Top Accessories for the Apple HomeKit

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Accessories for Apple HomeKIt

The Apple HomeKit is a capable product that be further enhanced with a number of products from Apple and other manufacturers. Products that are part of the Apple HomeKit ecosystem are easy to get running quickly and can be managed through the Apple HomeKit app. Before looking at a selection of available accessories and the unique functions they enable, let's first look at the simple steps necessary for pairing new devices to your Apple HomeKit.

Connecting New Accessories to the Apple HomeKit

The Apple HomeKit allows you to connect all of your accessories with the HomeKit app, which means that you no longer need to master separate apps for every device you add. Apple designed the HomeKit so that it only takes a few, simple steps in order to add HomeKit enabled accessories. All you have to do is log-in to your Home App, press the plus sign in the top corner of the screen, and then hit “add accessory”. This pulls up a list of nearby devices that can be connected. The accessory will also have an eight-digit code on it. Point your phone’s camera at the code. The device is now paired and can be controlled from the Home app. You can now further customize its preferences.

These accessories truly unlock the full capabilities of Apple’s HomeKit. As the HomeKit ecosystem expands, you will be able to control an ever-increasing number of elements of your home from one app. The world of accessories that can be paired with the HomeKit can also seem overwhelming. To narrow it down, below are several useful accessories for the HomeKit with which to consider starting.

Favorite Accessories for the HomeKit

Smart Thermostats to control your home’s heating and cooling. Many of today’s smart thermostats, such as ecobee are designed to pair with the HomeKit. With these smart devices, you can easily set your HomeKit to automatically adjust your home’s temperature when you arrive home or leave for work. Furthermore, you can also set the temperature with your voice as many are connected to Siri.

Smart Lighting products supported by Apple HomeKit are many and varied, including Philips Hue Kit, Nanoleaf Light Panels, and even the Ring Smart Lighting Transformer. Many of these smart bulb products are also compatible with Siri. This means that you can set your smart bulb to color sync to your music and utilize voice commands through Siri to turn them on and off, brighten and dim them, and even have them flicker like candles.

Home Security is one of the more popular categories of HomeKit accessories. This includes smart locks and doorbells that will enhance the security of your house while making it easier for you to get in-and-out. Many of these accessories will allow you to program them with custom key codes for every family member, and several of the smart doorbells have surveillance cameras installed in them.

Baby Monitors for new parents are a supercharged upgrade to the classic versions of these products. Products like the Arlo Baby Monitoring Camera by NETGEAR, once paired to the HomeKit, will help you never miss a moment and keep a watchful eye on your bundle of joy! These are feature rich devices that can monitor the environmental and air conditions in your baby’s rooms, trigger custom lullabies, and even control color-changing nightlights. Plus, these baby monitors can be connected to your Apple TV which will allow you to monitor your baby directly from your TV’s screen.

Overall, by connecting more-and-more devices to your Apple HomeKit, you simplify your life and maximize its potential!