Whenever the direct way doesn’t lead you to your destiny – Do you stop moving? Ofcourse not. Then Why would you stop trying to connect to homekit – if your device is not compatible? In this guide, you will learn what is the readymade solution for incompatibility and how can it make your things better. Homebridge is an important aspect to know while dealing with Homekit.
Let us know what it is…..
What is Homebridge?
What do you mean by a Bridge -One that connects to two ends? It can be explained in simpler terms. Likewise, As the name itself speaks What a Homebridge means. Home – Refers to Homekit and Bridge refers to the process of connecting. But what does it connect?
Homebridge is actually an Open Source Software designed to connect Non-Homekit Compatible devices to Homekit. It helps you to integrate your smart home devices (which do not officially support the homekit feature) into Homekit. Let us give you a technical statement – It is a Node JS Server, that can run on your home network to emulate the iOS Homekit API.
So, It doesn’t matter that you have a non-compatible device, you can still access controls with the Homebridge.
On What devices does Homebridge work?
It can work with almost any of your Smart Home Devices like butter on the Pan – Smooth !~
Such as;
- Smart Cameras.
- Lights.
- Locks.
- Smart Plugs.
- Thermostat.
- Outlets.
- Air Quality Monitors.
- Garage Doors.
- Switches and Other Smart Accessories.
How many Plugins are available on Homebridge?
A lot! There are as many plugins available for each brand of Smart Home Accessories. As an approximation, There are over 2000 Plugins in Homebridge to help you connect to Apple Homekit.
Here is a list of some popular Homebridge Plugins for Smart Devices;
- Nest and Nest Cameras.
- TP-Link Kasa Smart Home.
- Hue / deCONZ – Zigbeee.
- Belkin Wemo | Wemo.
- SwitchBot.
- UniFi Protect.
- Ring.
- Logitech.
- Arlo.
- LIFX.
- IKEA.
- Tesla.
- Sonos.
- MI | Xiaomi.
- Ecobee.
- Netatmo.
- Lockitron.
Is Homebridge Safe, Secure, and Legal?
An Obvious concern, since this way is an alternative and not an officially built-in feature for Homekits. There are no such security concerns have been registered to date. But It is sure that Homebridge may not be able to provide as much security as Authenticated Homekit Devices. It is surely secure as a Computer server.
Is it Legal? Of course, it is. This method is broadly been used as a handy alternative to connect to Homekit. It uses APIs that are publicly accessible.
Is Homebridge Free?
Yes, It is entirely free Open source software. There is no cost to Install and integrate non-Homekit devices into Homekit. But if you need some extra Alexa Cloud services, you can buy a subscription
- Monthly – $2.
- Yearly – $22.
If you want an alternative as a plug-and-play device – Choose HOOBS works similarly to Homebridge.
How does Homebridge work?
Providing Compatibility support to the Non-Homekit Devices. It works as a Software bridge to convert Homekit’s API into Smart Device API and vice Versa, emulating the homekit using plugins.
- Install the Plugin and Configure it.
- Create a Child bridge for every plugin.
- With these, you can monitor the server, Stream, and Control your Smart Accessories.
How to Access Homebridge?
In order to connect any smart device to the homekit, you will need to install the home bridge on your Device. Here are a few options to choose from ;
- Raspberry Pi OS.
- macOS.
- Windows 10.
- Linux.
- Docker.
- Other Platforms.
Follow the Installation steps and get it on your device.
How to Install Homebridge on Raspberry Pi?
You will need :
- A Raspberry Pi with OS running- Raspberry Pi OS/Ubuntu/Debian.
- Terminal App – Access to the terminal to copy and paste the commands.
This is a General procedure to access controls with Raspberry.
- Firstly, Download and Flash the Homebridge Raspberry Pi Image to an SD Card.
- Connect to Network.
- Config and Manage the Homebridge UI
- Connect to Homekit using the Home App.
- Choose, Install, and Configure Plugin.
To Know How to install Homebridge on each device in detailed steps – Look here.
Without Raspberry?
Yes, You can access the Homebridge even without a Raspberry. You just need to have a Computer turned on and in good condition. Since Raspberry is Low Cost and Less Energy drawing computer perfect for you. But if you do have an iMac, you can use it too.
How to Connect Homebridge to Homekit on iPhone/iPad and Mac?
It is possible to connect and control your Homekit accessories and set them up using your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac(iOS Devices). You will need to install the Apple Home App or Eve for Homekit or any 3rd Party Homekit apps.
- Install the Home app on your iPhone/iPad.
- Tap on the + > Add Accessory> Scan the QR Code shown in the Homebridge UI or Homebridge Logs.
- If No accessories are on the bridge, you will be required to do Additional setup, Add a Plugin, and Pair it again.
Use Alexa on Homebridge
To Connect the Homebridge to Alexa, Use a Homebridge Alexa Smart Home Plugin and Connect Homekit and Alexa. A Skill is needed with the installation and configuration of the bridge and Alexa plugin.
- Firstly, Install and Configure the Homebridge-alexa-plugin.
- Get the Amazon Alexa App and Search for Bridge Skill.
- Enable the skill – Go to homebridge.ca. Enable and Link Skill to Plugin.
- Use Alexa to discover your devices to access control.
Connect to Smartthings
As same as the Alexa, To Connect your SmartThings Networks to Homekit via bridge, use the SmartThings Plugin. Get a Plugin as required and connect the homekit.
Homebridge Not Working
If at all, you are facing any issues while using the bridge to connect homekit. Here are some quick troubleshooting steps you can use.
Restart;
- Login to your Home Connect Account and Access it.
- Save the Plugin Settings and Restart Homebridge.
Use the Command ;
hb-service restart
Factory Reset:
>>Login to the Homebridge app > Long on the Plugin you want to reset> Choose Factory Reset.
- Turn ON – Local Network, Location Service, Home Data, and Precise Location.
- Disable the VPN.
- Check your Homekit Hubs.
Fixes for Can’t add Accessories to Homekit
- Check the Homekit Compatibility.
- Connect to a Stable Internet – 2.4 GHz.
- Update your iOS Device.
- Restart your Accessory.
Homebridge Review
To help you decide, if the bridge is actually worth it – You will need to have a look at its review. There is no doubt that it is an amazing option to connect your homekit devices that actually don’t support it.
As a newbie, here is how you can rate it ;
| PROS | CONS |
| Provide Homekit Supportive Ecosystem | A Little Complex |
| Customizable | Need to be rebooted |
| Low Cost Alternative |
Third-Party Integration
|
| Plugins for many devices | |
| Easy-to-use Interface | |
| Manage and Configure accessories |
Can Homebridge act as a homekit hub?
Adding a Home Hub – will allow you to create powerful automation and control devices from far away. You need a device to make it act as a homekit hub –
- Apple TV – 4K and HD with the Latest Version tvOS.
- Homepod and Homepod Mini.
- or an iPad.
Check out:How to Fix Home Hubs Not Responding Error?
How to Access Remotely?
To access it remotely, you will need to set up your device as a homekit hub. Connect to a Home Network.
In order to enable and access the bridge remotely, you can follow the same procedure as accessing any other homekit accessory. This will let you automate devices whenever, wherever you want.
People also look out for Other ways to connect Smart devices to Homekit such as ;
Wrap Up
Hope that this article has cleared all your queries related to Homebridge.From today, Take a chill pill and relax, if you already have a Non-Homekit Compatible device. Cause you have got your hands on the best solution. Do Remember that an Internet source is important, So always make sure to connect your devices in use to the same wifi. Be Safe and Protect your home by connecting to Homekit.
If you have any doubts, feel free to comment!