Adding a compatible smart lock to Apple Home lets you lock and unlock the door from the Home app, Siri, Apple Watch, and, on supported models, Home Key. The setup path depends on whether the lock is HomeKit-native, Matter-certified, or requires a bridge.
These steps apply to the Home app on iPhone and iPad with HomeKit or Matter smart locks.
Does this affect you?
Use this if your smart lock box says Works with Apple Home, Works with HomeKit, or Works with Matter. Locks without Apple Home or Matter support may still work in their own app but cannot necessarily be added to Apple’s Home app.
Add a HomeKit-native smart lock
Use this for locks with an Apple Home or HomeKit setup code.
- Open the Home app on your iPhone.
- Tap the + icon.
- Choose Add Accessory.
- Scan the HomeKit setup code on the lock, battery compartment, manual, or included card.
- If the camera cannot read it, tap More Options and enter the 8-digit code manually.
- Assign the lock to the correct room or entry area.
- Give it a clear name, such as Front Door.
- Wait for the Home app to confirm the lock was added.
After setup, the lock appears as a lock tile in Apple Home and becomes available to Siri and shared home members.
Add a Matter-certified smart lock
Use this if the lock advertises Matter rather than an Apple-specific badge.
- Open the Home app.
- Tap + > Add Accessory.
- Scan the Matter QR code or enter the numeric setup code.
- If prompted, make sure a Thread border router is available nearby.
- Recent Apple TV, HomePod mini, and HomePod models can act as Thread border routers for compatible locks.
- Finish the room and naming prompts.
- Test lock and unlock from the Home app.
Matter locks can often be shared with other ecosystems such as Google Home, Alexa, or SmartThings later, depending on the lock and its app.
Add a lock that needs a bridge or hub
Some August, Yale, and similar locks need a brand bridge before Apple Home can see them.
- Set up the lock in the manufacturer’s app first.
- Confirm the lock works there over Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or its bridge.
- Install the brand’s HomeKit-compatible bridge if the lock requires one.
- In the manufacturer’s app, look for Enable Apple Home, HomeKit, or Matter settings.
- Follow the app prompts to generate or show the code.
- Open Apple Home and add the accessory using that code.
Bridge-based locks can respond a little slower because the command travels through an extra device before reaching the lock.
Security settings worth checking
If the lock supports Home Key, Apple Home may offer to add a digital key to Wallet. Home Key can unlock supported doors by tapping an iPhone or Apple Watch against the lock.
In the lock’s Home app settings, look for Require Face ID or Passcode to Unlock. This is worth enabling for app-based unlocking so someone who picks up an unlocked phone cannot casually send an unlock command.
Apple Home can create location-based automations, but automatic front-door unlocking can trigger early or late depending on location accuracy. Many households prefer Home Key, Siri, or a manual Home app tap for exterior doors.
To share the lock, use Home Settings > People. Invited family members can lock and unlock from their own Apple devices without sharing your Apple ID or handing out a physical key.
Sources
- Apple Support – Add an accessory to the Home app on iPhone (2025)
- Apple Support – Use Matter accessories with Apple Home (2025)
- Apple Support – Use a Home Key to unlock your door (2025)