While the Apple TV isn’t flying off the shelves like AirPods or the Apple Watch, it’s still a great product. This is especially true with the release of Apple’s TV+ streaming services as more try to “cut the cord”.

Contents

• 3 Pair the Harmony Hub with the Apple TV using Bluetooth
• 5 Conclusion

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Another great aspect of TV+ comes into play for those who live the “smart home” lifestyle. With options like Logitech’s Harmony system, you don’t need to keep track of the Siri Remote and can even use Android to control the Apple TV.

What is the Harmony Remote and Hub?

The Harmony Remote and Hub system comes from Logitech and adds additional features to your pre-existing system. After various devices have been added, they can then be controlled by a single remote or with your phone.

Currently, there are several different options available, ranging from the Harmony Elite (top of the line), to the Harmony 350 and 665. These remotes offer smart functionality of their own, with a few of them including LCD displays.

Harmony Remote Software Download

Sep 23, 2017 Logitech support says you're supposed to unpair the Apple remote first, but I can't seem to figure out how to do that. And the Harmony setup can't see the device over Wifi. It was able to pair to my Hue lights and TV, so I'm sure it's not the Harmony.Anybody able to do this successfully have a hint I'm missing.

Pair Harmony IR Remote with Apple TV

There are two different options for pairing Logitech’s Harmony remotes with the Apple TV.

The first, and most common, is to take advantage of the IR sensors on the remote and TV.

1. Open the Harmony app from your iPhone
2. Select the Harmony remote and tap on Devices > Add device
3. Enter Apple under manufacturer and Apple TV under the model
4. Tap the Sync icon in the top right-hand corner
5. Select Sync Now

After a few moments, the Harmony remote will pair with your Apple TV. This gives you control over many aspects without waiting for Bluetooth to be paired and connected after sleep.

Pair the Harmony Hub with the Apple TV using Bluetooth

Volume On Mac Not Working

Some folks have been stating that when paired to Harmony via the IR blaster, you cannot control certain aspects. In this case, you will want to switch to Bluetooth pairing instead.

Here’s how you can do so:

1. Open the Harmony app on your iPhone
2. Select Enable Text Entry and choose Watch Apple TV Activity
3. From your Apple TV, navigate to Settings > General > Bluetooth

This puts both the Harmony Hub and Apple TV in Bluetooth pairing mode. Within a few moments, the two will automatically connect, giving you control over your ATV via Bluetooth instead of through the IR blaster.

After connected, you can use the Harmony app to enter text, control the TV itself, and use swipe gestures during video/music playback.

In fact, you can even use this method to power the ATV on and off, as users have found issues when using IR. Everything else would work fine, but when trying to turn the system off, the Apple TV would be the final product turned on.

Try the beta and make sure the software is updated

tvOS 13 has been out for a few months now, but that doesn’t mean that things aren’t still “broken”. Especially when it comes to those using a Harmony system, you will want to do one of the following:

Enroll in the tvOS Beta cycle:

1. Open the Settings app on your Apple TV
2. Select System
3. Tap on Software Updates
4. Scroll down and click on Get Beta Updates
5. Follow on-screen instructions

From there, the beta software will download and install itself, so do not turn the Apple TV off during this time.

Check for a software update

1. Open the Settings app on your Apple TV
2. Select System
3. Tap on Software Updates
4. Click on Update Software

If a software update is available, you will need to follow the on-screen instructions in order to update your Apple TV.

Can you use this with an Android phone to control your Apple TV?

The short answer here is yes and no. After setting up the Harmony app on your Android device and pairing it with the Apple TV, there’s a bit of a catch. For the time being, it seems that the Android Harmony app is lagging behind a bit, without actually providing “remote” access.

Use Harmony to “control” your Apple TV

1. Open the Harmony app from your Android phone
2. Select the Harmony remote and tap on Devices > Add device
3. Enter Apple under manufacturer and Apple TV under the model
4. Tap the Sync icon in the top right-hand corner
5. Select Sync Now

However, you can still use your Android phone for text input in a pinch. The obvious benefit to this is to be able to type entries better/faster than relying on the Harmony remote or the Siri Remote.

Instead, we would recommend finding an old iPod Touch or even iPhone 5 (or iPhone SE) to act as the remote. This will make the experience much smoother, and the iPod or old iPhone will serve as the dedicated remote for your Harmony/Apple TV system.

Conclusion

We are grateful that Apple makes it possible to use these different products with TV. This is especially true for those looking to get involved in the smart home lifestyle.

If you continue having issues with the Apple TV and Harmony system, let us know in the comments and we’ll be happy to help!

Andrew is a freelance writer based on the East Coast of the US.

He has written for a variety of sites over the years, including iMore, Android Central, Phandroid, and a few others. Now, he spends his days working for an HVAC company, while moonlighting as a freelance writer at night.

Student-Contributed Wiki

An awesome team of students from our education program made this wiki.

This troubleshooting page will help you fix common issues with the Smart Keyboard, released March 2014.

