Apple Home can control compatible smart lights, plugs, locks, thermostats, sensors, and other accessories from the Home app and with Siri. Most setup comes down to powering the accessory, scanning a code, and assigning a room.
These steps apply to the Home app on iPhone and iPad for HomeKit-enabled and Matter-certified accessories.
Does this affect you?
Use this if you bought a smart device and want it to appear in Apple Home. The device must support HomeKit, Apple Home, or Matter; a regular Wi-Fi smart device without one of those integrations may need its own app instead.
Add a HomeKit accessory
This method works for accessories labeled Works with Apple Home or Works with HomeKit.
- Power on the accessory and place your iPhone nearby.
- Make sure your iPhone is connected to the Wi-Fi network you want the accessory to use.
- Open the Home app.
- Tap the + icon.
- Choose Add Accessory.
- Scan the HomeKit setup code from the device, manual, sticker, or packaging.
- If no code is visible, tap More Options and choose the nearby accessory if it appears.
- Follow the prompts, choose a room, and give the device a clear name.
Good names matter. A device named Kitchen Lamp is much easier for Siri and family members than a default name full of model numbers.
Add a Matter device
Matter devices use a similar setup flow, but the code may be a Matter QR code or an 11-digit numeric code.
- Open the Home app.
- Tap + > Add Accessory.
- Scan the Matter setup code from the box, device, pull tab, or manual.
- If the device is already set up in its manufacturer app, look there for Add to Apple Home or Works with Matter.
- Confirm the room and name.
- Finish setup and test the device from the Home app.
Many Matter accessories can stay available in their original app and Apple Home at the same time.
If the device does not appear
Try these checks before deciding the accessory is incompatible.
- Confirm the iPhone and accessory are on the same main Wi-Fi network, not a guest network.
- Turn Bluetooth on in iPhone Settings because many accessories use it during pairing.
- Restart the accessory by unplugging it for about 10 seconds.
- Scan the setup code again in good light.
- Update iOS or iPadOS if the Home app is outdated.
- Check the manufacturer’s app for a firmware update or Apple Home handoff option.
Remote control and notifications while away from home require a home hub, such as a HomePod, HomePod mini, or Apple TV signed into the same Apple ID and left at home. Without a home hub, some accessories only work when your iPhone is on the same local network.
To share control, open Home Settings > People and invite family members with their Apple IDs. If you placed a device in the wrong room, tap its tile, open settings, and rename or move it there instead of factory resetting it.
Sources
- Apple Support – Add an accessory in the Home app on iPhone (2025)
- Apple Support – Set up Matter-enabled accessories with the Home app (2025)
- Apple Support – Use a home hub with the Home app (2025)