How to Add Apple TV to HomeKit and Control Your Smart Home

Add Apple TV as a HomeKit Hub in the Home App

To add Apple TV to HomeKit, open the Home app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, tap the house icon in the top left, then tap the settings gear icon. Select "Invite" and choose "Add HomeKit Device or Accessory." Scan the HomeKit code on the back of your Apple TV or in its settings, or enter the 8-digit code manually. Your Apple TV will then appear as a device in your home and can act as a HomeKit hub — a central point that lets you control your smart home remotely and automate your devices.

If you already have HomeKit set up on another device like an iPad or HomePod, the process is simpler. Open Home, go to settings, and select "Invite." Your Apple TV will detect the existing HomeKit network and join it automatically. You do not need to set up HomeKit from scratch on the Apple TV itself.

Key Takeaways

Apple TV becomes a HomeKit hub when you add it through the Home app using its 8-digit HomeKit code.
A HomeKit hub lets you control your smart home devices from anywhere, not just when you are home on the same Wi-Fi network.
You need at least one hub (Apple TV, HomePod, or iPad) to use HomeKit automation and remote access.
The HomeKit code is printed on the back of your Apple TV box or visible in Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit.

Where to Find Your Apple TV's HomeKit Code

The 8-digit HomeKit code appears in two places. First, check the back of your Apple TV box — it is printed on a sticker alongside the HomeKit logo. If you no longer have the box, go to Settings on your Apple TV, navigate to AirPlay and HomeKit, and select HomeKit. The code will display on your screen.

Write down or photograph the code before you start adding the device. You will need it during setup in the Home app. If the code is damaged or unreadable, you can reset your Apple TV to factory settings and a new code will be generated, though this erases all your Apple TV settings.

What HomeKit Hub Does for Your Smart Home

Once your Apple TV is set up as a hub, it acts as a bridge between you and your HomeKit devices. Without a hub, you can only control your smart lights, locks, cameras, and thermostats when you are physically at home on the same Wi-Fi network. With a hub, you can control them from anywhere — at work, on vacation, or across town.

A hub also enables HomeKit automation. You can set rules like "turn on the lights at sunset" or "lock the door when the last person leaves." Automations run on the hub itself, so they work even if your iPhone is off or away from home. If you have multiple hubs, HomeKit uses the strongest connection to may support reliable control.

Choosing Between Apple TV, HomePod, and iPad as Your Hub

You can use Apple TV, HomePod (any generation), HomePod mini, or an iPad running the latest software as a HomeKit hub. Apple TV is often the best choice because it stays plugged in and in one place, so it maintains a stable connection. HomePod mini is smaller and less expensive. An iPad works but must stay powered and on your home Wi-Fi, which is less reliable than a dedicated device.

You only need one hub to start, but HomeKit recommends at least two for redundancy. If your main hub goes offline, a second hub takes over automatically. If you have multiple hubs, HomeKit will show you which one is active in the Home app settings.

Troubleshooting When Your Apple TV Won't Add to HomeKit

If the Home app does not recognize your Apple TV, first check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart your Apple TV by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. Restart your iPhone or iPad as well. Make sure your Apple TV is running the latest tvOS — go to Settings > System > Software Updates and install any available update.

If the HomeKit code will not scan, try entering it manually instead of using the camera. Make sure you are typing the 8-digit code exactly as printed, with no spaces. If you still cannot add it, reset HomeKit on your Apple TV by going to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > HomeKit, then selecting "Reset HomeKit Configuration." This erases HomeKit data but keeps your Apple TV settings intact. After resetting, try adding it again.

Setting Up HomeKit on Your Apple TV After Adding It

Once your Apple TV appears in the Home app, you may be prompted to set up HomeKit on the device itself. This means choosing which room the Apple TV is in (like "Living Room") and whether to use it as a hub. Select "Use as HomeKit Hub" when prompted — this is what lets it control your devices remotely.

You can also change these settings later. Open the Home app, tap the house icon, go to settings, select your Apple TV, and toggle "Use as HomeKit Hub" on or off. If you turn it off, HomeKit will use another hub if you have one. If it is your only hub and you turn it off, you lose remote access and automation until you turn it back on or add another hub.

Controlling Devices Through Your Apple TV Hub

After your Apple TV is set up as a hub, controlling your HomeKit devices works the same way — through the Home app on any of your Apple devices. Tap a device to turn it on or off, adjust brightness or temperature, or lock a door. You can do this from anywhere, not just at home.

Create scenes to control multiple devices at once. For example, a "Good Night" scene could lock all doors, turn off lights, and set the thermostat to 68 degrees. Scenes run when ready when you tap them, or you can schedule them to run at a specific time. Automations are similar but trigger based on conditions like time of day, location, or a sensor detecting motion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a HomeKit hub to use HomeKit at all?

No, you can control HomeKit devices while you are at home without a hub. You need a hub only for remote access (controlling devices when you are away) and for automations. Most people add a hub right away because remote control and automation are the main reasons to use HomeKit.

Can I use an older Apple TV as a HomeKit hub?

Yes, any Apple TV running tvOS 10.2 or later can be a HomeKit hub. This includes Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, and older models. Check your Apple TV's software version in Settings > System > About to confirm it supports HomeKit.

What happens if my Apple TV hub goes offline?

If your only hub goes offline, you lose remote access and automations stop running until it comes back online. HomeKit will notify you that your hub is unavailable. If you have a second hub, HomeKit switches to it automatically with no interruption.

Can I move my Apple TV to a different room and keep it as a hub?

Yes, you can move your Apple TV physically, and it will stay set up as a hub. However, HomeKit works best when the hub has a strong Wi-Fi signal throughout your home. If you move it to a room far from your router or with poor signal, remote access may become slow or unreliable.

Do I need to set up HomeKit on the Apple TV itself, or just in the Home app?

You set up HomeKit through the Home app on your iPhone or iPad. The Apple TV will prompt you to confirm its role as a hub, but you do not need to open HomeKit settings on the Apple TV itself. The Home app handles all the configuration.

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