Your garage door opener works hard every day—opening and closing like clockwork. But did you know there’s a small hero inside helping to make it all happen? That’s right—it’s the garage door opener battery! Whether you’re using your remote, keypad, or backup system during a power outage, that battery is what keeps your door moving smoothly.
If your garage door suddenly won’t open or seems sluggish, the battery might be to blame. Let’s walk through how garage door opener batteries work, signs yours might be running low, and how to replace them—step by step.
What Is a Garage Door Opener Battery?
A garage door opener battery is a small but mighty part of your garage door system. It powers your remote, wall control, or the motor itself if the main power is out.
There are two main types of batteries used in garage door systems:
- Remote and keypad batteries: These are small, often coin-shaped or AA/AAA-sized. They power your remote control or wireless keypad so you can open the garage door from a distance.
- Backup batteries: These are bigger and sit inside the opener motor. They kick in if your home loses power, allowing your garage door to still work.
You might not think about your garage door opener battery often—but when it stops working, you’ll definitely notice.
Here’s why they’re so important:
- Convenience: You can open and close your door with the press of a button.
- Safety: Your garage stays secure with working remotes and keypads.
- Backup power: If there’s a storm or outage, you can still get in and out.
If your garage is part of your main entry or exit, having a working battery for garage door opener is a must.
It depends on the type:
- Remote batteries: Usually last 1–2 years
- Keypad batteries: Around 1–3 years
- Backup batteries: 2–3 years, depending on usage and model
Some signs your battery is running low include:
- The remote works sometimes—but not always
- The keypad lights up but doesn’t open the door
- Your wall control beeps or flashes a warning
- Your opener is slower than usual
- A red indicator light shows up on your opener (for example, on LiftMaster models)
Pro Tip: Set a calendar reminder to check your battery once a year!
What Kind of Battery Do You Need?
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
Component | Common Battery Type |
Remote Control | CR2032, CR2025, AA, or AAA |
Wireless Keypad | 9V or AAA |
Backup Battery | 12V sealed lead-acid (for LiftMaster, Chamberlain, Craftsman openers) |
Always check your owner’s manual before buying a new battery. You can also look on the back of your remote or keypad—it usually says what type you need.
How to Replace a Garage Door Opener Battery
Need to swap out your garage door opener battery? Don’t worry—it’s easy! Just follow these simple steps:
For Remote Controls
- Slide or unscrew the back cover of your remote.
- Pop out the old battery using a small tool or your fingernail.
- Insert the new battery with the plus (+) side facing up.
- Close the cover and test it.
For Keypads
- Open the keypad cover—you may need a screwdriver.
- Remove the old battery.
- Insert the new battery, making sure the terminals are lined up.
- Close the cover and test the code.
For Backup Batteries
- Unplug the opener from the ceiling outlet.
- Open the battery compartment, usually on the side or back.
- Remove the old battery—you may need a screwdriver.
- Insert the new battery (watch the orientation!).
- Close the compartment and plug the opener back in.
- Test the system—you might hear a beep confirming success.
Your garage door opener will usually let you know when the backup battery needs replacing. Look out for:
- A beeping sound every 30 seconds
- A blinking red light on the opener
- The door moves slower or doesn’t open at all during an outage
Don’t wait for a total failure—replace that battery before it quits completely.
Can I Use Any Battery for My Garage Door Opener?
Not all batteries are the same! Using the wrong type can damage your remote or opener.
- Stick to the brand and size listed in your manual.
- If you have a Chamberlain, LiftMaster, or Craftsman opener, they often use the same 12V backup battery.
- Buy from a trusted source. Some cheap batteries don’t last and could even leak.
If the battery dies and your opener won’t work, try this:
- Use the manual release: Most garage doors have a red cord inside that lets you lift the door manually.
- Try another entry: If you have a front door key, use it to get inside.
- Call for help: If you’re locked out completely, give us a call. We can send a technician to assist fast.
Here’s how to stay ahead of garage door battery problems:
- Check your battery once a year
- Keep a spare in a drawer or toolbox
- Listen for beeps or watch for red lights
- Replace backup batteries every 2–3 years
- Schedule a maintenance check with our team—we’ll test everything for you
Your garage door is one of the most-used parts of your home. Keep it reliable by giving the garage door opener battery the care it deserves.
At Overhead Door Company of Puget Sound, we make battery replacement easy.
- We service all major brands: LiftMaster, Genie, Chamberlain, Craftsman, and more
- Our team can come out to replace your backup battery or test your opener
We’ll make sure your system runs smoothly and safely
What kind of battery does a garage door opener take?
It depends on the part of the system. Remotes often use coin cell batteries like CR2032, while keypads may use 9V or AAA. Backup systems in the opener motor usually use a 12V battery.
Do all garage door openers use the same battery?
No, different brands and models use different batteries. Always check your owner’s manual or the label on the device to get the correct type.
What battery does my garage remote need?
Most garage remotes use CR2032 or CR2025 coin cell batteries. Some may use AAA or AA batteries. The battery type is usually written on the back of the remote.
How do I change the battery in my garage door remote?
Slide or unscrew the back cover, remove the old battery, insert the new one with the correct polarity, and snap the cover back on. Test the remote to make sure it works.
Don’t wait until your garage door won’t open—stay ahead of battery issues with help from the experts.
📞 Call Overhead Door Company of Puget Sound today at (253) 400-3880
🛠️ We’ll help with battery checks, replacements, and full garage door maintenance
✅ Fast, friendly, and reliable service—just how it should be!
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