7 underrated HomeKit features you need to know

Apple HomeKit is an affordable way for users to create a smart home. While it is true that HomeKit is optimized for Apple’s HomePod speakers, there are hundreds of HomeKit-compatible devices from well-known IoT brands. Apple is also participating in the CSA Matter initiative, which allows more gadgets than ever to work across multiple ecosystems.

HomeKit is especially useful for iPhone and iPad users, with the built-in HomeKit app standing by to help you set up new devices once you bring them into your home. You can also add specific HomeKit settings to Control Center, such as an on/off switch for a group of smart lights. What’s more, Siri is able to recognize your smart home devices, so you can simply ask the assistant to control them with your voice.

There are competing HomeKit alternatives such as Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings. However, after many years of testing all kinds of smart home solutions, I’ve found that it’s less about which platform you choose and more about knowing how to get the most out of your preferred platform. That said, if you’re going to use HomeKit, there are tips and tricks that every user should try.

Whether you’re a HomeKit veteran or just starting out on your HomeKit journey with the best smart home devices, these are the best HomeKit features you need to know.

Sound recognition

The main reason for purchasing smart home devices is home security. Smart security cameras, video intercoms and smart locks – smart home devices will help you keep your home safe. HomeKit goes a step further by supporting audio recognition through the HomePod speaker (including the HomePod Mini and the standard Apple HomePod). Sound recognition can detect when a smoke or CO2 alarm goes off in your home and notify you accordingly. This can give you peace of mind when you’re away from home, especially if you have pets at home.

View your activity history

When multiple people have access to your HomeKit system, it can be difficult to keep track of which devices are being used and when. Maybe you want to know when the alarm system was last used or what time your smart garage door was opened earlier one morning. HomeKit administrators can view Activity History up to 30 days in advance from the Security tab in the HomeKit app. Activity history shows which users controlled a given device and at what time a given activity was performed.

Detect guests at the door

If you have a HomeKit Secure Video-enabled camera like the Logitech Circle View Wired Doorbell, it can recognize the faces of famous guests as they approach your door. You’ll get a notification sent to your devices, including Apple TV, letting you know who’s there. In terms of privacy, all videos are processed locally and fully encrypted, although you will need to use a home hub for this feature to work. HomePod, HomePod mini, Apple TV and iPad can be set up as home hubs.

Tap to unlock with Home keys

HomeKit users will want to make sure they get a smart lock with Home Keys support, like the Schlage Encode Plus. Home Keys support means your iPhone and Apple Watch can act as keys to your door, with the ability to simply tap your device to the lock, just like when using Apple Pay. You can also set up Express Mode to bypass biometric authentication (Face ID or Passcode) when your device comes close to the Smart Lock. Especially using Apple Watch is incredibly convenient when you have your hands full of purchases.

Create PIN codes for guests

Another way to get the most out of your smart lock with HomeKit is to set up guest PINs. If someone you trust is visiting, such as a housewife, you can add them as guests and give them access to specific locks in your home. For PIN locks, you can create a custom PIN for guests and see if their code has been used in your Activity History.

Adaptive lighting

With compatible smart bulbs, you can enable adaptive lighting in HomeKit. The adaptive lighting feature can automatically adjust the bulb temperature (from warm to cool) depending on the time of day. Cool light in the morning can help stimulate your circadian rhythm, and warm light in the evening can help your brain rest for the day. Adaptive lighting requires a home hub to follow the daylight schedule.

Temperature-based automation

Smart blinds are one of the fastest-growing categories of smart home devices, and it’s no wonder – they can save you money. The combined blinds can be opened and closed conveniently and in some cases even automatically. If you use temperature-based automation in HomeKit, your blinds can, for example, close without user intervention when the room temperature exceeds a certain threshold. A fan connected to a smart switch or smart plug may also turn on. HomePod mini has a built-in temperature sensor, although third-party sensors can also be used for temperature-based automation.