A remote control unit for a garage door having a garage door opener. The remote control unit includes a controller, at least one wireless communication unit in electrical communication with the controller and a user interface in electrical communication with the controller. In some embodiments, the user interface includes a wireless authentication activation element that is configured to detect user-actuation of the wireless authentication activation element. The controller is configured to transmit a wireless control signal to open/close a garage door responsive to receiving a valid authentication code via the wireless communication unit. Typically, the controller is configured to receive a wireless authentication code responsive to actuation of the wireless authentication activation element.