The HomeKit system is an Apple product that gives you control of compatible smart devices on an iOS device. Apple HomeKit has the most advanced automation features, but you may still want to control the devices using a smart hub.
HomeKit and Alexa are separate smart home hubs, so Alexa does not control HomeKit and vice versa. Some devices connected to the HomeKit hub are compatible with Alexa.
This article discusses HomeKit devices and whether they are compatible with Alexa.
Can you control HomeKit with Alexa?
No, you can not control HomeKit with Alexa. However, you can control individual HomeKit devices with Alexa, as long as they are compatible. As long as your HomeKit device is compatible with Alexa, you can control it using Alexa voice commands.
Alexa and HomeKit
To control HomeKit devices using Alexa, you must have both Apple and Alexa products. You can use an iPhone or iPad to control HomeKit devices and you can also use voice-activated Alexa to control HomeKit devices.
How to use Alexa to control HomeKit devices
To control HomeKit devices using Alexa, you need to add skills in your Alexa app. First locate the devices in skills and start downloading them.
Once you find your device on the app, hit Enable. Now you can use voice commands through Alexa to control HomeKit devices.
Best HomeKit devices that can be controlled by Alexa
There are many HomeKit devices that can be controlled by Alexa. For example, the Philips Hue White LED Starter Kit smart lights are compatible with both HomeKit and Alexa.
The Lifx Mini wifi smart lights are also compatible with Alexa. These smart lights connect directly to your wifi, making setup easy. The Wemo Wifi Smart Plug is also Alexa-compatible and works with Apple HomeKit.
The August Wifi Smart Lock is an Apple HomeKit device that can be controlled by Alexa. This smart lock allows you to lock a door from anywhere in your home with a voice command to Alexa.
Last, the Ecobee Thermostat is an Alexa-compatible smart thermostat that works offline and works with Apple HomeKit.
How to use Homebridge to connect Apple HomeKit to Alexa
HomeKit can control Alexa routines using Homebridge. This is a way to get all your smart devices to work together. Different plugins allow you to create automations using Alexa routines.
Many smart devices can be controlled by Alexa once you have downloaded the skill in the Alexa app. However, these actions are not automated. That’s where Apple HomeKit comes in.
Using plugins such as homebridge-alexa and homebridge-delay-switch, you can use Alexa Routines for automations. To have lights turn on when someone comes home, it would work like this: someone arrives home, the HomeKit switch detects motion and triggers the motion sensor, the homebridge-alexa plugin triggers the Alexa Routine to turn on the light.
The homebridge-alexa plugin enables Alexa to control homebridge devices. The homebridge-delay-switch creates a virtual switch controlled by HomeKit automation and a virtual motion sensor that triggers Alexa’s Routine.
This is just one example of using homebridge as a workaround to connect Apple HomeKit devices to Alexa Routines. You can also use a homebridge plugin to automatically turn lights off when the last person leaves.
HomeKit automations
To create automations, use the Home app. For example, the Home app can use your device’s location to determine who is in your household. That way, whenever everyone leaves, you can have the lights turn off automatically.
You can set up smart devices easily with the Home app. Apple also has a wide variety of automations to choose from. Here are some examples of automation ideas for your home.
- Use a smart bulb to slowly increase the brightness in your home before your alarm goes off. This can help you feel more energized and well-rested.
- Turn your home’s lights on as the sun goes down. You can also use smart bulbs to increase the light gradually as the sun goes down.
- Turn on a room light when you walk in. To do this, you need a door sensor. When the sensor is triggered, the light will automatically turn on.
- Turn on AC with a temperature sensor. A temperature/humidity sensor will trigger an air conditioner once the temperature becomes too hot.
- Use different HomeKit devices to complete a night routine such as locking the doors, turning off TVs, and turning off lights.
Which is better – Amazon Alexa or Apple HomeKit?
There are three main smart home platforms – Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit. These systems allow you to connect different smart devices for an overall smart home system.
While each has its features and strong points, they are all great choices for smart home systems. The right one for you depends on what smart devices you already have and what your preferences are.
Amazon Alexa is the best for compatibility. Most smart devices work with Alexa, and they are simple to set up in the Alexa app. Alexa Routines are another feature of the Amazon smart home system.
Google Assistant is by far the best digital assistant. Asking Google for information will help you get the help you need quickly. If getting your questions answered accurately is important to you, Google’s smart home system is the best option.
Apple HomeKit is the best smart home system for automations. Apple uses motion sensors and smartphone locations to determine who is home and when. This makes it easy to set up light automations such as turning on lights when anyone comes home.
Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa are not compatible since they are rival companies. However, some HomeKit devices can be controlled by Alexa. By connecting HomeKit devices to Alexa and downloading skills, you can use voice controls to Alexa to control your HomeKit system.
The Apple HomeKit system is great for creating automations. As long as you have an iOS device such as an iPhone or iPad, you can create automations. Amazon Alexa will not set up automations, but there are workarounds that allow you to use Alexa Routines to create automations using HomeKit devices.
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