

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This does not increase the price you pay. Verify your opener’s LEARN button and model number before ordering.

First, identify your Craftsman opener

1Find the LEARN button

Look on the back or side of the motor unit, normally near the hanging antenna wire and the wall-control terminals. You may need to open a light cover. The button may be green, red/orange, purple/brown, yellow, or white.

2Check the labels

The opener model is commonly printed near a light socket. Craftsman model numbers often begin with 139.; logic-board numbers often begin with 41A. Use the complete number as confirmation.

3Look for DIP switches

Older units may have a row of 7, 8, or 9 tiny switches instead of a modern LEARN button. A replacement must support the same switch count and positions.

Do not hold the LEARN button while identifying it. Holding it for about six seconds can erase the opener’s saved remotes and keypads. Colors also fade: purple may look brown, and red may look orange.

Craftsman remote compatibility chart

Opener identifierApproximate eraSystemBest buying path
7, 8, or 9 DIP switchesBefore 1993Fixed codeMatch an exact legacy replacement by switch count and model, or consider replacing the opener.
Green LEARN button1993/94-1997Billion Code, 390 MHzUse a current universal model that explicitly lists green-button support, or an exact 81LM/Craftsman 139.53879-style remote.
Red/orange LEARN button1997-2004/05Security+ rolling code, 390 MHzA current universal or current Craftsman-compatible remote usually works; exact legacy 971/973LM-style replacements remain available.
Purple/brown LEARN button2005-2014Security+ rolling code, 315 MHzUse a current compatible remote or an exact 371/373LM or Craftsman 139.53753-style replacement.
Round yellow LEARN button2011-2022Security+ 2.0, tri-bandUse a current compatible remote. Exact 891/893-family remotes can work when specified by the opener manual.
Round yellow button marked Step Saver Set Up2022-2025Security+ 2.0, 315 or 390 MHzUse a currently supported model that explicitly lists the newer yellow-button system.
Round white LEARN button2025-presentSecurity+ 3.0 / E-codeUse a current white-button-compatible remote. Do not assume older 893MAX/953EV-era remotes work.

Important exceptions: Chamberlain Group currently lists Craftsman Series 100 and model R-200.57933 as incompatible with its general Chamberlain and LiftMaster remote/keypad line. Confirm those models through the Craftsman manual or support instead of relying on the chart.

Best current choices for most Craftsman openers

These genuine, currently supported choices cover the widest range of Craftsman openers. Match the LEARN-button color and confirm the manufacturer compatibility notes before buying.

Best current choice

Craftsman CMX363

This genuine three-button remote is designed for most Craftsman openers made after 1997 with working safety sensors.

Best for: A straightforward Craftsman-branded replacement for most red/orange, purple/brown, yellow, and newer white-button units.

Check the full opener model and LEARN-button color before ordering.

View on Amazon
Best current choice

Chamberlain CHU62 universal remote

This genuine two-button universal remote covers most post-1993 Craftsman systems with safety sensors.

Best for: Green-button openers, operating two different doors, or choosing one current remote across several Craftsman generations.

Avoid look-alike generics that do not name your opener technology.

View on Amazon

Replacement remotes by opener generation

The legacy links below are retained as exact model references from the original guide. Inventory changes, so check the listing title, switch count, frequency, and LEARN-button color before ordering.

Craftsman garage door opener with 8 or 9 DIP switches

Pre-1993 DIP-switch openers

A compatible remote must have the same number of DIP switches and support the same pattern. Current manufacturer accessories generally do not support this generation. Because these openers predate modern photo-eye requirements, opener replacement may be the safer long-term choice.

Original-style remote for a Craftsman 8 or 9 DIP-switch openerOriginal-style

Original Craftsman/Sears 53778-style remote

Best for: An exact legacy model-family match.

View on Amazon
Replacement remote for Craftsman 8 or 9 DIP-switch openerBudget alternative

Third-party 1984-1993 DIP-switch replacement

Best for: A lower-cost replacement after confirming button color, frequency, and model.

View on Amazon
Craftsman garage door opener with green LEARN button

Green LEARN button: 1993/94-1997

These openers use 390 MHz Billion Code. A current universal remote that explicitly lists the green button is usually easiest. For an original-style match, look for the 81LM/Craftsman 139.53879 family.

Original remote for Craftsman green-button 390 MHz openerOriginal-style

Craftsman 139.53879 green-button remote

Best for: An exact legacy model-family match.

View on Amazon
Replacement remote for Craftsman green-button 390 MHz openerBudget alternative

Third-party green-button replacement

Best for: A lower-cost replacement after confirming button color, frequency, and model.

View on Amazon
Craftsman garage door opener with red or orange LEARN button

Red or orange LEARN button: 1997-2004/05

This generation uses Security+ rolling code at 390 MHz. Current compatible remotes are widely available, or you can match the original Craftsman 139.53681/971- or 973LM-style family.

Original remote for Craftsman red-button Security+ opener Original-style

Craftsman 139.53681 original-style remote

Best for: An exact legacy model-family match.

View on Amazon
Replacement remote for Craftsman red-button Security+ opener Budget alternative

Third-party red/orange-button replacement

Best for: A lower-cost replacement after confirming button color, frequency, and model.

View on Amazon
Craftsman garage door opener with purple or brown LEARN button

Purple or faded-brown LEARN button: 2005-2014

These are normally Security+ 315 MHz units. Purple plastic often fades brown. Confirm the antenna and full model number; exact replacements often reference 371/373LM or Craftsman 139.53753.

Original remote for Craftsman purple-button 315 MHz opener Original-style

Craftsman 139.53753 original-style remote

Best for: An exact legacy model-family match.

