harmony remote not controlling directv

If you encounter a Harmony Remote not controlling DirecTV issue, don’t panic. It is a common problem, and we have the solutions for you!

Either you have not programmed your DirecTV into the remote or set up the receiver incorrectly.

Your Harmony Remote won’t be able to connect to your device and do what it’s supposed to do.

Additionally, your Harmony Remote’s firmware may not be up to date. In this case, you need to update it.

To clear the issue, start by syncing your Harmony Remote. Navigate the Menu, and tap Settings. Then, select Sync the Remote. If this doesn’t work, try resetting your Harmony Remote. It will restore your remote to factory settings, and you may sync again.

Before we move on to the different solutions to fix your Harmony Remote not working with your DirecTV problem, let us discuss why this happens.

We listed a few possible reasons below.

Why Harmony Remote Not Working with DirecTV

If your DirecTV is on RF mode and your Harmony Hub is on IR mode, chances are they won’t work together.

You need to place an IR blaster in front of the device and use the Harmony Hub to control it.

If the issue persists, the following may be the possible causes:

1. Not Programmed Into The Remote

The most obvious reason your Harmony Remote can’t control your DirecTV is that you have not set them up for each other. You will need the brand code and control code to solve this one.

2. Remote Not Synced

You may have made changes to your remote, and it did not sync to the Harmony Cloud automatically. You may need to do it manually.

3. Outdated Firmware

Your Harmony Remote may be out of date. It does not have the latest features, bug fixes, or security patches to ensure it works fine. 

4. Receiver Setup Incorrectly

The power supply may not be sufficient, or you set the wrong TV input.

If your DirecTV is not working, it may be due to the above reasons. Other causes include loose or damaged cables and outages. 

How to Fix Harmony Remote Not Controlling DirecTV

fix harmony remote not controlling directv

Now that you know the common causes of your Harmony Remote not working with your DirecTV, it is time to fix it.

Let us start with the easiest yet most effective solution: Restart your DirecTV box.

There are two ways to restart your receiver. You can use the Reset button located on the side or unplug your device.

If restarting your DirecTV box does not work, move on to advanced solutions.

Solution #1: Add Your DirecTV Receiver to Your Harmony Remote

If you have not programmed your DirecTV to your Harmony Remote, they will not work. Make sure your devices are set up together.

It’s going to be the first one that you need to check since you may have synced up a few devices with your remote, but not your DirecTV receiver.

Here’s how to add the receiver to your remote:

  1. Launch the Harmony App and connect to the Hub.
  2. Under Menu, go to Harmony Setup.
  3. Choose Add/Edit Devices & Activities, then Devices.
  4. Select Add Device.
  5. Press Scan for devices to auto-detect devices.
Note: If you can't find your device, select the device type. Then, enter the model and manufacturer number of your receiver.

Solution #2: Sync Your Harmony Remote

sync harmony remote

You may sync the settings of your Harmony Hub-based remotes over WiFi.

This allows you to make configurations from your remote or through the Harmony app. These changes will automatically sync to the Harmony Cloud.

Here’s how to sync changes using the Remote:

  1. Navigate to Menu.
  2. Tap Settings.
  3. Choose Sync Remote.

To sync changes using the Harmony app:

  1. Navigate to Menu.
  2. Tap Harmony Set up.
  3. Select Sync.
Note: If you cannot sync your Harmony Remote successfully, try using Advanced Tools to re-apply the firmware.

Solution #3: Update Your Harmony Remote’s Firmware

update remote firmware

Check the current version of your Harmony Remote. An outdated firmware may be why your remote cannot control your DirecTV. 

To check, go to Menu > Settings > General > About. You will see the software version under Model.

If your current firmware version isn’t up to date, here’s how to upgrade it:

  1. Launch your Harmony App.
  2. Sign in to your account.
  3. Select your Harmony Remote.
  4. Tap the Sync icon in the upper right corner.
  5. Wait for your remote to finish the update process.

Note: If you’re using firmware version 4.0 or higher, you can update the firmware directly from the remote’s touchscreen.

Tip: You can also update it through the Harmony mobile app or the MyHarmony desktop software.

Solution #4: Reset Your Harmony Remote

If your Harmony Remote suddenly stops working, there may be bugs or glitches that you can easily fix with a simple reset.

Perform the following steps in order. Doing this usually fixes a lot of issues, but it does affect your current settings as those are going to be cleared.

  1. Press and hold the OFF button.
  2. Wait for the remote to turn off.
  3. Your remote will automatically reboot.
Tip: Do not hold down the OFF and OK buttons as your Harmony Remote reboots.

Note: For Hub-based remotes, reset the Hub or the blaster instead of the remote. Unplug it, then plug it back in.

Solution #5: Switch Your DirecTV Box to IR Mode

directv box ir mode

If your DirecTV is on a different mode, switch your receiver to IR mode. This is usually a common mistake that Harmony remote users make.

This puts the two devices at incompatible modes, which gives them a hard time communicating.

Here’s what you should do:

  1. On your DirecTV remote, press the Menu button.
  2. From the Menu, press Select on Settings.
  3. Press Select on the IR/RF Setup button.
  4. Use the Up or Down arrows to change from RF to IR.
  5. Press Select to save.
Note: Point the Harmony remote directly to the TV box. In IR mode, your remote needs to be in the line of sight of your DirecTV to function.

Solution #6: Factory Reset Your DirecTV Receiver

reset directv receiver

If none of the solutions above clears the issue, restore your DirecTV receive to factory settings.

This troubleshooting step will delete all your favorites, playlists, and customized preferences. So, we only recommend this before sending a defective device.

  1. Press and hold the blue DirecTV power button.
  2. Release the button after 20 seconds.
  3. Wait for your receiver to start up.
Note: Performing a factory reset erases all your recordings and settings. It puts your receiver in the state when you first got it.

Harmony Remote Still Not Controlling DirecTV?

If the issue persists, we suggest refreshing and reauthorizing your service. To do this, go to My Equipment & Services.

Review your equipment and identify the affected receiver. Select Refresh Receiver. This may take up to 2 minutes.

As a last resort,you can get support for your DirecTV ad Harmony Remote service. A team of experts can help you fix the problem online. 

Read Next: DIRECTV Stream App Not Working on Firestick?

Bottom Line

Now you know why you have trouble with your Harmony Remote not controlling DirecTV. You can begin fixing it with a simple restart and move on to our more elaborate solutions.

The best thing about the methods in our guide is you don’t need technical experience to do them properly. You can do them at home.

Contact Harmony Remote customer support for additional assistance if none of the above solutions work.