What's in the Box
The Logitech Harmony Hub is the core component of the Harmony universal remote system, capable of controlling your entertainment center and smart home devices from your smartphone. Inside the box, you'll find the Harmony Hub, a USB power cable, an IR mini blaster with a cable, and a quick start guide. The Hub connects to your Wi-Fi network and sends infrared, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi commands to control TVs, receivers, streaming devices, game consoles, and compatible smart home accessories.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, ensure you have:
- A smartphone or tablet with the Harmony app installed (available on iOS and Android)
- A Wi-Fi network with internet access and the password handy
- Your entertainment devices nearby and accessible, with their brand and model information
- A USB power source — either a wall adapter with a USB port or an available USB port on a device like your TV or receiver
- Clear line of sight between the Hub and your IR-controlled devices
Step-by-Step Setup
- Position the Harmony Hub on or near your entertainment center. The front of the Hub emits IR signals, so aim it toward the devices you want to control. For equipment inside closed cabinets, connect the included IR mini blaster to the Hub and place the blaster inside the cabinet pointing at the devices.
- Power the Hub by connecting the USB cable to the Hub and plugging the other end into a USB power adapter or available USB port. The Hub's LED will blink as it boots up.
- Open the Harmony app on your phone and create a Logitech account or sign in with an existing one. The app will search for the Hub on your network and prompt you to connect it to Wi-Fi if it's not already connected.
- Begin adding your devices. Tap Add Device and search Harmony's extensive device database by manufacturer and model. Add every device you want to control — your TV, cable box, streaming player, AV receiver, game console, Blu-ray player, and any other equipment.
- Set up Activities to simplify daily use. An Activity groups multiple device actions into a single command. For example, "Watch Netflix" could turn on the TV, switch to HDMI 3, power on the soundbar, and launch the Netflix app on your streaming device. The app guides you through selecting which devices are involved and what inputs they should use.
- Test each Activity to make sure all devices turn on and switch to the correct inputs. If a device doesn't respond, adjust its position relative to the Hub, tweak IR signal settings in the app, or add command delays for devices that are slow to power on.
Using the Harmony App as Your Remote
With the Harmony Hub, the Harmony app on your smartphone becomes your universal remote control. The app displays touch-screen controls specific to the current Activity — volume, channel, playback buttons, and more. You can swipe between device controls and trigger Activities with a single tap. The app communicates with the Hub over Wi-Fi, so you don't need to point your phone at your devices.
Smart Home Integration Tips
- The Harmony Hub integrates with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Link the Harmony skill in the Alexa or Google Home app to control Activities by voice — say "Alexa, turn on Watch TV" or "Hey Google, start Movie Night."
- Add smart home devices like Philips Hue lights and smart plugs directly in the Harmony app. Include them in Activities so your lights dim automatically when you start watching a movie.
- The Hub exposes a local API that platforms like Home Assistant can use for integration, allowing you to build automations that combine entertainment control with your broader smart home system.
- Create multiple Activities for different users or use cases — gaming, streaming, music listening, and more — each configuring all devices exactly how you need them.
Quick Troubleshooting
If the Hub isn't found by the app, make sure both your phone and the Hub are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart the Hub by unplugging it for 10 seconds. If IR commands don't reach a device, reposition the Hub or IR mini blaster. If Activities leave a device in the wrong state (e.g., the TV is off when it should be on), use the "Help" button in the Harmony app — it will ask about each device's state and send corrective commands. For Wi-Fi disconnections, assign the Hub a static IP address through your router to avoid DHCP lease conflicts.
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