Automate Remote Controls: Complete Buying and Programming Guide
Updated: 6 days ago
Automate remote selection is relatively straightforward once you know the motor uses Automate ARC. Compatible ARC controls work across the ARC motor range, so the main decisions are how many blinds or groups you want to control, whether you want a handheld or wall-mounted controller, and whether you need built-in schedules.
This guide explains the current control choices, how channels and groups work, what you need for timer or app control, and where to start if a remote needs pairing or troubleshooting.
First, confirm that the motor uses Automate ARC
Automate has older legacy products as well as the current ARC ecosystem. Current Push remotes, Push Pro and ARC wall controls are intended for compatible ARC motors. If you are replacing an older controller, check the motor label and existing remote before ordering rather than assuming that every product carrying the Automate name uses the same radio system.
A practical ARC check can be made from the motor response, but avoid experimenting with long presses on the motor button. Holding the P1 button for different lengths of time can place the motor into pairing, sleep, direction-change or factory-reset modes. If the label is unclear, send Motorise My Blinds a photo of the motor head and existing remote.
Which Automate remote should you choose?
Push ONE
Choose the Push ONE when one blind or one group of compatible blinds will always move together. A single channel can be assigned to one motor or shared by several motors. It is the simplest handheld option for a bedroom, a single window or a bank of blinds that does not need individual control.
Push 5
Choose the Push 5 when you want up to five individually selectable blinds or groups. It suits smaller multi-room installations and gives you enough flexibility to separate key areas without working through a long channel list.
Push 15
Choose the Push 15 for larger installations with more individually controlled blinds or groups. The display makes channel selection clearer than a basic remote, and unused channels can be hidden. It is a strong choice when you need more capacity but do not need timer schedules.
Push Pro
Choose the Push Pro when clear shade and group naming, guided setup and offline timer control matter. It can store up to 30 shades, organise them into groups and run up to 10 custom timers. Because the timers are held in the remote, simple scheduled opening and closing does not require Wi-Fi or a smart hub.
What about Automate wall switches?
Automate offers wireless ARC wall controls for customers who want a controller that stays near the door, bed or light switches. Paradigm wall controls are available in one, two and fifteen-channel formats. The Surface Mount Wall Switch provides five channels and attaches to the wall without cutting into it or adding control wiring. Its inner controller can also be removed from the backing plate when handheld use is convenient.
These are radio controls rather than conventional hardwired blind switches. They still need to be paired with compatible ARC motors, but they do not require Wi-Fi or a smart hub for normal operation.
Channels are not the same as the number of blinds
A channel is a control address. It can operate one motor, or several compatible motors programmed to respond together. For example, three living-room blinds can share one channel while two bedroom blinds each use their own channel. That installation has five motors but only three everyday control selections.
Before choosing a remote, write down which blinds must move individually and which should always move together. Buy for the number of independent selections you need, with a little spare capacity for future changes.
Timer remote or smart hub?
Choose a standard remote or wall control for direct open, stop and close control.
Choose Push Pro when you want simple schedules without Wi-Fi, an app or a hub.
Choose the Automate Pulse Pro hub when you also want phone control, voice control, away-from-home access, scenes or broader smart-home integration.
A compatible installation can normally keep physical remotes while adding hub control, so this is not always an either-or decision.
Programming without losing the current setup
For a new motor, initial setup normally pairs a controller, checks direction and sets upper and lower limits. For an existing working blind, adding or replacing a controller should not require a factory reset. A reset removes pairings and settings and creates unnecessary work.
If an existing remote still operates the blind, its P2 programming button can be used to copy an individual shade channel to another compatible control. If no working remote remains but the motor P1 button is accessible, a new control can usually be added while retaining the motor limits. Use the exact guide for your motor and controller because button locations differ.
A sensible buying checklist
Confirm the motor is Automate ARC rather than a legacy or unrelated motor.
List the blinds that need individual control.
Decide which blinds should also operate as groups.
Choose handheld control, a wall-mounted control, or both.
Decide whether simple offline timers are enough or app and voice control justify a hub.
Choose enough channels for the plan, allowing for likely additions.
Confirm the pairing method before changing any motor settings.
Continue with the right Automate guide
Use the Automate remote comparison for a closer look at Push handheld models. Use the pairing, direction and limits guide for initial motor setup. The supporting guides in this category explain channels and groups, copying a second remote, replacing a lost controller, Push Pro timer setup, wall-switch selection and common troubleshooting.
For products and compatibility help, visit the Automate Remotes & Controllers page or contact Motorise My Blinds with clear photos of the motor label and existing control.
Related Guides
Choose and Compare Automate Controls
Ready to choose a compatible controller or need more help with your Automate ARC system?
