Humminbird Live is an app that allows anglers to use their Humminbird fish finders and chartplotters to view and control their devices from their smartphone or tablet. With Humminbird Live, anglers can view live sonar, chart, radar, and camera feeds from their Humminbird units right on their mobile device. This allows them to monitor fishing conditions and track fish from anywhere on the boat or even from shore.
One of the most common questions about Humminbird Live is what Humminbird units are compatible with the app. The compatibility depends on a few factors, including the model and generation of the Humminbird unit. In this article, we’ll look at which Humminbird units can connect to Humminbird Live and how to tell if your particular model is supported.
SOLIX Series Compatibility
The SOLIX series by Humminbird represents the highest-end fish finders and chartplotters in their lineup. These premium units are packed with the latest sonar, mapping, networking and touchscreen technologies. Most current SOLIX models are compatible with Humminbird Live:
- SOLIX 10
- SOLIX 12
- SOLIX 15
- SOLIX 18
The key thing to look for is that the model supports Bluetooth connectivity. All SOLIX units from about 2015 onward include built-in Bluetooth support specifically for the Humminbird Live app. Just make sure your SOLIX is updated with the latest firmware and you should be able to connect it to the app without any trouble.
HELIX Series Compatibility
The HELIX series encompasses Humminbird’s mid-range fish finder and combo units. HELIX models offer excellent performance and features at lower price points compared to the SOLIX series. Many HELIX models are compatible with Humminbird Live:
- HELIX 7
- HELIX 9
- HELIX 10
- HELIX 12
As with the SOLIX units, the key is Bluetooth support. Most HELIX units from 2015 and newer have Bluetooth built-in. Some older HELIX models may require an add-on Bluetooth module or remote to enable Humminbird Live connectivity. Check your HELIX manual or specs to confirm if it supports direct Bluetooth pairing.
ONIX Series Compatibility
The ONIX series represents Humminbird’s high-performance standalone sonar units. These fish finders pack serious sonar prowess into more compact form factors without integrated mapping. Select ONIX models work with Humminbird Live:
- ONIX 10
- ONIX 12
The ONIX units with Bluetooth support can directly connect to the Humminbird Live app. Some older ONIX models may require a Bluetooth remote add-on module. Verify your specific ONIX model has onboard Bluetooth before attempting to use Humminbird Live.
IX Series Compatibility
The IX series contains Humminbird’s more basic and affordable fish finders. Only a couple IX models are compatible with Humminbird Live:
- IXS 10
- IXS 12
These higher-end IX units have built-in Bluetooth for direct connectivity. Other IX models likely require an external Bluetooth remote module for Humminbird Live use.
BaseLevel FishSmart Series Compatibility
Humminbird’s entry-level FishSmart fish finders have limited compatibility with Humminbird Live. The FishSmart app offers some basic connectivity features for the FishSmart series. However, only one FishSmart model currently works directly with Humminbird Live:
- FishSmart 9
The FishSmart 9 is the only model with built-in Bluetooth at this time. The other FishSmart units require a Bluetooth remote add-on module in order to use the Humminbird Live app.
Summary of Directly Compatible Models
Here is a quick summary of Humminbird units with direct onboard Bluetooth support for Humminbird Live without needing any add-on modules:
| Series | Compatible Models |
|---|---|
| SOLIX | SOLIX 10, 12, 15, 18 |
| HELIX | HELIX 7, 9, 10, 12 |
| ONIX | ONIX 10, 12 |
| IX | IXS 10, IXS 12 |
| FishSmart | FishSmart 9 |
So in general, most Humminbird units from around 2015 onward with built-in Bluetooth will work directly with Humminbird Live. Be sure to verify Bluetooth support on your specific model if unsure.
Using Add-On Modules for Older Units
For older Humminbird models without built-in Bluetooth, connectivity with Humminbird Live is still possible with some add-on modules:
- Humminbird Bluetooth Remote: This handy remote control accessory plugs into the unit and provides Bluetooth support. It comes bundled with some products or can be purchased separately.
- Humminbird Wireless Sonar Module: This module plugs into the transducer port and enables Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support. It’s compatible with most Humminbirds.
- 3rd Party Bluetooth Modules: Some compatible 3rd party Bluetooth modules are available from companies like Y-Smbr.
Check with Humminbird support to see if an add-on module is available for your specific older model. This allows you to upgrade to Humminbird Live connectivity even if the unit lacks built-in Bluetooth.
Connecting Accessories with NMEA 2000
Many anglers want to connect Humminbird Live not just to their main fish finder, but also to accessories like remote sensors. Humminbird’s NMEA 2000 bus allows networking of multiple compatible devices.
Any NMEA 2000-compatible accessory connected to your Humminbird over the bus can have its data viewed and controlled through Humminbird Live. This includes things like:
- Remote sonar sensors
- Environmental sensors
- Autopilots
- Radar
- AIS
- Cameras
The networked Humminbird acts as a gateway, gathering data from any linked NMEA 2000 sensors and devices. As long as your main unit is Bluetooth-enabled, all the connected accessories are accessible over Humminbird Live too.
Using Multiple Humminbird Units
With Humminbird’s extensive networking capabilities, many anglers have more than one unit on their boat. The good news is that Humminbird Live can connect to multiple units simultaneously.
You can add several Bluetooth-enabled Humminbirds to the Humminbird Live app and switch between controlling them from your smartphone or tablet. This enables maintaining Live connectivity with units at both the bow and stern or any number of combinations.
The one limitation is that Humminbird Live can only stream live video from one unit at a time. But you can still quickly switch to view any networked Humminbird’s sonar and other info through the app. Using Humminbird networking like Ethernet or NMEA 2000, the whole system is accessible.
Bottom Line on Humminbird Live Compatibility
While Humminbird Live has some minimum requirements for direct connectivity, most modern Humminbird units from the past decade are compatible. Focus on verifying Bluetooth support on your specific model.
For older Humminbirds without built-in Bluetooth, add-on remote modules are available for many models to enable Humminbird Live use. And with Humminbird’s robust networking, the app can connect to multiple units and accessories at once for a powerful live remote monitoring and control experience.
Conclusion
Humminbird Live opens up exciting new possibilities for controlling your Humminbird gear remotely from mobile devices. While not all legacy units are supported, most modern Humminbirds with Bluetooth built-in can connect directly to the app. For older models, wireless add-on modules provide Humminbird Live connectivity in most cases.
The bottom line is that this innovative app is compatible with the vast majority of Humminbird fish finders, combo units and accessories available today. With a Bluetooth-enabled Humminbird or add-on module, you can enjoy live sonar, mapping, radar and camera streaming straight from your unit to your smartphone or tablet. Humminbird Live unlocks the ability to monitor and operate your Humminbird system from anywhere on the boat or shore with ease.
