Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteTo set up an Apple home hub, configure a HomePod or HomePod mini and it becomes a hub automatically, or assign an Apple TV to a room in the Home app. Then turn on Home in iCloud and use the same Apple Account on your iPhone and hub for remote access. You can check its status in Home under More > Home Settings > Home Hubs & Bridges.
What an Apple home hub does—and when you need one
A home hub lets you control your smart-home accessories while away, share control with others, and run automations. Apple also requires a home hub to add Matter accessories. If you only control accessories while connected at home, your needs may differ; remote control, shared access, and automations are the main reasons to set one up.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Apple - HomePod mini - Yellow | $129.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Apple - HomePod mini - Black | $129.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Apple - HomePod mini - Orange | $129.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Amazon Echo Dot (newest model) - Vibrant sounding speaker, Designed for Alexa+, Great for bedrooms,... | $79.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Apple - HomePod mini - Space Gray | $149.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Apple’s setup instructions cover HomePod, HomePod mini, and Apple TV. There is no universal best choice in Apple’s guidance: consider which device you already own, where it will sit, and whether your Matter accessory uses Thread.
Choose a compatible hub
| Device | How it becomes a hub | Thread-enabled Matter |
|---|---|---|
| HomePod | Becomes a hub automatically when set up. | Apple’s cited Thread-enabled choices name HomePod mini, not HomePod generally. Check accessory requirements before relying on this model for Thread. |
| HomePod mini | Becomes a hub automatically when set up. | Apple names it as a Thread-enabled hub. |
| Apple TV | Add it to a room using Settings > AirPlay and Apple Home > Room. | Apple names Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Ethernet as Thread-enabled. Do not assume every Apple TV 4K model supports Thread. |
Apple also identifies a supported third-party border router as an option for Thread-enabled Matter accessories. Check Apple’s Thread and Matter requirements for the supported setup. A home hub is required to add Matter accessories; Thread accessories additionally need a Thread-enabled hub or border router.
#1 Best Overall
- Rich, 360-Degree Sound – Delivers deep bass and crisp high frequencies for immersive audio in any room.
- Siri Voice Assistant – Control music, smart home devices, and get information hands-free.
- Seamless Apple Integration – Works effortlessly with iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV for a connected experience.
- Compact & Stylish Design – Small but powerful, fits perfectly in any space.
- Privacy & Security – Designed to keep your personal information safe and secure.
Set up the hub and enable remote access
- Set up a HomePod or HomePod mini. Complete its normal setup in the Home app. It becomes a home hub automatically.
- Or assign an Apple TV to a room. On Apple TV, open Settings > AirPlay and Apple Home > Room, then select a room. Apple says the Apple TV must be added to a room in the Home app to act as a hub.
- Turn on Home in iCloud on your iPhone. Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > See All, then turn on Home.
- Use the same Apple Account. Sign in to the hub and the iPhone you use to manage the home with the same Apple Account.
- Verify hub status. In the Home app, tap More > Home Settings > Home Hubs & Bridges. Apple says the active hub appears at the top. If you have multiple hubs, Automatic Selection can be turned off to choose a preferred hub manually.
For Apple’s current setup directions, see Set up your HomePod, HomePod mini or Apple TV as a home hub and its iPhone guide to remote home control.
Fix common setup problems
If the hub is missing or Home says a hub is required, work through these checks before replacing equipment:
Rank #2
- Rich, 360-Degree Sound – Delivers deep bass and crisp high frequencies for immersive audio in any room.
- Siri Voice Assistant – Control music, smart home devices, and get information hands-free.
- Seamless Apple Integration – Works effortlessly with iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV for a connected experience.
- Compact & Stylish Design – Small but powerful, fits perfectly in any space.
- Privacy & Security – Designed to keep your personal information safe and secure.
- Check power and location: The hub should be at home and powered on.
- Check the network and software: Make sure it is connected to the home Wi-Fi network and updated. Restart it if needed.
- Check Apple Account security: Confirm iCloud Keychain and two-factor authentication are enabled for the account.
- Check who is setting it up: Only the home owner can add a HomePod or Apple TV to the Home app as a hub.
- For Apple TV room-assignment trouble: Check that the correct person is selected as its Default User.
- Do not try to substitute an iPad: Apple says iPad is not supported as a home hub on the latest version of Apple Home.
Apple’s troubleshooting guidance for “Software Update Required” or “Home Hub Required” errors covers these requirements. If the device still does not appear, verify the selected home and account before trying setup again.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Use the hub with HomePod and Apple TV
A hub is part of Apple Home’s setup for remote control and automations; it is not itself a substitute for configuring accessories and scenes in the Home app. Apple also documents using HomePod to control a home and Apple TV 4K. For supported functions and requirements, consult Apple’s guide to controlling your home and Apple TV 4K using HomePod.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Rich, 360-Degree Sound – Delivers deep bass and crisp high frequencies for immersive audio in any room.
- Siri Voice Assistant – Control music, smart home devices, and get information hands-free.
- Seamless Apple Integration – Works effortlessly with iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV for a connected experience.
- Compact & Stylish Design – Small but powerful, fits perfectly in any space.
- Privacy & Security – Designed to keep your personal information safe and secure.
Rank #4
- 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.
Rank #3
- Rich, 360-Degree Sound – Delivers deep bass and crisp high frequencies for immersive audio in any room.
- Siri Voice Assistant – Control music, smart home devices, and get information hands-free.
- Seamless Apple Integration – Works effortlessly with iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV for a connected experience.
- Compact & Stylish Design – Small but powerful, fits perfectly in any space.
- Privacy & Security – Designed to keep your personal information safe and secure.
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.
