If you’re just getting started with home automation or looking for ways to make your system even more efficient, you may be wondering if you can use Homekit and Alexa simultaneously.
These smart home hubs are two of the most popular on the market and allow you to control your home with just your voice.
So, can you use them together?
You can use Homekit and Alexa at the same time because most modern Homekit devices support Alexa. You can also bridge the connection gap between Alexa and Homekit using software. A suitable example is the Homebridge software that allows you to link Homekit and Alexa.
In the rest of this article, I’ll discuss how to use Homekit and Alexa at the same time.
I’ll also discuss Homekit and Alexa, including their pros and cons.
Stay tuned!
How to use HomeKit and Alexa at the same time
Before proceeding, it’s worth noting that you can’t use Amazon Alexa to control Apple’s Homekit.
You can only use these systems at the same time to control their linked smart home devices.
Using Homekit and Alexa at the same time can be challenging.
You must first confirm if your Alexa is compatible with Homekit hub devices since not all Homekit Siri devices are compatible with Alexa.
#1: Using Alexa Amazon app on your iPhone
If your Alexa is compatible with Homekit hub devices, you need to connect it to the Amazon Echo device using the Alexa Amazon app on your iPhone.
Once you connect the two devices, you can start controlling your home using both voice assistants.
To do this, follow the procedure below:
- Open the Apple Home app and go to the search bar at the bottom.
- Type Alexa and search.
- Navigate to the ‘Get Button.’
- Click on ‘Enable’ to use.
- Wait for the download to complete if you did not have the app.
- Click open after downloading to launch the app.
You should see the message ‘Alexa is now connected to Home.’
That’s it!
You have successfully connected Alexa and Homekit.
You can now start using both voice assistants to control your home.
To confirm that everything is working as it should, try issuing a command like “Alexa, turn on the lights.”
If everything is working correctly, the system should respond to the command.
You can also use the Apple Home app to control your home. The app allows you to control all your smart devices from one place.
It can also automate tasks and schedule them for specific times.
For example, you can use the app to schedule your lights to turn on at a specific time or when you arrive home.
If you want to take things a step further, you can use automation to control multiple devices simultaneously.
Automations allow you to manage your devices based on certain conditions.
For example, you can create an automation that turns on your lights and starts playing music when you arrive home.
The Apple Home app is available for free on the App Store.
You might also be interested in: 7 Steps To Connect Alexa To Bluetooth iPhone (Guide)
#2: Using a third-party software
Some accessories are Homekit-only.
In such cases, it’s impossible to use them with Alexa.
However, you can use software like Homebridge to bridge the connection between Homekit and Alexa.
Homebridge is a NodeJS server that emulates the iOS HomeKit API.
It allows you to control all your non-Homekit devices like Alexa using Apple’s Home app and Siri.
You can download and install the software on your hardware to connect your Homekit-only devices with Alexa.
Alternatively, you can use a plug-and-play system Such as HOOBS Starter Kit.
The kit comes with a Homebridge server and an iOS app.
It’s an easier way to get started with Homebridge if you’re not comfortable working with code.
Once you’ve set up Homebridge, you can add accessories and configure them using plugins.
You can find a list of Homebridge plugins on their website.
You should now be able to use Homekit and Alexa at the same time.
Although Apple’s Homekit and Amazon’s Alexa are similar smart home platforms, they have unique pros and cons.
Pros and cons of using HomeKit
Pros of HomeKit
It’s a closed system
Apple designs and manufactures all its products.
So, it has more control over how Homekit works.
However, this also means that there are fewer Homekit-compatible devices on the market.
According to Business Insider though, having fewer devices compatible with Apple’s Homekit Siri is an added advantage as it enhances system security.
It’s more secure
Homekit uses end-to-end encryption to communicate with accessories and keep your data safe.
So, it’s less likely for hackers to access your data.
Ability to control multiple devices using scenes
Homekit allows you to control multiple devices using scenes.
So, you can create a scene that turns on your lights and starts playing music when you arrive home.
Cons of Homekit
Limited compatibility
Homekit Siri has a limited number of compatible devices.
So, you might be unable to find a Homekit-compatible device for all your needs.
It’s more expensive
Because it’s a more closed system, Homekit-compatible devices are usually more costly than their Alexa counterparts.
Pros and cons of using Alexa
Pros of Alexa
It has a wider range of compatible devices
You can use Amazon’s Alexa on a broader range of devices.
So, you will likely find an Alexa-compatible device for all your needs.
It’s less expensive
Because it has a broader range of compatible devices, Alexa-enabled devices are usually cheaper than their Homekit counterparts.
You can use it hands-free
One of the best things about Alexa is that you can use it hands-free.
Thus, you can control your smart home devices without pressing any buttons.
Cons of Alexa
It’s a less closed system
Amazon doesn’t design or manufacture all the devices compatible with Alexa.
So, it has less control over how Alexa works.
It’s less secure
Your data might not be more secure as is the case with Homekit Siri.
Alexa’s compatibility with many smart home devices is a plus but it exposes the system to hacking.
Final thoughts
Although possible, using Homekit and Alexa at the same time requires some workarounds.
It starts with establishing if your Homekit devices are compatible with Alexa.
If not, you can use software like Homebridge to bridge the connection between the two platforms.
Each platform has its pros and cons.
Therefore, considering your priorities is the best way to get a system that meets your needs.
If security is your main concern, then Homekit is the best option.
However, if you want a smart home system compatible with many devices, use HomeKit and Alexa at the same time instead.