How to automate your home with Apple's HomeKit, with or without an iPad or Apple TV

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kristine
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How to automate your home with Apple's HomeKit, with or without an iPad or Apple TV

Postby kristine » 09 Aug 2017 10:52

Apple's HomeKit allows users to control compatible hardware with an iPhone —but expanded control from outside the home requires either an Apple TV of some flavor, or an iPad. AppleInsider explains the use cases, and what you need to get started.

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HomeKit can be very simple —a single bulb or socket controlled by an iPhone. It can also get very complex, with a plethora of devices scattered all over your home, operating automatically in response to the time of day or from a response from a sensor.

Setting up your first device

Apple at present requires iOS 10 for full use of HomeKit. HomeKit compatible accessories are clearly labeled, so purchase wisely!

On your device, make sure the Home app can use your location, and sign in to iCloud with your Apple ID.

Head to "Privacy" on Settings, and tap"location sevice"

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To make things easier for control if you have multiple devices you want to control HomeKit with, make sure iCloud Keychain is on. If it is, that will pass HomeKit device data to all of your linked devices.

An accessory has an eight-digit code associated with it, and now would be a good time to find that number.

To add an accessory, tap Add Accessory. Wait for the device to appear on the screen, and allow it to be added to the network, if necessary.

After network access is granted if demanded, scan the eight-digit HomeKit code or enter the code manually.

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