How to set up a Chromecast with a Logitech Harmony Remote

The Logitech Harmony Remote configuration software isn't very well suited to setting up a Chromecast. Here's what I did to make it work:

First add the Chromecast as a device:
1. Go to "Devices" then "Add Device".
2. Select "Computer" then "Media Center PC" (yes, this is confusing)
3. Select manufacturer Google, then enter the device name "Chromecast".

The software will warn you that it can't control the Chromecast. That's OK, just proceed.

Second, create an activity to watch the Chromecast:
1. Go to "Activities" then "Add Activity"
2. Select "No - manually add an Activity to my setup"
3. Choose "Utility" then "Generic Activity"
4. Set it up to use your TV and receiver, with the appropriate inputs selected.
5. Use "Settings" to "Rename activity" to something like "Watch Chromecast".

This seems like it would be enough, but it isn't. The volume buttons won't work. Why would you want volume control when you set up an activity with a TV and receiver? :-)

Fix the volume buttons:
1. On the activities page, select "Customize Buttons"
2. For volume up, volume down and mute assign the controls to your receiver (or TV).

That's it. Hit "Update Remote", let it sync, and you should be good to go.

Comments

  1. UnknownJanuary 3, 2014 at 7:57 PM

    THANKS SOOOO much! This helps us old people immensely! WE got it working!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. DanFebruary 9, 2014 at 3:26 PM

    Thanks for the step-by-step guide. Got my Harmony 1100 all set up now.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Jamie LowFebruary 12, 2014 at 5:49 PM

    Done and done. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  4. DavidApril 16, 2014 at 9:40 AM

    Awesome, thanks James!

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownApril 19, 2014 at 6:39 AM

    Thank you so much, so easy to follow for a non expert.

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownMay 3, 2014 at 3:03 PM

    Thanks for the help James. I've just gotten a new Harmony One remote and that was a stumbling point.
    Have you gotten any questions regarding how well the new Dish Hopper with Sling will work with harmony one remote? I've heard some problems have happened, which is disappointing, I just got the Hopper two weeks ago.

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousJune 14, 2014 at 4:16 PM

    Thank you for posting this. It was very helpful. I found though, that I did not need to add the Chromecast as a device since the remote does not use it. But all the rest of your steps are in my setup for my Harmony 650 and it works like a charm!

    ReplyDelete
  8. UnknownOctober 12, 2014 at 4:36 AM

    This would have taken a lot longer to figure out so it saved a lot of time. Many thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Bill BNovember 29, 2014 at 7:37 PM

    Very helpful! Saved me from having to figure this out on my own.

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnonymousJanuary 3, 2015 at 6:18 PM

    do these instructions hold for a set up with MBPro running OS 10.10.1? How do I set up my Sonos and still retain control over volume?

    You are my last hope...

    ReplyDelete
  11. James CookJanuary 5, 2015 at 3:00 PM

    Sorry, I have no idea how to set up Sonos with either the Harmony Remote or Chromecast. Best of luck with it, though.

    ReplyDelete
  12. UnknownMarch 15, 2015 at 9:00 AM

    Thanks for the tip!

    ReplyDelete
  13. JebossJuly 26, 2015 at 7:28 AM

    Thx for the tip, really helpfull

    ReplyDelete
  14. hugbandit7August 18, 2015 at 9:10 AM

    these worked great, thank you! Just wish I could get sound to come from my receiver, but nothing when set on the TV option which makes sense since it is plugged into another HDMI port

    ReplyDelete
  15. AlphonseQNovember 15, 2015 at 3:12 PM

    Wam Bam Thank You Mam Great instructions...

    ReplyDelete
  16. Radhika SrivatsaNovember 18, 2015 at 3:27 PM

    Thanks for the detailed instructions. I just bought my Chromecast and so will try to hook it up soon.

    WiIl the same instructions work for FireTV Stick or Roku as well? Wonder if any of you have tried those 2 devices via Harmony remote?

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  17. UnknownDecember 16, 2015 at 11:34 AM

    Perfect. Clear. Time Saver. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  18. John ScarlettFebruary 21, 2016 at 5:31 AM

    Just what I was looking for. Saved me a ton of time. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  19. GoProJoJoApril 15, 2016 at 6:22 AM

    I tried to pair my Chromecast Audio but it seems not to work. Does the instruction only apply to a Chromecast?

    ReplyDelete
  20. UnknownAugust 11, 2016 at 8:01 PM

    Awesome... thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  21. marcDecember 29, 2016 at 1:16 PM

    still awesome, thx!

    ReplyDelete
  22. UnknownMay 15, 2017 at 1:36 PM

    You rock. Straightforward and well done. Much appreciated!

    ReplyDelete
  23. MaartenMay 25, 2017 at 4:47 AM

    3,5 year after you posted this article (it is May 2017 now) this manual still works fine. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  24. UnknownMay 11, 2019 at 1:47 PM

    Beautiful! I do this so rarely that I cannot fully remember the steps from one time to the next.
    THANKS!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Misophonia audio gear: portable white noise

Image
My 14 year old son developed misophonia earlier this year. We’ve received a lot of support from the online misophonia communities. I’d like to give something back by sharing details of the audio hardware we’ve found that helps him cope with the condition. Most day my son uses a pair of Sennheiser PX-100 open-ear headphones connected to a Sound Oasis S-001 portable white noise machine to mask his trigger sounds. This system has several advantages: Not a smartphone: Easier to persuade a school to allow it in class, exams, etc. Small: Both white noise device and headphones (folded down) fit in a pocket. Discrete: Headphones are slim and can be concealed under a hoodie. Easy operation: Power button and volume control can be operated by touch while in pocket. All-day battery: 20 hours per charge. Cheap-ish: $30 for the sound generator, $50 for headphones (but see below). Open ear: He can hear normally when he turns the noise off, without taking off the headphones. Howeve...
Read more

Misophonia: white noise with remote microphone for school use

Image
A portable white noise generator can mask misophonia trigger sounds. Unfortunately, in the classroom the white noise also masks the teacher's voice. What if we could give the teacher a portable microphone and mix their voice into the white noise? I experimented a lot with smartphone apps, mixers, directional microphones, etc. The following is my quick-and-dirty solution. Note that this design could potentially damage your electronics, your hearing, or both. That said, my son uses this setup at school most days. Parts: Sony ECMAW4 Wireless Microphone Monoprice 107128 3.5mm Mono Plug to 3.5mm Stereo Jack Adaptor Monoprice 6-Inch 3.5mm Stereo Jack Splitter for Mobile     Not a headphone/microphone splitter. Shop carefully, this is an uncommon item.) Sound Oasis S-001 Portable White Noise Machine Sennheiser PX 100 Lightweight Collapsible Headphones     Discontinued. Try eBay or see below. (Teacher microphone not shown.) Connect as shown in the photo ab...
Read more