View on Amazon
Replacement remote for Craftsman purple-button 315 MHz opener Budget alternative

Third-party purple-button replacement

Best for: A lower-cost replacement after confirming button color, frequency, and model.

View on Amazon
Craftsman garage door opener with yellow LEARN button

Round yellow LEARN button: 2011-2025

Yellow-button systems use Security+ 2.0. The original AssureLink-era remote and compatible replacements below fit specific yellow-button generations, but the opener manual remains the final authority.

Original Craftsman AssureLink yellow-button garage door opener remote Original-style

Craftsman 41A7633 AssureLink remote

Best for: An exact legacy model-family match.

View on Amazon
Replacement remote for Craftsman yellow-button opener Budget alternative

Third-party yellow-button replacement

Best for: A lower-cost replacement after confirming button color, frequency, and model.

View on Amazon

Craftsman logic-board compatibility clues

Logic-board prefixes help narrow the era, but they do not replace the full part number.

Common clueLikely opener generation
41A3xxxPre-1993/DIP-switch era
41A4xxxGreen-button/Billion Code era
41A5xxxRed/orange-button/Security+ 390 MHz era
41ABxxxx, 41ACxxxx, 41ASxxxxOften purple-button/Security+ 315 MHz
41A7xxxOften yellow-button/Security+ 2.0/AssureLink

Search the complete logic-board number in the manufacturer’s parts or manual database. A prefix covers many boards and does not prove compatibility.

What about older Craftsman model 139 openers?

Craftsman sold many 139. models over several generations. DIP-switch examples include 139.531, 139.532, 139.533, 139.534, 139.535, 139.53601, 139.53602, 139.53603, 139.53604, 139.53605, 139.53606, 139.53607, 139.53609, 139.53611, 139.53612, 139.53613, 139.53622, 139.53632, 139.53639, and 139.53651. Later examples include 139.5314D, 139.53910D, 139.53914D, 139.53920D, 139.53930D, 139.53985D, 139.53990D, 139.53992D, 139.53993D, and 139.53997D.

Those numbers help identify the label format, but they are not a complete compatibility guarantee. Suffixes can identify different production runs. Always confirm the LEARN button and owner’s manual before buying.

Compatible keypads for Craftsman openers

Best current choice

Craftsman CMX348

This genuine Craftsman wireless keypad is compatible with most Craftsman openers made after 1997 with safety sensors.

Best for: A current brand-matched keypad for most red/orange, purple/brown, yellow, and white systems.

View on Amazon
Best current choice

Chamberlain CHU48 universal keypad

This genuine Chamberlain universal wireless keypad covers green, red/orange, purple/brown, yellow, and white systems made after 1993 with safety sensors.

Best for: An older green-button Craftsman opener or the broadest current keypad coverage.

View on Amazon
Craftsman wireless keyless entry keypad
Original-style

Legacy Craftsman CMXZDCG440 keypad

This is the existing keypad recommendation from the original article. Verify that the Amazon listing names your opener generation before buying; do not assume it covers every Craftsman opener.

View on Amazon

How we verified compatibility

We compared each recommendation with current manufacturer compatibility pages, product pages, and the opener identification system. Amazon inventory changes, so the opener label and manufacturer instructions remain the final authority.

How to program a replacement remote

  1. Close the garage door and keep people, pets, and objects clear of its path.
  2. Locate the LEARN button on the opener.
  3. Put a universal remote into the correct programming mode for your LEARN-button color, following its manual.
  4. Press and release the opener’s LEARN button.
  5. Within the time shown in the remote manual, press the chosen remote button as directed.
  6. Watch for the opener light to flash or listen for clicks, then test the remote from inside the garage.

If a remote was lost or stolen, clear the opener’s memory and reprogram every remote and keypad you still use. If the wall button works but no remote works, check the remote battery and the wall control’s LOCK feature. Radio interference, the receiver board, or an incompatible remote can also be responsible.

Frequently asked questions

What remote works with a Craftsman garage door opener?

Match the remote to the LEARN-button color. CMX363 is a current Craftsman choice for most units made after 1997. CHU62 is a current universal choice that also covers most green-button systems made after 1993. DIP-switch openers need an exact legacy match.

Are Craftsman, Chamberlain, and LiftMaster remotes interchangeable?

Many are compatible because numerous Craftsman openers use Chamberlain Group radio technology, but they are not universally interchangeable. Confirm the LEARN-button color, manufacture era, and any model exclusions.

Where is the LEARN button?

It is normally on the back or side of the motor unit near the hanging antenna and wire terminals. It may be hidden by a light cover. Look for a colored square or round button beside an indicator light.

Why does my purple LEARN button look brown?

Purple plastic can fade to brown with age. A purple antenna wire can help confirm the 315 MHz Security+ generation.

Can I use a yellow-button remote with a purple-button opener?

Not automatically. A single-technology yellow-button remote may support only Security+ 2.0. A universal remote must explicitly list both yellow and purple technologies.

Is there one universal remote for every Craftsman opener?

No. Current universal models cover most post-1993 Craftsman openers with safety sensors, but pre-1993 DIP-switch units and a few excluded Craftsman models require separate handling.

Which keypad works with a green-button Craftsman opener?

Choose a current universal keypad that explicitly lists green-button/Billion Code compatibility, such as the Chamberlain CHU48. Do not assume a post-1997-only keypad covers green-button units.

What remote works with a new white-button Craftsman opener?

Use a current Security+ 3.0/white-button-compatible model such as Craftsman CMX363, Chamberlain CH363, or Chamberlain CHU62. Older yellow-button remotes should not be assumed to work.

Related Garage Results guides