TiVo Kickstart Codes and Information

TiVo kickstart codes enable certain diagnostics at boot time. If you're having problems with your TiVo, this information may help you to determine the source of the problem. Additionally, some codes can help with setup issues.

To Perform a Kickstart Code, pull the plug to power down the TiVo. Wait 15 seconds, plug the TiVo back in, and follow the instructions listed below for your model TiVo. After you have finished the last step of the kickstart process, the TiVo will reboot and will perform the appropriate kickstart action.

Notes: 1) The kickstart process will not work if your TiVo is perpetually stuck at "Welcome, Powering Up..." If you have those symptoms, you'll want to take a look at our TiVo repair and troubleshooting guide. 2) All codes do not work with all TiVo models. 3) We offer this information as a courtesy to customers looking to diagnose/repair their own TiVos, but needless to say, we can't take responsibility for the results. Proceed with caution.

FOR SERIES1/SERIES2 TiVo DVRs (without DVD recorders):

1. As the DVR restarts, the left (Receiving) LED light on the front bezel DVR will be green at first.

2. As soon as the left light turns yellow, immediately (within 2 seconds) press and hold down the yellow PAUSE button on the remote.

3. Within a few moments, the right light should turn yellow. (If you are unable to catch the change in color or timing, you may also hold the PAUSE button down continuously during the restart until the second light comes on.)

4. When this second light comes on, release the PAUSE button and then press the one or two digits of the kickstart code from the list below on the remote control. (You will have approximately 10 seconds to do this.)

     HUMAX/TOSBHIBA TiVo DVRs WITH DVD RECORDERS (DRT400, DRT800, RS-TX20, RS-TX60)

 1. As the DVR restarts, all LED lights on the front bezel of the DVR will be on at the same time. Press and hold the pause button. The red DVD light will then illuminate on its own. Continue to hold the pause button.

2. Once all lights are lit again, release the PAUSE button and then press the one or two digits of the kickstart code from the list below on the remote control.

    ORIGINAL SERIES3 HD TiVo (TCD648250/TCD648250B):

  1. As the DVR restarts, all four LED lights on the front bezel of the DVR will be on at the same time.

2. As soon as all four go out, immediately (within 2 seconds) press and hold down the PAUSE button on the remote. (If you are unable to catch the timing, you may also hold the PAUSE button down continuously during the restart until only the yellow light comes on.)

3. When the yellow light comes on, release the PAUSE button and then press the one or two digits of the kickstart code from the list below on the remote control. (You will have approximately 10 seconds to do this.)

TIVO HD / TIVO HD XL:

1. As the DVR restarts, the green LED light on the front bezel DVR will be lit.

2. As soon as it blinks, immediately (within 2 seconds) press and hold down the PAUSE button on the remote.

3. Within a few moments, the yellow and red LED lights will turn on. (If you are unable to catch the timing, you may also hold the PAUSE button down continuously during the restart until the yellow and red LEDs come on.)

4. When the yellow and red LEDs come on, release the PAUSE button and then press the one or two digits of the kickstart code from the list below on the remote control. (You will have approximately 10 seconds to do this.)

TIVO PREMIERE / PREMIERE XL:

1. If you have a remote+dongle that is in RF mode, you will need to put it in IR mode before running the kickstart procedure. Press TiVo + C to enter IR mode. (To put the remote back in RF mode, press and hold the TiVo+Green D buttons until the amber light flashes.)

2. You will need to restart the box and wait for the green light to come on.

3. When you see the yellow/amber light begin to flash, hold the PAUSE button on the remote. You will have approximately 10 seconds to do this.

IMPORTANT: Do not continuously hold down the pause button.

4. You will release the PAUSE button and you will have approximately 10 seconds to press the kickstart code (see below) on the remote control.

5. If you are successful, the blue and amber lights will blink in alternating patterns to indicate the code has been accepted. Do not stop the TiVo rebooting, this is normal, and if you were successful it will bring you to the black and white kickstart screen.

TIVO ROAMIO/ROAMIO PLUS/ROAMIO PRO/BOLT:

1. If your remote control is in RF mode, you will need to put it in IR mode before running the kickstart procedure. Press TiVo + C to enter IR mode. (To put the remote back in RF mode, press and hold the TiVo+Green D buttons until the amber light flashes.)

2. As the TiVo DVR restarts, the green LED light on the front bezel of the box will be lit.

3. When you see the yellow/amber light begin to flash, wait a second and then press and hold the Pause button on the remote for two seconds, then release it.

4. Within 5 seconds, press the kickstart code (see below) on the remote control.

5. If you are successful, the green and amber lights will blink in alternating patterns to indicate the code has been accepted.