In addition to handheld remotes, LiftMaster offers wireless keypads that allow you to open the garage door via a PIN code. These are great for giving access to kids or guests without needing a physical remote, or for yourself if you’re out for a walk or bike ride without your keys. Two popular LiftMaster keypad models are the 877LM and 877MAX, and it’s useful to know their differences, as well as how to program and reset them.
keypad for liftmaster garage door
Comparing LiftMaster 877LM and 877MAX Wireless Keypads
At a glance, both are wireless keyless entry pads that mount outside your garage and let you enter a 4-digit code to trigger the opener. The key difference lies in compatibility: 877LM works only with Security+ 2.0 openers (yellow learn button), whereas 877MAX is a universal keypad that works with all LiftMaster openers made since 1993. In other words, if your opener is a newer model (2011-present, yellow button), the 877LM is specifically made for it. If your opener is older (purple, red/orange, or green button), you’d need the 877MAX.
The 877MAX can also work on the new ones – it’s backward- and forward-compatible – which is why many people just get the 877MAX to cover all bases. Functionally, once programmed, both operate similarly (enter PIN, press enter, door opens). But the 877LM will not program to an older opener, so that’s a critical point if you buy a keypad. As an example, if you have two openers, one from 2008 (purple learn) and one from 2015 (yellow learn), the 877LM keypad would only run the 2015 one; the 877MAX keypad could be programmed to both openers (it has a feature to handle multiple doors by assigning different PINs or suffixes).
How To Program Keypad For Liftmaster Garage Door Opener
The programming method for keypads can differ slightly from remotes, but generally there are two ways: (1) Using the Learn button on the opener (easy method), or (2) Using a programming mode on the keypad (for multi-opener or some MAX scenarios).
For a straightforward setup on a single door using the Learn button: Go to your garage opener and press the Learn button (just like programming a remote). The opener will go into learn mode for 30 seconds. Now, on the keypad, within that 30 seconds, enter your desired 4-digit PIN, and then press and hold the ENTER button. Hold it until you see the garage door opener lights blink, which usually takes a couple of seconds.
The blinking light indicates the opener learned that PIN. Release the ENTER button and test it: after the opener exits programming mode, enter your PIN and press ENTER, the door should activate. This method works for most modern keypads and openers (including 877MAX in LiftMaster compatibility mode for older units). It’s quick and doesn’t require any special codes – you simply teach the opener the PIN via its learn function.
For 877MAX on multiple openers or if the above doesn’t work, the keypad may need to be in a certain mode. The 877MAX, being universal, sometimes requires you to set the keypad’s operating mode for your opener’s technology. This is done in an initial programming of the keypad: you start by pressing * and # together until the keypad lights steady (program mode). Then you enter a particular sequence that includes the PIN, the opener ID number, and the opener’s “learn” button color.
For example, the manual might say: enter PIN, press #, enter # of presses for opener type, press #, then press the Learn button on opener, then within 30 sec enter PIN and ENTER. To simplify, LiftMaster often provides that first method (use Learn button, then PIN+ENTER) as it auto-detects the tech. But if you have to, you can refer to the 877MAX instructions to program via keypad-only.
For older single-frequency keypads (like an even older model 976LM from the 90s), programming was done by setting a PIN on the keypad itself (via internal switches) and then pressing enter a certain number of times to match the door’s frequency – but those aren’t the focus here. The 877 series are much more user-friendly.
How to Change the PIN on LiftMaster 877LM and 877MAX Keypads
To change the PIN on an 877LM or 877MAX, you don’t necessarily have to reprogram the whole thing from scratch. On certain models like 877LM (Security+2.0 keypad), the procedure is: enter your old 4-digit code, then press and hold the # button until the opener light blinks twice, then enter a new 4-digit PIN and press ENTER. The opener light should blink to confirm the new PIN is learned. This way you can update the code without touching the opener’s learn button (the keypad communicates the change to the opener because you started with the old valid PIN).
On the 877MAX, if you know the old PIN, a similar process can be done, or you can just reprogram it via the learn button method to a new PIN (essentially overriding the old one). If you forgot the PIN entirely, then you’d have to put the keypad into programming mode (with * and #) and set it up fresh – effectively resetting it. For example, a JustAnswer expert notes that to reset the 877MAX, you go through the initial setup again: * and #, then a new PIN, etc.
Using the Keypad (daily operation):
Once programmed, using the keypad is straightforward. You walk up, punch in your 4-digit (or however many digits, some allow 3-8 digits) code, and press the ENTER button. The door should activate. Most keypads have backlit numbers which light up when any key is pressed, helpful at night. They also typically close themselves (flip-up cover) to protect from weather.
Some models allow additional features like one-time PINs or temporary codes (e.g., you can set a temporary code for a guest that works for a short period – the 877MAX supports setting a temporary PIN for a certain number of uses or hours). Check your keypad’s manual if you need that functionality; it’s a neat feature for say allowing a delivery or service person one-time access.
In summary, LiftMaster remote keypads are an excellent addition for keyless access. The main thing is to get the right model (MAX for universality or LM for new openers only) and follow the programming steps. The differences between 877LM and 877MAX come down to compatibility and programming approach, but both serve the same purpose – letting you into your garage with a code instead of a handheld remote. And if you ever need to change your PIN, the process is user-manageable and doesn’t require much time. Just don’t forget your code!
