Introduction
If you own a Chamberlain garage door opener and notice that it opens both doors instead of just one, you’re not alone. This issue is often related to programming errors, frequency interference, or a misconfigured remote control. One key factor in troubleshooting this problem is the Purple Learn Button found on many Chamberlain openers.

The Purple Learn Button plays a crucial role in syncing remotes and keypads with your garage door opener. If it’s not programmed correctly, you might experience problems like both garage doors opening at the same time when using a single remote.
In this guide, we’ll explain why your Chamberlain garage door opener opens both doors, how the Purple Learn Button works, and step-by-step solutions to fix the problem.
Understanding the Purple Learn Button on Chamberlain Garage Door Openers
The Learn Button on Chamberlain garage door openers is used to program remotes, keypads, and other accessories. The color of the Learn Button indicates the type of rolling code technology your opener uses.
For Purple Learn Buttons, the opener operates on Security+® 315 MHz technology, which provides rolling codes for added security. This means that every time you press the remote, the opener uses a new, unique access code to prevent unauthorized access.
If your Chamberlain garage door opener opens both doors unexpectedly, it could be due to one or more remotes being programmed to control both doors simultaneously.
Why Your Chamberlain Garage Door Opener Opens Both Doors Purple Learn Button
If your Chamberlain garage door opener opens both doors instead of just one, there are a few potential reasons behind this issue:
1. The Remote Control Is Programmed to Both Openers
If your remote has been programmed to two separate garage door openers, pressing the button might activate both at the same time.
Solution:
- Erase all programmed remotes from both garage door openers (instructions below).
- Reprogram each remote separately to ensure they control only one door.
2. Interference from Another Remote or Keypad
If a neighbor or family member’s remote is programmed to your opener, it might be triggering both garage doors at once.
Solution:
- Reset the garage door opener memory and reprogram only the remotes you use.
3. Frequency Overlap Between Two Openers
Garage door openers that are installed close together can sometimes share the same frequency, causing both doors to respond to the same remote signal.
Solution:
- Use separate remote codes for each door.
- If necessary, purchase a universal remote that allows you to program individual buttons for each opener.
4. Cross-Linked Wiring in Wall Controls
If both garage doors share a wall-mounted control panel, improper wiring can cause one button to activate both doors.
Solution:
- Inspect the wall control wiring to ensure each button controls only one door.
- If needed, separate the wiring or install individual wall-mounted controls for each door.
5. A Faulty Logic Board in One of the Openers
If the logic board inside one of the garage door openers is malfunctioning, it might be causing erratic behavior, including opening both doors at the same time.
Solution:
- Check for visible damage on the circuit board.
- If necessary, replace the logic board or call a professional technician.
How to Fix a Chamberlain Garage Door Opener That Opens Both Doors
If your Chamberlain garage door opener opens both doors when it shouldn’t, follow these troubleshooting steps:
Step 1: Reset the Learn Button and Erase All Remote Codes
- Locate the Purple Learn Button on the back or side of the garage door opener.
- Press and hold the Learn Button for about 6-10 seconds until the LED light turns off. This will erase all programmed remotes and keypads.
- Repeat the process on the second garage door opener.
This ensures that no remote controls are unintentionally programmed to both openers.
Step 2: Reprogram Each Remote for a Single Door
- Press the Purple Learn Button on the first garage door opener until the LED light turns on.
- Within 30 seconds, press the button on the remote control that you want to assign to this door.
- Wait for the LED to blink, indicating that programming is complete.
- Repeat the process for the second garage door opener, using a different button on the remote.
Step 3: Check and Rewire the Wall-Mounted Control Panel
If you have a dual-door garage with a shared wall-mounted control panel, check the wiring:
- Disconnect the wall control from the opener and see if the issue persists.
- If both doors stop opening simultaneously, the wiring may be the problem.
- Install separate wall controls or rewire them correctly.
Step 4: Test the Remote and Openers
After reprogramming the remotes and checking the wiring, test the system:
- Press the button assigned to Door #1 and see if it operates independently.
- Press the button assigned to Door #2 and check for proper operation.
- If both doors still open together, repeat the reset and reprogramming steps.
Step 5: Consider Upgrading to a Smart Garage Door System
If the issue persists, upgrading to a smart garage door opener with MyQ technology may help you gain more control over your doors. These systems allow you to:
- Control each door individually via a smartphone app.
- Set up unique access codes for each door.
- Prevent accidental dual-door activation by using a secure digital interface.
Preventing Future Issues with Your Chamberlain Garage Door Opener
To avoid accidental dual-door operation, follow these preventive measures:
✅ Regularly check remote programming and reprogram if needed.
✅ Label remotes clearly to prevent using the wrong button for the wrong door.
✅ Separate wall-mounted control panels to avoid shared wiring issues.
✅ Upgrade to a universal remote that allows different buttons for different doors.
✅ Use MyQ technology for better control over multiple garage doors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why does my Chamberlain garage door opener open both doors at the same time?
This happens if both doors share the same remote code, are wired incorrectly, or are affected by frequency interference. Reset and reprogram the remotes to fix the issue.
2. How do I reset my Chamberlain opener’s Purple Learn Button?
Press and hold the Purple Learn Button for 6-10 seconds until the LED light turns off. This erases all programmed remotes and keypads.
3. Can I program one remote to control two separate Chamberlain openers?
Yes! Use different buttons on a multi-button remote to control each garage door individually.
4. What should I do if reprogramming doesn’t work?
Check the wall control wiring, inspect the logic board for damage, and ensure no external interference is affecting the system.
5. Should I replace my garage door opener if the issue persists?
If your opener is over 10 years old, experiencing frequent malfunctions, or has a faulty circuit board, replacing it with a newer model may be the best solution.
Conclusion
If your Chamberlain garage door opener opens both doors instead of one, the issue likely stems from incorrect remote programming, cross-wiring, or frequency interference. By resetting the Learn Button, reprogramming the remote, and checking for wiring issues, you can quickly resolve the problem.
If troubleshooting doesn’t fix it, consider upgrading to a modern smart garage door system for better control and reliability.
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