Skip to main content

How to add a device to HomeKit

Apple HomeKit app on smartphone.
Apple

Apple HomeKit may not have as many compatible products as Amazon Alexa or Google Home, but its still a great smart home platform for dedicated iOS enthusiasts. Not only is the platform supported by the Home app on iOS, but you can also control devices using your HomePod or Apple TV.

Recommended Videos

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

10 minutes

What You Need

  • Apple smartphone or tablet

  • Home app

  • HomeKit-compatible device

But before you can control HomeKit products with any of these gadgets, you first need to add them to your system and configure a few settings. Here’s how to add a device to HomeKit.

Apple HomeKit app on smartphone.
Apple

How to add device to HomeKit

To add every device besides Apple TV to your Home app, you’ll need to use your iPhone or iPad. After loading up the app, follow these simple steps.

Step 1: Turn on the device you’d like to add.

Step 2: Press the Add button at the top of the screen (it’s the one that looks like a plus sign).

Step 3: Select the Add Accessory option.

Step 4: You’ll then be asked to scan a code or hold your smartphone (or tablet) near the device to sync it with your account.

Step 5: When a connection is made, select Allow to let it access your network.

Step 6: Finalize the procedure by adding it to a room and giving it a name, then pressing Continue and Done.

Apple TV 4K hardware with remote and retail box.
Phil Nickinson / Digital Trends

How to add Apple TV to your Home app

If you’re looking to get your Apple TV synced with HomeKit, the process is slightly different. To do this, you’ll first need to open the Settings menu on Apple TV. From there, here’s what to do next:

Step 1: Select the Default User from the Users and Accounts menu.

Step 2: Ensure that you’re signed into iCloud.

Step 3: Head back to the Settings menu, then select AirPlay and HomeKit.

Step 4: Scroll down to the Room option, then find the room you want to add Apple TV to or create a new one.

Step 5: With that done, Apple TV should appear in the selected room when using your Home app.

Jon Bitner
Jon Bitner is a writer covering consumer electronics, technology, and gaming. His work has been published on various websites…
How to map multiple floors with the Roborock Qrevo Curv
The Qrevo Curv placed in its docking station.

Robot vacuums make it easy to keep your entire home clean without much thought. After going through the initial setup and mapping phase, they can be scheduled to run automatically throughout the week. But if you’re living in a home with multiple floors, things can become a bit more complicated — not only will you have to physically move your robot up and down the stairs (none are yet capable of climbing steps), but you’ll need to map each floor separately.

Read more
Home Depot’s “Build Your Own” Black Friday power tool deal is its best-kept secret
Home Depot consumer

Covering cordless power tools during Black Friday is surprisingly fascinating. Of the Black Friday deals I've covered so far this year, both Black Friday cordless drill deals and Black Friday power tool deals have been included included in my retinue, alongside a host of similar articles for our "brother" site The Manual.

There's one deal bundle among them all, however, that I've been utterly fascinated by this whole time. It's what I'm calling Home Depot's "build your own" power tool deal. This intriguing offering, which feels under advertised by Home Depot, seemingly inverts what we think of when we think of power tool deals. Instead of feeling stuck buying buying batteries separately — with a drill, with a big bundle, or with the lucky random battery — you're able (now) to build our deal and get everything you need, at a flat price. This means you can get the exact tool you want, and all the batteries you want with it, for as low as $99. Check it out yourself by tapping the button below, or keep reading to see what makes this deal so unique, how to shop it, and a few suggestions as to what you should buy.

Read more
How to make a video call on the Roborock Qrevo Curv
The Qrevo Curv and its mobile app.

The Roborock Qrevo Curv is one of the best robot vacuum and mop combos. It's capable of producing up to 18,500 Pa of suction, and with a bold new dock design, it’s both a striking work of art and a useful tool to have around the home. But aside from its good looks and effective cleaning skills, Roborock packed the gadget with some fun auxiliary features. And one of the often-overlooked features is its ability to make a video call.

Read more