HomeKit 101: How do I add new devices to the Home app?

When you think of a smart home platform, Apple HomeKit quickly comes to mind. Just like Google Home, it is the gathering place on your iPhone or iPad to operate your smart home. Fortunately, adding new devices to the Home app is very easy. In this 101 we explain how it works.

Now that more and more devices are becoming smarter, chances are that you already have one or more smart home devices in your home, such as a smart dishwasher or lamp. You operate this via the separate apps from manufacturers, but also via an app such as Apple HomeKit.

Add devices to Apple HomeKit

You use HomeKit on your iPhone or iPad via the Home app. Good to know is that you can only add devices to the app if they are compatible with Apple’s smart home software. This information can be found on the packaging of the product or on the manufacturer’s website.

To add a device to your Apple device, open the Home app and tap the plus sign in the top right corner. Tap on New accessory. Your device’s camera will now open, allowing you to scan the QR code on the product. With an iPhone 7 or later, you can also hold the device close to your phone until a wireless symbol appears.

When the accessory appears, add it to your HomeKit network. You can then add the device to a room. This can also be done at a later time. Once set up, you can control the device from the Home app or by asking Siri.

Also create rooms in the Home app on iPhone

Creating a room in the Apple Home app on the iPhone or iPad is useful to keep an overview, especially if the number of HomeKit devices in the house increases. You create a room by tapping the plus sign and Add room to choose. Give the room a meaningful name, such as “Living Room” or “Bedroom.” Optionally add a background image. Then tap Keep.

To assign a HomeKit device to a room, tap the added accessory and open the settings at the bottom right of the screen. Select at Room the space of your choice. Do this for all your devices and you will have a clearer overview of the smart products in your home.