How to set up the Lenovo ThinkSmart Bar 180, from unboxing to a working test. It's a USB device: plug it into a laptop or room PC and it shows up as a camera, microphone and speaker in any meeting app.
Before you start: check the box
- ThinkSmart Bar 180
- USB-C cable, 2 m
- 60W AC power adapter
- AC power cord
- Privacy cover
- Wall mount and screws
- Quick Start Guide
What you need
- Ports on the ThinkSmart Bar 180: Ports: USB-C, audio jack, Ethernet (RJ-45), AC power; Wireless: Bluetooth 5.0.
- For USB mode: a laptop or room PC with a free USB port that matches the included cable. Plug directly into the computer rather than through a hub where possible.
ThinkSmart Bar 180 at a glance
- Camera: 3 cameras, UHD 3840 x 1080 (32:9)
- Microphones: 8 beamforming mics, 100 Hz–8 kHz
Step by step
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Pick the position. Center the camera on the main display, just above or below the screen, at roughly seated eye level so people look at the camera when they look at the screen. Supported mounting: Wall, TV or display (hardware included). See ThinkSmart Bar 180 mounting and placement.
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Connect power and cables. Connect the power adapter. Then connect the cables your setup needs (Ports: USB-C, audio jack, Ethernet (RJ-45), AC power). Use the cables in the box first; long runs may need the manufacturer's extender.
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Pair a phone (optional). Put it in Bluetooth pairing mode (see the quick start guide for the button) and pick it on your phone. Bluetooth is for calls from a phone or tablet; for meetings on a computer, USB is more reliable.
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Set up USB mode. Connect the ThinkSmart Bar 180 to the computer by USB. In Teams, Zoom or Meet, open the device settings and select the ThinkSmart Bar 180 as the camera, microphone and speaker.
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Update the firmware. Update to the latest firmware before you go live. See Updating the firmware below.
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Run a test call. Join a test meeting, check framing from every seat, speak from the far end of the table, and have the remote side confirm they hear you clearly with no echo.
Updating the firmware
Update to the latest firmware before you go live, using the manufacturer's app or the device's settings.
- Don't unplug power or USB while an update runs.
- Close Teams, Zoom and other apps that use the device before updating it from a computer.
- Update one room first, test a call, then roll out to the rest.
Manual and documentation
Lenovo's product page for the ThinkSmart Bar 180: documentation and downloads. Check it for exact port diagrams and admin settings for your firmware version.
If something doesn't work
Start with ThinkSmart Bar 180 troubleshooting. Want it done for you? We plan rooms and ship them ready to install. Get a quote.
More ThinkSmart Bar 180 guides
- ThinkSmart Bar 180 buyer's guide: specs and price
- ThinkSmart Bar 180: troubleshooting
- ThinkSmart Bar 180: mounting and placement
- ThinkSmart Bar 180: Teams, Zoom and Google Meet
- ThinkSmart Bar 180: what room size it covers
- ThinkSmart Bar 180: price and total room cost
- ThinkSmart Bar 180: full specs
- ThinkSmart Bar 180: alternatives compared
- All Lenovo video bars compared
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