Learn how to set up and use your HomeKit accessories
Apple has recently published a new support page to its website, detailing how to set up and use HomeKit-enabled accessories. The guide also explains how the Apple TV can be used as a hub for controlling your HomeKit accessories when you’re not at home.
The frameworks behind HomeKit have been in the Apple TV operating system since version 7.0, but there has never been any documentation on the feature until now. To use the Apple TV as a remote access hub for your HomeKit accessories, the set top box must be the third generation or later with software version 7.0 or later. The Apple TV also needs to be signed in with the same Apple ID as on your iOS device.
According to the guide, you need an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iOS 8.1 or later, as well as one or more HomeKit-enabled accessories. To set up HomeKit, you will need to download the app for your accessory and use it to pair with your iOS device. Every HomeKit-enabled accessory should include a seven digit setup code that you use for pairing.
Some apps will allow you to group accessories together in homes, rooms, or scenes, according to the guide. This allows you to control a group of HomeKit-enabled accessories together with a single Siri command, such as “turn off the lights in the living room.”
The guide also provides details about how to reset accessories, troubleshoot, and what to do if your iOS device is lost or stolen.