Best Methods to Add Any Smart Home Device to Apple HomeKit [Guides Included]
Having control over all my Smart Devices under one app was my ultimate dream and goal. Naturally, I opted towards Apple Home App because the interface is just easier. Since not all devices are compatible, I tried to find the best ways to add any smart device to Apple HomeKit. Let’s jump right into it!
Enomek [Favourite/ Recommended Solution]
Enomek is honestly the best solution for me. They offer a compiled selection of all the step guides and all the plugins we will need. So, to give a brief explanation Enomek is an app solution, yes, it is paid but it offers a lifetime of worthy service.
Enomek provides support with adding any smart home device to Apple HomeKit, which made the process very easy and fast to complete.
Step-by-Step Guide to Install Enomek
Step 01: Visit the official install page.
Step 02: Download the Enomek App.
Step 03: Click “Allow” in the next prompt.
Step 04: Go to settings and complete the installation.
Their official website has a more comprehensive step-by-step guide to install Enomek, if you want to check it out.
AddtoHomeKit
This is the ideal way for integrating any smart home device and HomeKit. To briefly explain, AddtoHomeKit is a desktop application designed to combine HomeKit with smart devices that are incompatible with HomeKit. AddtoHomeKit is an excellent option for people who lack the time to dedicate to coding. After you activate an AddtoHomeKit account, it’s quite quick and straightforward; all you must do is click around and follow the instructions.
Athom Bridge
Athom Bridge is a device solution, of all the solutions I tried out this was my second favourite. It is a device solution, a small device that allows you to add any smart device to Apple HomeKit. I found this while I was researching 6 ways to add any smart home device to HomeKit. The Athom bridge acts as a server, a pre-flashed HomeBridge server which is specifically compiled. It is also quite affordable.
Matter Controller
Matter is a new standard for smart home appliances so if any of the smart things you have has Matter compatibility, for an example, I have a SwitchBot Smart Lock which is under the Matter Protocol. If you have Matter compatible products you can add them to Apple HomeKit.
HomeBridge
I tried this because everyone on Reddit was raving about it, and I would say I was satisfied but the place where I got bit confused was when I had to do coding. I will admit I am not the best coder or have a mountain of coding knowledge, so I was a tiny bit discouraged with it. However, overall, it worked great. HomeBridge is basically a lightweight NodeJS server that replicates the Apple HomeKit API. It also supports hundreds of plugins, and you need a Raspberry Pi or something similar, to run HomeBridge in.
HOOBS
HOOBS is an update of HomeBridge. HOOBS stands for HomeBridge out of the Box System. Unlike HomeBridge HOOBS comes fully equipped with Raspberry Pi along with a copy of the HOOBS HomeBridge server pre-installed into a microSD card. Now they really did level up their game with the update with new features and improvements such as pre-built images.
Best Apple HomeKit Compatible Devices I Love
Apple HomePod Mini
- Access to Siri
- Very small and delicate
- Wifi connected
- Acts as a Hub to all HomeKit connected devices.
- Gives voice control access to all HomeKit connected devices.
Meross Smart Wifi Plug Mini
- It is cheap/ budget friendly.
- Small form factor.
- Simple to set up.
- Wifi connected and it requires a HomeKit hub for remote control.
Eve Energy Monitoring Smart Plug
- Can monitor energy usage of multiple products (if connected to an extension code.)
- Wifi connected and requires a HomeKit hub for remote control.
- Will not obscure other sockets.
Meross Smart Bulb
- Quick and easy setup.
- Bright colours.
- Has a wide range of colours
- Cheaper.
- Connected to Wifi, requires HomeKit hub for remote control.
Eve Indoor Security Camera
- Works with HomeKit Secure Video using existing iCloud storage.
- Records each time it notices movement in its field of view.
- Quick motion alerts.
- Identifies people, vehicles, animals, packages. Basically, good recognition.
- Wifi connected and requires HomeKit hub for remote control.
Hive Thermostat Mini
- Works with schedules, triggers automation and location tracking.
- Connected via USB x1, Ethernet x1.
Editor’s Pick
As I mentioned earlier, I will definitely opt for Enomek. It is easy, fast and just likeable overall. However, you must ensure that whatever solution you pick will match the criteria for which you are looking. Make sure to consider factors such as the budget and if you are going for HomeBridge whether you have the necessary coding knowledge. That is all for this article. Hope you now have an idea of which solution to go for to add any smart device to Apple HomeKit.
FAQs
- Does Ring devices work with Apple HomeKit?
As of now Ring devices do not natively connect with Apple HomeKit. However, you could use third-party solutions such as Enomek or AddtoHomeKit to resolve this issue.
2. How do I add a smart device to my Apple Home?
To add a new accessory to your Apple Home, you need to scan the setup QR-Code on your device.
3. Is HomeKit only for Apple Devices?
Yes, Apple HomeKit is only available on Apple devices such as the iPhone, iPad, or MacOS. Unlike the Apple Home App, HomeKit is not an app you will be dealing with directly but rather a framework that is running in the background.
4. How many devices can HomeKit support?
As of now, they have limited the accessories to 1000 devices.
5. What is the difference between Apple HomeKit and Apple Home?
No, Apple Home has an interface that the user will be interacting with. It is an app that allows users to control their smart home devices with. Apple HomeKit on the other hand is a framework that users don’t know see, it is mostly something that runs in the background.
6. Does HomeKit work without internet?
Yes, after setting up, you can control HomeKit devices even if the internet is down. However, for remote control or to control away from home you need to acquire a hub such as a HomePod or an Apple TV.
