You can use the Home app on an iPhone or iPad to set up and control compatible smart-home accessories. Apple’s documentation describes the iPad as an optional screen for Home—not a dedicated Apple smart-home display. A separate home hub, such as a compatible HomePod or Apple TV, may be useful for remote access and automations.
What you need before setup
- An iPhone or iPad with the Home app, signed in and running current software.
- An accessory that supports Apple Home, HomeKit, or Matter, plus its Home setup code or QR code.
- A working network connection. Check the accessory manual for required Wi-Fi bands, firmware, a manufacturer app, or other setup steps.
Apple’s accessory setup guide explains adding devices in Home. If you want a larger always-available control screen, an iPad can run the Home app; Apple’s Home app guide documents Home on iPhone and iPad, not a dedicated Apple smart-home display.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
How to add an accessory to the Home app
- Open Home and create your home. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Home app. If this is your first setup, follow the prompts to create a home and define rooms.
- Prepare the accessory. Plug it in or install its batteries, power it on, and complete any manufacturer-required setup described in its manual. Keep it near the router during pairing if possible.
- Start pairing. In Home, tap Add Accessory and follow the on-screen instructions. Scan the accessory’s QR code or enter its Apple Home setup code, which may be printed on the device, packaging, or documentation.
- Use the right code for Matter when prompted. Matter accessories may use a Matter setup code. If the accessory has already been paired elsewhere, the manufacturer may provide a code to add it to Apple Home.
- Name it and assign a room. Choose a clear name and room, such as “Hallway light.” The name helps you find it in Home and use it with Siri.
For Matter-specific requirements and pairing details, see Apple’s Matter accessory guide.
Decide whether you need a home hub
A Home app screen and a home hub serve different purposes. Your iPhone or iPad is the screen for managing the home; a hub supports functions such as remote access and automations. Apple says HomePod and HomePod mini become hubs when set up, while Apple TV becomes one when assigned to a room. Review Apple’s home hub setup guide for the setup details.
#1 Best Overall
- Premium, immersive, high-fidelity audio
Apple’s documentation has different guidance depending on the accessory and software: its hub guide says a hub is needed to add Matter accessories, while its Matter guide says devices running iOS 18 or later can add and control Matter accessories without a hub in some circumstances. Check the requirements for your accessory and intended features. A hub is a sensible choice for remote access and automations, particularly with Thread-based devices.
Check Thread support by exact model
Matter and Thread are related but distinct. Matter is a smart-home interoperability standard; Thread is a wireless network protocol used by some accessories. A Matter-over-Wi-Fi accessory does not have the same Thread requirements as a Matter-over-Thread accessory.
Rank #2
- Your favorite music and content – Play music, audiobooks, and podcasts from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify and others or via Bluetooth throughout your home.
- Alexa is happy to help – Ask Alexa for weather updates and to set hands-free timers, get answers to your questions and even hear jokes. Need a few extra minutes in the morning? Just tap your Echo Dot to snooze your alarm.
- Keep your home comfortable – Control compatible smart home devices with your voice and routines triggered by built-in motion or indoor temperature sensors. Create routines to automatically turn on lights when you walk into a room, or start a fan if the inside temperature goes above your comfort zone.
- Do more with device pairing – Fill your home with music using compatible Echo devices in different rooms, or create a home theatre system with Fire TV.
- Say goodbye to drop-offs and buffering - With eero Built-in, Echo Dot doubles as a mesh wifi extender, adding up to 1,000 sq. ft. of wifi coverage to your existing eero network.
Before choosing Thread devices, verify that your exact hub model supports Thread or that you have a compatible third-party Thread border router. Apple’s Matter guide and hub guide list model-specific details. Do not assume every Apple TV or every hub supports Thread.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →If Home can’t add the accessory
If Home displays “Unable to add to home,” work through these checks in order. Apple’s troubleshooting guide covers these common causes and recovery steps.
Rank #3
- Your favorite music and content – Play music, audiobooks, and podcasts from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify and others or via Bluetooth throughout your home.
- Alexa is happy to help – Ask Alexa for weather updates and to set hands-free timers, get answers to your questions and even hear jokes. Need a few extra minutes in the morning? Just tap your Echo Dot to snooze your alarm.
- Keep your home comfortable – Control compatible smart home devices with your voice and routines triggered by built-in motion or indoor temperature sensors. Create routines to automatically turn on lights when you walk into a room, or start a fan if the inside temperature goes above your comfort zone.
- Do more with device pairing – Fill your home with music using compatible Echo devices in different rooms, or create a home theatre system with Fire TV.
- Say goodbye to drop-offs and buffering - With eero Built-in, Echo Dot doubles as a mesh wifi extender, adding up to 1,000 sq. ft. of wifi coverage to your existing eero network.
- Confirm compatibility. Check the product documentation for Apple Home, HomeKit, or Matter support. A device that works with a manufacturer’s app is not necessarily compatible with Home.
- Update your iPhone or iPad and turn on Bluetooth. Follow any software or app requirements in the accessory manual.
- Check network requirements. Some accessories require 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and do not support 5 GHz. Confirm the network band and any other router requirements in the manual.
- Improve the setup connection. Keep the accessory close to the router while pairing, and make sure it has power and network connectivity.
- Restart related equipment. Restart third-party bridges and hubs, then try adding the accessory again.
- Update or reset the accessory if needed. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for firmware updates and the correct reset procedure before trying again.
Choose devices by role and protocol
Decide first whether you need a Home app screen, a hub, or both. Then check the accessory’s protocol, exact model compatibility, and whether you need control while away from home or automations. Apple’s setup documentation does not establish comparative prices or performance rankings for specific products, so compare those details with the device maker before buying.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
