LG TVs need an Apple TV hub to work with HomeKit

You cannot add an LG TV directly to Apple HomeKit without a device in between. LG makes some TVs that support HomeKit, but they require an Apple TV 4K (third generation or newer) or an HomePod mini to act as a hub. The hub is what actually communicates with your LG TV and lets you control it from the Home app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

Not every LG TV works with HomeKit—only certain models made in 2022 or later have the necessary built-in support. If your LG TV is older, HomeKit control is not possible, even with a hub. You can check your TV's model number against LG's HomeKit compatibility list on their website to confirm whether yours is supported.

Key Takeaways

  • LG TVs that support HomeKit require an Apple TV 4K (third generation or newer) or HomePod mini to work as a hub.
  • Only certain LG models from 2022 onward have HomeKit support built in—check your TV's model number on LG's website first.
  • Your LG TV and Apple TV hub must be on the same Wi-Fi network and signed into the same iCloud account.
  • Once added, you can control power, volume, and input from the Home app, and create automations like turning the TV on at sunset.

Check whether your LG TV supports HomeKit

Before you set up anything, confirm that your specific LG model is compatible. Visit LG's official website and search for your TV's model number (usually found on a sticker on the back or in the Settings menu under System Information). LG publishes a list of HomeKit-compatible models, and it is the only reliable source—not all newer LG TVs have the feature.

If your TV is not on that list, HomeKit control is not available. You would need to use LG's own remote app or a third-party service like Google Home or Alexa instead, if your TV supports those.

Set up an Apple TV hub if you do not have one

Your Apple TV hub must be an Apple TV 4K (third generation, released in 2022, or newer). Older Apple TV models and the Apple TV HD do not work as HomeKit hubs. If you have a HomePod mini instead, that also works as a hub and is often cheaper.

Plug in your Apple TV 4K or HomePod mini, sign in with the same iCloud account you use on your iPhone or iPad, and make sure it is connected to your home Wi-Fi network. The hub should appear in the Home app within a few minutes. If it does not, restart the device and check that Wi-Fi is working.

Connect your LG TV to the same Wi-Fi network

Your LG TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network as your Apple TV hub. Go to your TV's Settings menu, find Network or Wi-Fi, and connect to your home network. Use the same network name and password that your Apple TV hub is using. If you have a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network with the same name, either one works, but consistency helps.

Once connected, restart your TV by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. This helps the TV register itself on the network properly.

Add the LG TV to HomeKit through the Home app

Open the Home app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap the plus icon in the top-left corner and select "Add Accessory." Hold your iPhone or iPad near the TV—the app will scan for HomeKit devices. Your LG TV should appear in the list if it is compatible and on the same network.

Tap your TV's name to add it. The app will ask you to assign it to a room (like "Living Room") and give it a name. You can also set up a Home Hub at this point if you have not already—the app will prompt you. Once added, the TV appears in your Home app and you can control it when ready.

If your TV does not appear during the scan, restart both the TV and your Apple TV hub, wait 30 seconds, and try again. If it still does not show up, double-check that the TV model is on LG's HomeKit compatibility list and that both devices are truly on the same network.

Control your LG TV and set up automations

Once added, you can tap the TV tile in the Home app to turn it on or off, adjust volume, and switch inputs. You can also ask Siri to control it—say "Hey Siri, turn on the living room TV" or "Hey Siri, set the TV to HDMI 1."

Create automations by tapping the Automation tab in the Home app. You can set the TV to turn on at a certain time, turn off when you leave home, or respond to other triggers like sunset. Automations are useful for routines—for example, turning on the TV and dimming lights when you say "Movie time" to Siri.

Troubleshooting common connection problems

If your LG TV keeps disconnecting from HomeKit, restart your Apple TV hub first. Unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully boot. Then restart your TV the same way. Poor Wi-Fi signal is often the culprit—if your TV is far from your router, move the Apple TV hub closer to the TV or consider a Wi-Fi extender.

If the TV appears in HomeKit but does not respond to commands, check that your iCloud account is the same on both your iPhone and your Apple TV hub. Go to Settings on the Apple TV, select Users and Accounts, and confirm you are signed in. If you recently changed your iCloud password, sign out and sign back in on the hub.

If you cannot add the TV at all, make sure you are using the Home app on an iPhone or iPad, not a Mac—Macs cannot add new HomeKit devices. Also confirm that your Apple TV hub is actually set as a home hub: open Home, tap the house icon, tap Home Settings, and look for "Home Hub" in the list. If it shows "No Home Hub," your hub is not properly configured.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I control my LG TV with HomeKit if I do not have an Apple TV?

No. You need either an Apple TV 4K (third generation or newer) or a HomePod mini. These devices act as the bridge between your TV and HomeKit. Without one, HomeKit cannot communicate with your TV, even if the TV supports it.

What can I actually do with my LG TV in HomeKit?

You can turn the TV on and off, adjust volume, and switch inputs. You cannot change channels, adjust picture settings, or access apps through HomeKit. For those functions, you still need the physical remote or LG's app.

Does my LG TV need to be on for HomeKit to control it?

No. HomeKit can turn your TV on remotely even when it is off, as long as the TV is plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi. Once on, you can control it until you turn it off again.

What if my LG TV model is not on the HomeKit list?

HomeKit control is not available for that model. You can still use LG's own remote app, or check whether your TV supports Google Home or Amazon Alexa instead. Some older LG TVs work with those platforms but not HomeKit.

Can multiple people in my home control the TV through HomeKit?

Yes, if they are invited to your Home in the Home app. Open Home, tap the house icon, go to Home Settings, and invite family members or guests. They can then control the TV from their own devices.