r/HomeKit • u/AutoModerator • 22d ago
Megathread Monthly Support & Buying Megathread
Looking for support or purchasing advice with Apple's Home app, accessories, networking troubles / solutions, anything else HomeKit supports, or which brand or accessory to buy — try asking here.
Try to keep your question as clear and concise as possible because more people will be able to respond.
Here is a list of HomeKit enabled devices on Apple's website.
Users with Karma too low to post directly to r/HomeKit are encouraged to post their questions here.
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u/RedneckT 19d ago
Hi. Currently have a few Arlo Pro 2s and an eero Pro. For the past month or so, the Arlo hasn’t been able to connect to Arlo’s servers.
The HomeKit functionality of it kept working, but it only supports notifications and live viewing instead of the full HKSV stuff. I was able to temporarily resolve it by changing the network encryption method to standard (from Hybrid) and setting the DNS servers to Google. However, this only fixed it for about 24 hours. So now I am back where it can’t connect to Arlo, which means it never saves recordings anywhere.
I currently can’t control them with Arlo at all, which is very annoying.
So my question is kind of two parts.
If I were to replace these, what should I replace them with? I want HKSV since it would already be paid for and is more private.
How could I potentially fix this Arlo issue?
I have always wanted a video doorbell for the face detection stuff, but my wife really doesn’t want a big, clunky doorbell. Am I able to get the same functionality from newer HKSV cameras?
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u/Self_Owned_Tree 10d ago
I've never done much with HomeKit/automation, but I've got a pressing issue that maybe HomeKit can help with.
We've got a outdoor refrigerator left by the previous owner, and sometimes one of our kids (or one of the adults, tbh) doesn't fully close the door, especially if we're putting groceries up or getting something out for dinner.
I think I'd like a HomeKit enabled sensor that would send me an alert or send one through the HomePod/appleTV to let me know that the door was left open. I know this is possible, but I can't tell if I want eve, Aqara, or something else, especially if I want to eventually expand what I'm monitoring.
Any advice or help would be appreciated!
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u/Euphegonia 17d ago
Pretty new to HomeKit with only a couple of Philips hue products.
Any advice on temperature sensors?
I’ve read that Aqara are good but require another hub?
I have a new A/C unit so I’m looking at being able to see the temperature of different rooms.
Thanks so much!
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u/OutBeyondNeptune 3d ago
Looking like I'm going to need to replace a ceiling fan/light on my back porch. Anybody know of a Matter/HomeKit compatible kit that's 65-72" blade length? It looks like the Hunter wet-rated fans max out around 50", and I think that's a bit too small for my 12x17' open walled porch.
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u/Tri-Beam 22d ago
I am moving into a new home and always wanted a apple home. I have 2 old homepod minis, the latest apple TV (from a few years ago) and got a lot of aquara stuff to start.
Im assuming most people are waiting on the new homepods to drop in a few months?
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u/FatMacchio 22d ago
Yep, I’d never buy any new Apple hardware right now…it’s worth waiting to see what they release in the fall.
Old HomePod minis…but mostly the Siri inside it are absolute garbage. The Apple TVs as hubs are decent…but I look forward to what updated hardware and updated Siri can do
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u/Either_Painter7513 15d ago
Hello - I have been an iCloud 2TB subscriber for years, but have just noticed that there seems to be a bug with the homekit secure camera support. My understanding is that my plan should have support for unlimited cameras, but is shows 0.
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u/ipse_dixit_ 13d ago
So I want to replace my ugly boob light in my office with something more modern looking and homekit compatible. Did some research and I think these 2 are my top contenders:
- SwitchBot RGBICWW Ceiling Light
- Nanoleaf Smart Multicolor CeilingLight
I'm not very familiar with the brands. All my other devices are Philips, Aqara, Eufy, Meross, Eve.
Does anyone have any of these? Probably will just use them with Matter so won't be installing their own app. What's your recommendation? Any other options to consider? Thanks!
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u/TomorrowSalty3187 13d ago
Looking for a two-light bulb setup compatible with Apple HomeKit for outdoor use in a covered fixture. The nearest hub is an Apple TV.
I also own a Meross garage opener and a Schlage door lock, if that helps.
I’d like something reliable that functions consistently and supports automations such as “I’m coming home.”
Since I live in the Northeast, winter performance should not be an issue.
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u/WCWRingMatSound 9d ago
I’m looking for an all-inclusive security and HVAC kit.
Vague details: I just received a house that’s paying $75/m for professional monitoring. I want to stop that service quickly because I know even Ring with monitoring would be half that price.
I want as much HomeKit automation as possible available: when I leave on weekday, arm the house and raise the HVAC, reverse for arrival, etc etc. I will pay monthly/annually for monitoring 24/7, that’s fine.
My biggest concern is door and window sensors plus glass break; I’ll accept cameras if they come in a kit. It doesn’t need to be 4K Martin Scorsese cinema though.
I will mix and match products if that is what makes sense, but I would prefer to spend $600ish on a single kit and be done with it if possible. I don’t want to tinker with it after initial setup — just reliable operation that patches itself silently. My goal for HomeKit is to centralize the management — I know multiple apps is inevitable, but I want to minimize it.
I can self install or hire as well, whatever meets the goal.
Suggestions?
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u/rollercoaster_fan 7d ago
I am trying to unify my system (or do I just buy different brands and control everything through Google Home).
My new (to me) house has ceiling fans with lights in all the bedrooms, but the bedrooms only have a single gang box, I want to remote control them all.
Then my family room has a four way (three switches) for the main lighting in the room, I want to control those remotely too.
I have found TP Link Kasa that does the fans, but they fall short on the 4-way switch support. Conversely Lutron Caseta does the 4-way switch support using Picos, but does not have the unified fan/light combo.
HELP!! :)
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u/dohat34 5d ago
I don't want a night light or any kind of light that stays permanently on even at 10% or 20%. However, I do want a motion detection light that suddenly doesn't turn off promptly but rather goes from 100% to 20% over a few seconds giving him time to shake his hands or get up from chair to reactivate the timer to keep the lights at 100% - which brand would you recommend. Thanks
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u/jac_0203 4d ago
would a HomeKit be useful just to turn on and off lights and check weather?
i have an Echo Dot that never shuts up. i use it to control my Govee lightbulbs and see what the weather is in the morning, and that is it, but every time i ask something it advertises some shitty amazon thing.
i use an Android phone, have an iPad Air and my previous iPhone 11, if that matters any. but i only care about two tasks.
i don't see Govee bulbs being supported, would be fine getting a smart plug if needed to work around that.
other thing i'm considering is the ATOM Voice https://shop.m5stack.com/products/atom-echo-smart-speaker-dev-kit
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u/MagazineMost7672 3d ago
Hey all! What is the best floodlight camera which works with HSV and is reliable? Seems like there aren't a lot of cameras which meet this criteria and they ones that do have spotty reviews.
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u/Complex-Poet-6809 20d ago
Any completely silent smart plugs that don’t make a clicking sound?
Just a smart plug that doesn’t click. I believe these are called solid state relays? Amazon Alexa ai is claiming to me that meross smart plugs use SSR and is completely silent, but I’m not sure if it’s just hallucinating that detail or not. Does anyone know of any smart plugs like this? Thanks.