How to Replace a Lost or Broken Automate Remote
Updated: 6 days ago
A lost or broken Automate remote does not usually mean the blind motor needs to be replaced or factory-reset. In most cases, you can add a compatible ARC controller while retaining the motor’s existing upper and lower limits.
The correct path depends on whether any working controller still operates the blind and whether you can reach the P1 button on the motor head.
Step 1: identify the motor and old controller
Check the motor label, the old remote model and the control response before buying a replacement. Current Push remotes, Push Pro, Paradigm wall controls and the Surface Mount Wall Switch are designed for compatible Automate ARC motors. Older legacy Automate controls may use a different system.
Photograph the motor label and motor head.
Photograph the front and back of the old controller, including the battery compartment.
Record how many blinds were controlled separately.
Record any groups or ALL functions you use.
Decide whether you want the same style, more channels, a wall control or timer features.
If another working remote still controls the blind
Use the working remote as the source and copy each individual shade channel to the new controller. The normal ARC copy sequence uses two P2 presses on the existing source control followed by the destination programming action on the new control within the allowed time window.
Do not copy channel 0, ALL or a group selection. Copy individual shade channels first, test them, then rebuild the useful groups on the new controller. Read How to Add a Second Automate Remote to Your Blinds for the complete process.
If no working remote remains
Use the P1 button on the motor head to place the motor into the controller-pairing state, then add the selected channel on the new compatible control. The established motor limits can remain in place when the add-controller procedure is used correctly.
Select the intended channel on the replacement controller.
Locate the P1 button on the correct motor.
Hold P1 only until the first pairing acknowledgement—typically one jog and a long beep at about two seconds—then release it.
Hold STOP on the selected replacement controller until the motor confirms the pairing.
Test the blind in both directions and stop it before it reaches anything unsafe.
Repeat one motor at a time if several blinds need to be recovered.
Push Pro uses guided on-screen shade pairing and can lead you through naming, direction and limit checks. If the motor limits are already correct, take care not to overwrite them unnecessarily.
Why you should avoid a factory reset
A factory reset removes the stored controllers and motor setup. It is a last resort for a corrupted or unknown installation, not the normal replacement-remote procedure. On many Automate ARC motors, holding P1 through four jogs—about 14 seconds—triggers a reset.
If you accidentally pass the first P1 acknowledgement, release the button and confirm the motor state before continuing. Do not keep holding it while waiting to see what happens.
Choosing the replacement remote
Push ONE: one blind or one group that always moves together.
Push 5: a smaller multi-blind installation with up to five useful selections.
Push 15: more numbered channels for larger installations.
Push Pro: named shades and groups, guided setup and offline timer schedules.
Paradigm or Surface Mount wall control: fixed-position access near a door, bed or light switch.
The new remote works, but one blind is missing
That usually means the relevant motor was not copied or paired to the selected destination channel. Check the channel plan, work with one blind at a time and repeat only that motor’s add-controller sequence.
The blind moves the wrong way
Do not immediately reset the motor. Direction changes depend on whether the motor is in initial setup and whether limits have already been saved. Use the Automate pairing, direction and limits guide for the correct procedure.
When to ask for compatibility help
Ask before ordering if the motor is concealed, the P1 button is inaccessible, the controller model is unclear, or the installation mixes older and current Automate products. Send Motorise My Blinds photos and a short description of what still works so the replacement can be matched before programming begins.
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Choose and Compare Automate Controls
Ready to choose a compatible controller or need more help with your Automate ARC system?