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You can use the Apple Home app on an iPhone or iPad to connect compatible HomeKit or Matter accessories. An iPad can serve as a convenient screen for controlling your home, but Apple’s documentation does not establish a dedicated Apple smart-home display. A separate home hub—such as a HomePod or Apple TV—is optional for some setups and useful for remote access and automations.
What you need before setup
- An iPhone or iPad with the Home app, and an Apple Home-, HomeKit-, or Matter-compatible accessory.
- The accessory’s setup code or QR code. Depending on the product, it may be on the device, packaging, or included documentation.
- The accessory’s instructions. Some products require a manufacturer app, a firmware update, specific network settings, or additional hardware before they can be added to Home.
Apple’s instructions for adding an accessory to Home begin in the Home app on iPhone or iPad. The first-run assistant can guide you through creating a home and setting up rooms.
How to add a HomeKit or Matter accessory
- Prepare the accessory. Power it on and make sure it has network connectivity. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for any required app, firmware update, or initial configuration.
- Open Home on your iPhone or iPad. If this is your first time, follow the prompts to create a home and define rooms.
- Start pairing. In Home, choose Add Accessory and follow the on-screen instructions. Scan the accessory’s QR code when prompted, or enter its Apple Home setup code. For Matter products, use the Matter setup code; an accessory already paired elsewhere may instead need a code generated by its manufacturer.
- Name and place the accessory. Choose a recognizable name and assign it to a room. The name can also be used when controlling the accessory with Siri.
For more detail, see Apple’s guide to adding an accessory to Home.
Do you need an Apple smart-home display or a home hub?
Use an iPad as an optional Home screen
The Apple documentation describes controlling a home with the Home app on iPhone and iPad; it does not establish a dedicated Apple smart-home display. An iPad can be left available as a visible control screen, but it is not required to pair accessories.
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Add a hub for remote access and automations
A home hub is a separate role from a Home app screen. Apple lists HomePod, HomePod mini, and Apple TV as home hub options. HomePod and HomePod mini become hubs when set up; Apple TV becomes one when assigned to a room. A hub is useful for controlling accessories away from home and running automations. Apple’s home hub setup guide says a hub is needed to add Matter accessories, while its newer Matter setup guide notes that iOS 18 or later can add and control Matter accessories without a hub in some circumstances. Requirements depend on the setup, so check the current instructions for your devices.
Check Thread support by exact model
Matter and Thread are not interchangeable requirements: Matter accessories can use different network technologies, including Wi-Fi and Thread. For a Thread accessory, confirm that your particular hub model supports Thread or that you have a compatible third-party Thread border router. Apple’s hub guide lists model-specific examples; Thread support should not be assumed for every Apple TV or other hub.
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- Pair two HomePod speakers for stereo sound or use multiple units for whole-home audio playback.
Choose by role and protocol
| Choice | What it does | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone or iPad with Home | Screen for adding and controlling accessories in the Home app. | Apple documents Home app use on these devices; an iPad is optional as a dedicated-in-practice control screen. |
| HomePod, HomePod mini, or Apple TV | Home hub for features such as remote access and automations. | Set up HomePod or HomePod mini, or assign Apple TV to a room. Check the exact model for Thread support. |
| HomeKit accessory | Accessory designed to work with Apple Home. | Confirm Apple Home compatibility and locate its setup code or QR code. |
| Matter over Wi-Fi accessory | Matter device communicating over Wi-Fi. | Follow the current Matter setup flow and the manufacturer’s network requirements; hub requirements can vary by software and setup. |
| Matter over Thread accessory | Matter device communicating over Thread. | Confirm that a compatible Thread border router is available, such as a supported hub model or third-party device. |
If Home cannot add the accessory
If Home displays “Unable to add to home,” use Apple’s troubleshooting steps for adding a smart-home accessory and work through these checks:
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- Confirm compatibility. Make sure the device works with Apple Home, HomeKit, or Matter; a device that works only with another ecosystem may not appear in Home.
- Update and enable Bluetooth. Update your iPhone or iPad and make sure Bluetooth is on during pairing.
- Check network requirements. Review the manual for supported Wi-Fi bands and other network conditions. Some accessories require 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and do not support 5 GHz.
- Improve setup connectivity. Confirm the accessory is powered and move it closer to the router while pairing.
- Restart related equipment. Restart third-party bridges and hubs if the accessory uses them.
- Update or reset the accessory if needed. Check its manual for firmware updates and reset instructions. Resetting can erase its existing configuration, so use the manufacturer’s process.
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