Use routers secured with HomeKit - Apple Support (SG) (2024)

FAQs

What does HomeKit secure router do? ›

When your system is linked with the Apple Home app, it can monitor HomeKit accessories and prevent them from communicating in ways that might be harmful in the event an external threat from the internet gets through. This can stop viruses and malware from spreading, or your data from being sent to the wrong places.

HomeKit Secure Routers Help Simplify Security

Although just a handful of compatible options are available, if HomeKit is your platform of choice and if you are in the market for a new router, then HomeKit Secure Routers are worth considering.

The headline pro for Apple's HomeKit Secure Video is right there in the name. Your camera footage is secure, with end-to-end encryption, so no one else can watch your video or livestream—not even the security camera manufacturer or Apple. Even if a hacker intercepts your stream, they won't be able to decrypt it.

It is the small box from your internet service provider (ISP) that connects devices like your phone and laptop to the internet. This could be a single device, or many devices that perform separate functions. You should secure your router to prevent someone accessing your internet, network and activity.

Apple discontinued developing its lineup of wireless routers in 2016, but as of 2023 continues limited hardware and software support.

Find your router's iOS or iPadOS app in the App Store and use it to set up your router. Wait for the app to ask you to add the router to the Home app, then tap Accept. If the app doesn't prompt you to add your router to the Home app, use your router manufacturer's instructions.

Typical consumer-grade networking hardware, that includes the Apple base stations (routers), which are expected to run 24x7x365, is around 3-5 years ... although they can last longer.

Like most Apple devices, Apple Continuity Protocols are used. Continuity protocols consist of wireless technologies, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. They can be conducted through device-to-device connection. HomeKit uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi protocols.

What does HomeKit compatible mean? ›

HomeKit is Apple's smart home interface that communicates with all compatible gadgets and appliances in one app ("Home"). HomeKit-compatible devices are easy to set up—a quick scan of a QR code—and can respond to "Hey Siri" commands.

I went with the Apple HomeKit compatible camp, because it does indeed all work locally across your local LAN without a network connection - its not foolproof, but it mostly just works, and works well at that - and more importantly works when the internet is out.

HomeKit Secure Routers have been abandoned in all but name

Currently, eero has a notice saying that its eero Pro 6E and eero 6+ do not support Apple Home Kit," and also that "we have no plans to offer Apple Home Kit's router functionality on eero Pro 6 E and eero 6+.

You need a home hub to control your HomeKit and Matter accessories while you're away from home, share control of your accessories with others, and automate your accessories to do what you want, when you want. You must set up a home hub to add Matter accessories to the Home app.

For $2.99 per month, iCloud+ will offer 200GB of storage and support for up to five HomeKit Secure Video cameras. For $9.99 per month, you get 2TB of iCloud storage and support for unlimited HomeKit Secure Video cameras.

You need a home hub to control your HomeKit and Matter accessories while you're away from home, share control of your accessories with others, and automate your accessories to do what you want, when you want. You must set up a home hub to add Matter accessories to the Home app.

The best Wi-Fi router is the one that offers the most security. If you can find a router that offers WPA3, that will be one of the most secure options available. WPA3 offers better security, more advanced authentication processes, and a safer experience overall.

eero will firewall each of your supported HomeKit-enabled accessories, preventing them from communicating with other WiFi devices connected to your home network, and from unauthorized services on the internet.