apple home hub
Sarah Martinez
Updated on May 24, 2026
HomePod, HomePod mini and Apple TV automatically set up as home hubs, so you can control your home even when you’re not in it, and run automations straight away. Just make sure you’re signed in to iCloud on your iOS device or Apple TV with the Apple ID that you used to set up your HomeKit accessories in the Home app.
What is a HomeKit hub?
A HomeKit home hub acts as a relay to your HomeKit accessories through iCloud, allowing you to do things like turn on or off your lights or stream from your security camera even when you are away from home. A HomeKit home hub is needed as, by default, HomeKit is limited to your personal Wi-Fi network.
Can I use iPhone as home hub?
Allowing for automation and remote access with a home hub
Your iPhone can control your HomeKit devices, activate scenes you’ve set up, control by the room, or even control your home from inside your wireless network.
What devices can be a HomeKit hub?
HomePod, HomePod mini, iPad and Apple TV can be used as HomeKit home hub and make sure they have the latest system. With home hub enabled, you can remotely access the eufySecurity system on HomeKit. Please click here to know which devices, versions can be used as a home hub and how to set it up.
Does Apple have something like Google Home?
Apple unveiled the company’s long awaited competitor to the Amazon Echo smart speaker at the company’s WWDC conference on Monday. Like the Echo and the Google Home, the HomePod is an always-listening speaker that plays music, answers questions and controls your smart home.
Is Apple HomeKit worth it?
But if you travel frequently, like to keep an eye on what’s going on at home when you’re away, or just want to come home to a calm environment with a push of a button or a few words to Siri, HomeKit might be worth it for you, especially if you already have an Apple TV.
Do I need a HomeKit hub?
Run entirely through Apple’s Home app, HomeKit doesn’t require you have a central device or hub to run a smart home. All you need is an iPhone, iPad or Mac; although adding a hub like an Apple TV or a HomePod Mini will open up some great features.
Can a Mac be a home hub?
Answer: A: No, only Apple TV, iPad, HomePod or HomePod mini can be a HomeKit hub.
How do I setup my home hub?
Go to Settings, tap on Home and select Use this iPad as a Home Hub. Open the Home app and tap in the upper-left corner. Then look under Home Hubs to see if it’s connected. If you have multiple ones set up, the primary hub will show as connected.
How does the Apple home app work?
Using the Home app, you can access all of your home’s smart accessories remotely through Apple TV, HomePod, or iPad. You can do things like shut your garage door, view live camera video of the doorway, or even ask Siri to lower the thermostat — anything you normally do while using the Home app at home.
How do I connect to Apple home?
Set up HomePod mini and HomePod
Plug HomePod mini or HomePod in to power. Wait for a chime and a pulsing white light to appear on the top of it. Unlock your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch and hold it next to HomePod mini or HomePod. Tap Set Up when it appears on your device’s screen.
Which HomeKit hub is best?
The best HomeKit devices you can buy today
Apple HomePod mini. The best HomeKit smart speaker. Apple TV 4K (2021) The best HomeKit streaming device. Wemo WiFi Smart Plug. Schlage Encode Plus. Ecobee SmartThermostat. Lutron Caseta Dimmer Switch Starter Kit. Brilliant Smart Home Controller. Philips Hue White A19 Starter Kit.
Which Apple TV works as HomeKit hub?
In order to use the 3rd-generation Apple TV as a home hub it must be the. As soon as a newer Apple TV or HomePod is added, the 3rd-generation Apple TV is disabled for HomeKit. Make sure the same Apple ID is used throughout: One HomeKit owner.
Is Apple discontinuing the HomePod?
We are discontinuing the original HomePod, it will continue to be available while supplies last through the Apple Online Store, Apple Retail Stores, and Apple Authorized Resellers. Apple will provide HomePod customers with software updates and service and support through Apple Care.
Why did Apple discontinue the HomePod?
Though Apple has publicly said that it discontinued the larger HomePod to focus on the mini version, it’s entirely possible that the company is working on an updated model in the background. There are plenty of use cases where a new, larger HomePod might outshine its diminutive counterpart.
Is HomePod better than Google?
The smarts in the smart speaker are also an advantage. Google Assistant is a lot smarter than Siri. HomePod is a great device if you primarily want to use it for music and other types of audio playback. But if you’re looking for a versatile smart speaker with a well-rounded feature set, Google Home is the pick.