Step-by-Step Guide on How to Align Garage Door Sensors

Garage doors rely on small details to work safely. One of the most important parts of the system sits just a few inches above the floor: the garage door sensors. When these sensors aren’t aligned correctly, the door may not close, may reverse mid-close, or might stop altogether. Learning how to align garage door sensors can save time, prevent unnecessary repairs, and keep your garage door operating safely.

What Garage Door Sensors Do

Garage door sensors prevent the door from closing on a person, pet, or object. They use a beam of infrared light to detect anything in the door’s path. If something breaks the beam, the system tells the garage door opener to stop or reverse. The sensors work in pairs. One sensor sends the beam, and the other receives it. If that signal gets interrupted or if the sensors fall out of alignment, the garage door won't function properly.

Where to Find the Sensors

Garage door sensors sit on each side of the door, about 4 to 6 inches above the ground. They’re mounted on the vertical track or bracket that supports the door’s rollers. Each sensor has a small lens and indicator light. One light stays green to show the receiving sensor is powered and aligned. The other usually glows orange or yellow to confirm the sending sensor is functioning. If either light is blinking or off, that’s a red flag.

Signs Your Garage Door Sensors Are Out of Alignment

A misaligned sensor pair is one of the most common reasons garage doors won’t close. If you notice any of these signs, the sensors likely need adjustment:

• The garage door won’t close using the remote or wall button
• The door begins to close, then reverses
• You hear a clicking noise and see light flashes on operator
• The sensor indicator lights are blinking or off

If the door closes only when you hold the wall button, the sensors are trying to prevent what they think is an unsafe close. They need to be realigned.

What Causes Garage Door Sensors to Misalign

Sensors don’t shift on their own unless something bumps them or something interferes with the brackets. Here are the most common causes:

• Someone accidentally kicked or bumped a sensor
• A bike, shovel, or storage bin hit the bracket
• Vibration from the garage door operation loosened the mounting screws
• Dust, dirt, or spider webs cover the sensor lens

Checking these problems before calling for a repair can help you get your door working faster.

How to Align Garage Door Sensors

Knowing how to align garage door sensors starts with a simple check and adjustment process. All you will need is a screwdriver, some string, and a little patience.

Step 1: Inspect

Inspect both sensor lenses. Wipe away dust or debris with a clean cloth. Check the wires for damage and make sure they are securely connected.  

Step 2: Check the Brackets and Mounts

Look for any signs of bent brackets or loose screws. Tighten everything down so the sensors sit snugly in their mounts. You should be able to gently adjust them side to side without force.

Step 3: Use a String to Line Them Up

Tie a piece of string from one sensor to the other. Stretch it tight so it runs across both sensor lenses. Use a level to check the string. Adjust the sensors up or down so they’re perfectly in line with the string and each other. Once aligned, the sensor lights should turn solid, showing the signal is connected.

Step 4: Test the Door

Press the remote or wall button. If the sensors are aligned correctly, the door should close smoothly without stopping or reversing. If the lights continue blinking or the door still won’t close, double-check the alignment and clean the lenses again. Sometimes, it takes a few small tweaks to get it just right.

Why Proper Sensor Alignment Matters

Garage door sensors aren’t just a safety feature. They’re required by law on all automatic garage doors built since 1993. If they aren’t working correctly, the door poses a serious hazard. Learning how to align garage door sensors gives you control over a common problem that doesn’t always need professional service. But if you’ve tried aligning them and the lights still won’t stay solid, the issue might be deeper. Bad wiring, damaged sensor units, or a faulty garage door opener can also cause problems.

Need a Hand? Let’s Get Your Door Working Again

Garage doors work best when every part is in sync, and sensors are no exception. If you’ve gone through the steps and your sensors still aren’t working right, it may be time to call in some extra help. Interstate Garage Doors services all makes and models of garage door openers and sensors. Call 717-263-3150 or fill out our online form to schedule fast and friendly service. We’ll get your garage door working the way it should. Smooth, safe, and hassle-free.