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Learn-button eras

On LiftMaster / Chamberlain residential openers, learn-button color is the fastest way to know which radio era you have — and whether a MAX remote is the right buy.

Green Billion Code · 390 MHz
Red / Orange Security+ · 390 MHz
Purple / Brown Security+ · 315 MHz
Yellow (round) Security+ 2.0 · 310 / 315 / 390 MHz (era-dependent)

Identification chart

Summarized from Chamberlain Group learn-button guidance and LiftMaster accessory charts. Faded purple can look brown; faded red can look orange.

Learn button Technology Frequency Typical years Antenna MAX remotes
Green Billion Code 390 MHz 1993-1997 Gray Yes (MAX charts)
Red / Orange Security+ 390 MHz 1997-2004/2005 Gray Yes (MAX charts)
Purple / Brown Security+ 315 MHz 2005-2014 Purple Yes (MAX charts)
Yellow (round) Security+ 2.0 310 / 315 / 390 MHz (era-dependent) 2011-2025 Yellow Yes (MAX charts)
White (round) Security+ 3.0 Bluetooth-class (OEM chart) 2025-present White Not the classic MAX path
Pre-1993 DIP / square yellow-white-gray DIP switch Legacy Before 1993 Gray Not the classic MAX path

How to find it

  • Look on the motor-head side where the wall control and safety-sensor wires connect.
  • If the button color is hard to see, check antenna wire color and any LED next to the learn button.
  • Model number is often on a label near the light socket (opposite the antenna side on many units).

Example opener families by chart era

  • 1993-1995: 1245 1255 1270 1280
  • 1996-2005: 1245R 1255R 1265R 2220 2245 2255 2265 2280 +4 more
  • 2006-2013: 1345 1355 1356 3220 3240 3255 3265-267 3270 +6 more
  • 2011+: 8355 8360 8500 8550 8557 8587

These model lists come from the LiftMaster accessory compatibility chart eras — useful cross-checks, not a complete catalog.

Exceptions

  • Pre-~1993 DIP-switch openers are outside “universal since 1993” MAX language.
  • Blue learn-button / 433 MHz boards are a special discontinued path — do not assume US MAX coverage.
  • White (Security+ 3.0) openers need current OEM accessory guidance, not only older MAX charts.
  • Gate / commercial operators often use a separate receiver SKU (for example 412LM / 850LM class).
  • Private-label Craftsman boards can look similar; confirm brand/model before ordering.

Program a MAX remote 893MAX 81LM