How to set up and use a HomeKit accessory on iOS and iPadOS

Once you set up a HomeKit-enabled smart accessory, you can easily control it using Siri or the Home app on any of your Apple devices.

HomeKit-enabled accessories are smart devices you can add to and control using the Apple Home app. And once you set one up using your new iPhone or iPad, you get to customize its functions through any of your compatible Apple devices, including the Apple Watch and Mac. That's not to mention you could ask Siri on your iPhone 14 Pro Max or HomePod to enable, disable, or control the HomeKit accessory in a hands-free manner. Whether you're on iOS 17, iPadOS 17, or an older OS version, the process to do so is the same. All you have to do is follow the steps we've listed below.

Do note that most changes you make to your Home app or HomeKit accessory will automatically sync to your other iCloud devices. So once you set up an accessory, you'll be able to control it from all of your compatible Apple devices using the Home app or Siri. This makes getting your smart home started incredibly simple and easy, as it only takes you a few taps, and iCloud handles the rest.

Mahmoud is a Beiruti who has always sought freedom through writing. He's been actively testing Apple products for around a decade, and he currently uses an iPhone 14 Pro, MacBook Air M2, iPad Air M1, Apple Watch Series 7, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Max, Apple TV 4K 3, and HomePod Mini. You’ll likely find him jogging at a park, swimming in open water, brainstorming at a coffeehouse, composing poetry on a rooftop, or merely lost in nature. You can reach out to Mahmoud via Instagram or email.