Do you want to set up your smart Apple home devices? Then you can make use of HomePod mini, HomePod, iPad, or Apple TV as a home hub. They can help you act as a bridge to your smart home devices, letting you control things remotely. Also, the Home hub will enable you to share access to your home controls with other people and let you access functions. Using a hub is very important if you want to get the best from your Smart Apple devices.
Just so you know, Apple does not allow users to use just anything as a HomeKit Hub. This means there are no third-party options allowed. There are only 3 options available and they will all be motioned in this article for you. Read this article to the very end to check out the best hub for your Apple ecosystem.
Apple HomeKit Home Options
Just like I have mentioned, you are not allowed to use just anything to get your devices connected. Unlike Google, Apple provided limited options to use. Here are what you can use for your smart home bridge
Apple Homepod & Homepod Mini
We feel Apple HomePod stands out as a great choice for an Apple HomeKit home hub. It’s energy-efficient, always ready, and features Siri for your easy hands-free commands. What makes it even better is that it’s the most budget-friendly option, especially if you’re okay with the $99 HomePod mini’s audio quality. Alternatively, if you’re an avid audio enthusiast, you can go for the $299 HomePod 2. There are hardly any disadvantages unless you invest in Nest Audio or Amazon Echo speakers throughout your home. In that case, you might want to consider the Apple TV instead.
Apple TV
If the HomePod isn’t your type, the Apple TV is another good option. It does not only excel in streaming performance, it surpasses many built-in interfaces of smart TVs. But also includes HomeKit home hub features in every version since 2012.
It can be positioned centrally near your TV for optimal coverage. Apple TV offers two distinct advantages over the HomePod. Firstly, it’s connected to a screen, enabling you to view feeds from compatible cameras. Secondly, some models feature an Ethernet port for a more reliable wired internet connection.
IPad
Lastly, we have the iPad, and unfortunately, this one falls short in comparison. Despite its portability and multiple uses, it lacks the same performance as the other options on this list. Apple mentions on its official support page that the iPad doesn’t support the new, more reliable Home architecture that i available as a separate upgrade in the Home app.
While the iPad might seem like a very easy choice, it doesn’t feel like the optimal way to integrate a HomeKit home hub into your set up, unless you have one. Keep in mind that if the iPad runs out of battery, its home hub functionality will cease until you get it charged again.
How to Set up HomePod Mini or HomePod as a home hub
When you set up the HomePod and the HomePod mini, they become home hubs automatically. Just ensure that you are signed in to your iCloud account on your iPad or iPhone. Do this with the Apple ID that you used to set up the Matter accessories and HomeKit in the Home app.
How to Set up Apple TV as Home Hub
The Apple TV becomes a home hub automatically when you add it to the HomeKit app. Check out the setup process below;
- Go to Settings on your Apple TV
- Choose ‘Users and Accounts”. Ensure that your name is selected under the default user section. And that you sign in to your iCloud with the Apple ID that you used to set up your matter accessories and HomeKit and Home app.
- Now, go back to Settings on your Apple TV and choose Aiplay and then HomeKit
- Scroll down and choose Room
- After that, choose a room or just add a new room
With the above steps, you can make your Apple TV a home hum automatically. The setup process can be done in a breeze.
Set up My iPad as a Home hub
Open your iPad, Click on settings, and make sure that you are signed into iCloud with the same Apple ID that you used in setting up your HomeKit and Matter Accessories in the app. Tap on the iCloud option and go down to check that home is turned on under the Apps using your iCloud. Now, click on settings, then Home, and turn on the “Use iPad as Home Hub” option. Keep in mind that, the iPad must remain in your home to make use of it. And make sure it is connected to your Home Wi-Fi.
What if my Home Hub is not working as expected?
If it is not working, check that the HomePod mini, HomePod, iPad, or Apple TV is current and up to date. Also, ensure that you signed into the iCloud on your iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV and you are not an invited user or primary app user. Turn on the two-factor authentication and iCloud Keychain for your Apple ID. Finally, check if the device that you used to set up a home hub is in your house and it is connected to your Home Wi-Fi and is turned on.
Which is the right option to use as a Home Hub
Apple offers different choices for a home hub each of its unique features. The HomePod stands out as an affordable option with built-in Siri which provides hands-free controls. Alternatively, the Apple TV serves as a high-performing hub with amazing streaming capabilities, enhanced by the benefits of a screen for camera feeds. While the iPad on the other hand, though flexible, falls short in performance for the new Home architecture. Choosing the right hub for your home solely depends on your preferences and existing smart devices, ensuring a smooth integration into your smart home setup.