Harmony Hub Will Not Connect

Keyboard does not respond to connection to harmony hub.

Make sure the Harmony Hub is in sight and is not blocked by an object. Make sure Harmony Hub is plugged into power adapter.

To unpair your Harmony Hub and Smart Keyboard: first sign in to your Harmony account. Before clicking anywhere inside the window, Windows users: press Alt+F9 and Mac users: Press Fn+Option+F9 or Option+F9. Note: this will transfer you to the Advanced Tools page. Once there, under the “Others” option, scroll down and select “Unpair.” This will ensure that Hub and Keyboard are disconnected. Then connect the Harmony Hub to your computer via USB. Once your Hub is detected, click “Unpair All” to remove all pairings from the Hub. Once all pairings have been removed, manually pair the Hub and Keyboard. Connect the Hub to the Power source. Press the Pair/Reset button on the back of the hub. Turn the power switch on the keyboard off, waiting ten seconds before turning it on.

Key Does Not Work

The keys on the keyboard do not respond when pressed.

Before disassembling to check the keys, take a picture of the keyboard layout in order to easily reassemble. First, gently remove the keys, taking care not to pull too hard if a key is semi-difficult to pop out—the keyboard may contain a metal hook that needs sliding by a few inches in order to fully release the key. Then, clean and dry the keys on paper towels. Gently return them to their original positions.

If the keys are not working after cleaning, they may need a replacement. To ensure replacement, begin by first inserting the key retainer into the keyboard. Once the retainer is inserted, it should lie flat and be able to flex. Insert the key pad into the retainer. Position the key cap over the retainer in the proper orientation and press down lightly. The key should snap onto the retainer. If the key does not look right, try pressing down on all corners of the key to make sure all clips are snapped into place. Once snapped in, test the key and see if it works again.

If your power switch is stuck, please refer to the Logitech Harmony Smart Keyboard On/Off Switch Replacement guide.

Will Not Connect To WiFi

Wi-Fi symbol does not display and web-based programs will not load.

Harmony Remote Software Not Working On Mac

The LogiTech Harmony Keyboard will not be enabled if Wi-Fi is off. You have to turn it on. Authenticate that the Keyboard’s wireless connection setting is turned on.

Certify that Hub is connected to the 2.4GHz, as Harmony supports only 2.4 GHz frequency. Reserve a new IP for the Harmony Hub under the DHCP settings of the Router to see if it improves. Reboot your router. Upgrade firmware on your router. Change the wireless network to a hidden network and stop the router from broadcasting its SSID. If there is no improvement, there may be issues with your service provider.

Bluetooth is Not Enabled

Hub does not respond to desired appliance.

Keyboard On Mac Not Working

On your smartphone app, click on “edit the Kodi,” then click “Shield activity,” and then re-setup the bluetooth connection. Once on the Shield, click on “add a new bluetooth device” and re-add the harmony keyboard. Note: without removing the one shown, “add” the device again. It may be necessary to completely delete the original and then turning it on again.

Device Won’t Pair To a Different Hub

You are unable to connect the Smart Keyboard to a different hub.

If you do not already have a Harmony account, create one. To create, go to logitech.com and click “create account.” You will then be sent through multiple screens explaining how the Harmony Smart Keyboard works. Note: If you own or have owned a Harmony remote and would like to recover its devices and Activities, you have the option to copy them over to your new Harmony Smart Keyboard. If you do not have a previous Harmony remote, select “No, Set Up New.” Next, you will enter your devices: To begin with, Harmony will first try to identify some of your connected devices. If any are located, press the “Add Device” option at the bottom of your screen to add additional home entertainment and home automation devices. You will likely enter your username and password for some of your services, so Harmony may communicate with them. If you have trouble finding your model number while registering, the following cite will help you find it: Finding your device's model number. Next, Harmony will either automatically generate Activities, or guide you through creating them based on the discovered devices, to help set-up your one-touch experience. If you would like to modify any Activities by adding additional commands, please reference the attached cite: adding commands to your Activities.

Install the Windows or Mac Harmony Desktop App, otherwise known as “MyHarmony.” Open the “Advanced Options” by pressing ALT+F9 for Windows users, or Fn+Option+F9 or Option+F9 for Mac users. Then plug the Harmony Hub into your computer. Click on “Unpair,” then click “Unpair All.” Now follow the steps in the Harmony App to pair the Keyboard with the other hub.

Refer to “settings” in your smartphone Harmony app to verify that the Harmony Hub is synchronized. If it is not, turn the bluetooth “off” by sliding left, then turn “on” by sliding right. Wait about 30 seconds for the device to be detected. Next, ensure that you are still signed in, then press sync. If this fails to sync, try turning off your computer or electronic device, whichever one that syncs with the hub, then repeat the steps from the beginning.

Harmony Remote Software Mac Not Working Windows 7

Harmony Remote Software Mac Not Working Iphone

The Keyboard may be unresponsive if the batteries are low. Replace the previous batteries, located on the back of the keyboard, with two new AA batteries.