How to Add Apple TV to HomeKit and Control It From Your Home

Add Apple TV as a HomeKit Hub in Settings

To add Apple TV to HomeKit, open the Home app on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac that is signed in with the same Apple ID as your Apple TV. Tap the house icon at the top left, then tap the settings gear icon. Select "Invite" and choose "Add HomeKit Code or Camera". Scan the HomeKit code on the back of your Apple TV box, or enter the eight-digit code manually if you cannot scan it.

Your Apple TV will appear in the Home app within a few seconds. It shows up as a device you can control, but more importantly, it can serve as a HomeKit hub — a device that stays home and lets you control your other HomeKit accessories from anywhere, even when you are away. If this is your first HomeKit device, the TV becomes your hub automatically. If you already have a hub, you can choose whether to use the Apple TV as a secondary hub for better range and reliability.

Key Takeaways

Add Apple TV to HomeKit by scanning or typing the eight-digit code from the box into the Home app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
Your Apple TV can act as a HomeKit hub, which lets you control lights, locks, and cameras from anywhere, not just when you are home.
The Home app must be signed in with the same Apple ID on both your iPhone and your Apple TV for the connection to work.
If HomeKit setup fails, restart your Apple TV and router, then try adding it again.

What You Need Before You Start

Your Apple TV must be running tvOS 16.1 or later to work with HomeKit. Check your current version by going to Settings > System > About on the Apple TV itself. If an update is available, go to Settings > System > Software Updates and install it before you add the TV to HomeKit.

You also need an iPhone, iPad, or Mac signed in with the same Apple ID as your Apple TV. The Home app comes built into iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, so you do not need to read anything. Make sure your Apple TV and your phone or tablet are on the same Wi-Fi network during setup.

Where to Find the HomeKit Code

The HomeKit code is an eight-digit number printed on a label on the back of your Apple TV box. It looks like a series of numbers separated by dashes, for example 123-45-678. If you no longer have the box, you can find the code on the Apple TV itself: go to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit, and the code appears on the screen.

Do not share this code with anyone. It is the key to adding your Apple TV to HomeKit, and anyone with it can add your TV to their Home app and control it.

Troubleshooting When the Code Does Not Work

If the Home app says the code is invalid or the scan does not work, restart your Apple TV first. Unplug it for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully boot. Then try scanning or entering the code again.

If that does not work, restart your Wi-Fi router as well. Unplug it for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to reconnect. Make sure your Apple TV reconnects to the same Wi-Fi network, then try adding it to HomeKit again. If the code still fails, check that your Apple TV is running the latest tvOS version — an outdated system can cause pairing problems.

Using Apple TV as a HomeKit Hub

Once your Apple TV is in HomeKit, you can use it to control other HomeKit devices even when you leave home. Without a hub, you can only control HomeKit accessories when you are on the same Wi-Fi network as them. A hub changes that: it stays home and relays your commands from anywhere.

To set your Apple TV as your hub, open the Home app, tap the house icon, then tap the settings gear. Go to "Hubs and Bridges" and select your Apple TV. If you already have another hub (like a HomePod mini), you can keep both — having two hubs improves range and reliability. The Home app shows which hub is active and which devices are connected to it.

What You Can Control Through HomeKit

Once your Apple TV is set up as a hub, you can control HomeKit-compatible lights, smart plugs, locks, thermostats, cameras, and other accessories. You control them through the Home app on your phone, tablet, or Mac. You can also use Siri voice commands — say "Hey Siri, turn on the living room lights" and your Apple TV hub relays the command to your lights.

HomeKit also lets you create automations: rules that trigger actions based on time, location, or sensor input. For example, you can set lights to turn on at sunset or lock your door when the last person leaves home. These automations require a hub to work, which is why having an Apple TV in HomeKit is useful even if you do not plan to control devices remotely.

Removing Apple TV From HomeKit

If you want to remove your Apple TV from HomeKit, open the Home app, tap the house icon, then tap the settings gear. Go to "Hubs and Bridges", select your Apple TV, and tap "Remove Hub". The TV is removed from HomeKit but stays on your Wi-Fi network.

If you are selling or giving away your Apple TV, you should also erase it completely. Go to Settings > System > Reset and choose "Reset and Erase All". This removes all your personal data and HomeKit information from the device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an older Apple TV model with HomeKit?

Apple TV 4K (2nd generation or later) and Apple TV HD (2015 or later) support HomeKit. Older models do not. Check your model in Settings > System > About. If you have a first-generation Apple TV 4K, you cannot use it as a HomeKit hub.

What if I do not have the HomeKit code anymore?

You can find the code on your Apple TV itself without the box. Go to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit on the TV, and the eight-digit code displays on the screen. You can also take a photo of it to reference while you add it to the Home app.

Do I need a HomePod or HomePod mini if I have an Apple TV hub?

No. An Apple TV hub does everything a HomePod mini hub does for HomeKit. You do not need both. A second hub can improve range and reliability, but it is not required.

Can I control my Apple TV itself through HomeKit?

Yes. Once it is added to HomeKit, you can turn your Apple TV on and off, adjust volume, and control playback through the Home app. You can also include it in scenes and automations.

What happens to HomeKit if my Apple TV loses power?

If your Apple TV is your only hub and it loses power, you cannot control HomeKit devices from away from home until it comes back online. If you have a second hub (another Apple TV or a HomePod), HomeKit switches to that hub automatically and you stay in control.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.