Home (HomeKit) app not responding on cellular but works on home WiFi network

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Home (HomeKit) app not responding on cellular but works on home WiFi network

Why is my Home app (HomeKit) Not Responding for all my devices when on cellular connection (but not home WiFi)?? I have checked everything including calling Orbi router tech support. Only found that I do not use modem from Verizon internet service but plugged directly into Orbi router. I double checked all basic setup details on my iPhone. My other apps like Ring work just fine on cellular connection. I noted problem within last two weeks so was home app updated recently?? I do not think it was from iOS 13.3 update as that was much longer. I tried resetting up one of the devices by removing it from home app but no luck. Only thing is to start from scratch including deleting home app.

iPhone 6s Plus

Posted on Jan 7, 2020 6:20 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

mingoslkd

Community Specialist

Jan 11, 2020 8:58 AM in response to Lulumo

Hey Lulumo,

Thanks for the reply, and additional info, we appreciate it!

It's important to make sure the cellular data setting is enabled for the Home app. Since you uninstalled and reinstalled the Home app, double check that it's still on at Settings > Cellular.

Remote management is done through the Home app, not Safari, as long as you have a home hub, which sounds like you have an Apple TV as a home hub. Look under "Set up Apple TV as a home hub" in the below article to see how to set up and verify it is connected as a home hub. Set up your HomePod, Apple TV, or iPad as a home hub

Set up and use the Home app shows how to "Control your accessories". Some accessories require an app from the manufacturer, so if you have one, verify that it's up to date. Update apps or use automatic downloads

You can even invite someone else to be able to control your home, and allow them to from anywhere also. Check out how here: Share control of your home

You can use this link to make an appointment: For getting the right support, here’s a genius idea.

Enjoy your day!

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Answer 2

rose_10

Community Specialist

Jan 10, 2020 7:34 AM in response to Lulumo

Hi Lulumo,

Thanks for using Apple Support Communities! I see you're having an issue with accessing your Home automations when away from home, and I'd like to do what I can to help out.

Verify that your iPhone has the Home app enabled at Settings > Cellular, and that Cellular Data is enabled also.

You'll also need to keep the device that you use for the home hub at your home and connected to Wi-Fi, as shown here:

Set up your HomePod, Apple TV, or iPad as a home hub

More info on the Home app: Set up and use the Home app

When your Home app is not responding, are you able to access the internet successfully? If not, contact your cellular provider.

If so, and everything is set up correctly, I'd recommend contacting Apple Support.

Take care!

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Answer 3

Lulumo Author

Level 1

15 points

Feb 4, 2020 9:59 AM in response to Lulumo

Swapping the physical location between my Apple TV HDs fixed my issue so basement unit was the mother hub so to speak. However, latest tvOS software upgrade 13.3 answered the call too. Now when I pull out power outlet from one hub, HomeKit is smart to switch to other hub as Connected from Standby.

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Answer 4

Jan 11, 2020 12:49 PM in response to Lulumo

Hi Lulumo,

Thanks again for the reply and additional info.

Looking at the documentation about setting up the home hub from the article we shared earlier, it shows that the home hub Apple TV needs to be connected to Wi-Fi.

A few other things to keep in mind:

Also if your Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD was signed into your iCloud Apple ID when the automation was set up, it will automatically become the home hub.

Or, if you have an Apple TV 3rd gen set up as a home hub, and then connect and sign in to an Apple TV 4K or later, or an iPad, they will take over as the main home hub.

Plus, if you have a shared user controlling the home, the Apple TV 3rd gen doesn't support remote access.

For additional assistance, please contact Apple Support.

Thanks!

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Answer 5

Lulumo Author

Level 1

15 points

Jan 11, 2020 5:10 AM in response to rose_10

I’ve doubled checked cellular data on, on for icloud, keychain, etc.. I even deleted home app and reinstalled. I also double checked Apple TV setup

one thing I noted is that under Settings the Home (or HomeKit) app is not listed (under Safari or News). Should it be listed so I can turn in remote management???

what is link for in store appointment??

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Answer 6

Lulumo Author

Level 1

15 points

Jan 11, 2020 4:24 PM in response to MichelleT18

Both my Apple TV’s are HD. And both are connected to same house router or same house WiFi network.

I am going to try swapping the location of my Apple TV’s (between basement & first floor). But before doing that I will sign out of iCloud for the basement Apple TV to see if first floor Apple TV will switch to Connected (from Standby) under Hubs&Bridges in my iPhone Home app?? My preference is only have one Apple TV plugged into wall power outlet. (That is first floor wall Apple TV.)

Be nice if Apple improved the Home app so that user can select the primary hub. Or can select which Apple TV is the Connected and which is the Standby if both Apple TV’s are HD models.

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Answer 7

Lulumo Author

Level 1

15 points

Jan 11, 2020 10:15 AM in response to mingoslkd

I figured it out (No Response for accessories when in cellular connection or away from house) by powering on my other Apple TV located in basement. I only use it on weekends so cut power to it on most days. My iPhone Home App (under cellular connection) must use it as the main HUB even though both Apple TV units are set to Connected under <Settings/HomeKit/Homehub. For some reason my Home app can only connect to basement Apple TV. Why is that???

Only difference I see is basement Apple TV is Ethernet cable connected to router, and first floor Apple TV is WiFi connected to router. How to fix so that first floor Apple TV is the main HUB or only HUB??? Right now the basement Apple TV shows Connected and first floor Apple TV shows Standby under Hubs&Bridges in Home app.

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Home (HomeKit) app not responding on cellular but works on home WiFi network

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