HomeKit Secure Video is Apple’s way of handling compatible security camera and doorbell recordings through iCloud and the Home app. It focuses on privacy, encrypted storage, and using your existing iCloud+ plan instead of a separate camera subscription.
This applies to HomeKit Secure Video-compatible cameras and doorbells used with Apple Home, iPhone, HomePod, Apple TV, and iCloud+.
Does this affect you?
Use this if a camera listing says HomeKit Secure Video and you want to know whether it replaces the manufacturer’s cloud plan. A camera can support Apple Home without necessarily supporting HomeKit Secure Video, so check the exact wording.
What HomeKit Secure Video actually does
- Motion events are analyzed through the Apple Home setup for categories such as people, animals, vehicles, and packages where supported.
- Important clips are uploaded to iCloud in encrypted form and kept in a rolling 10-day history.
- End-to-end encryption means only your trusted Apple devices and people you share access with can view the recordings.
- Clips and notifications appear in the Home app beside your other Apple Home accessories, rather than only in the camera maker’s app.
- HomeKit Secure Video storage does not count against your normal iCloud storage quota.
What you need to use it
- A camera or doorbell that explicitly supports HomeKit Secure Video, not just basic Apple Home or HomeKit support.
- A HomePod, HomePod mini, or Apple TV acting as a home hub and staying online at home. Current Apple Home setups require a supported home hub for Secure Video recording.
- An iCloud+ subscription. The paid iCloud+ plan enables HomeKit Secure Video support for eligible cameras.
- The camera added to the Apple Home app. Some models also require setup in the manufacturer’s app first.
A single iCloud+ subscription can cover eligible HomeKit Secure Video cameras on the account, which may be cheaper than paying a separate plan for each camera brand. Compare current iCloud+ limits and camera support before buying several devices.
The history window is 10 days, regardless of whether you pay for a larger iCloud storage tier. Save important clips manually before they age out if you need to keep them longer.
Live view, two-way talk, doorbell chime settings, and some camera-specific features may still depend on the manufacturer’s app or normal Home integration. HomeKit Secure Video specifically covers encrypted recording, event history, and Apple Home notifications.
Sources
- Apple Support – About HomeKit Secure Video (2025)
- Apple – iCloud+ Plans and Features (2025)
- Apple Support – Set Up a Home Hub for HomeKit Secure Video (2025)