Does having more than one HomeKit Hub creates a backup for the connected HomeKit accessories and automation?

Hi there,

The settings for your home should exist in the cloud as part of your Apple ID, independent of the physical hardware. A replacement device should pick up all of the devices and automations automatically, but having two or more devices capable of performing the home hub role does mean that you still be able to control you home should one device fail. When I unplug the active hub it takes a few minutes for another one to take over.

tt2

Hey there, and welcome to Apple Support Communities frommylens,

We can certainly understand your concern and can help provide some insight.

If a home hub is damage and needs to be replaced, you will have to reprogram the new unit with the automations you desire. Check out these steps on how to set up a new home hub.

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

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. Thread-enabled Matter accessories require a Thread-enabled home hub, such as HomePod mini or Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Ethernet, or a supported third-party border router.

Set up HomePod mini or HomePod as a home hub

When you set up HomePod mini and HomePod,* they automatically become home hubs. Just make sure that you're signed in to iCloud on your iPhone or iPad with the Apple ID that you used to set up your HomeKit and Matter accessories in the Home app.

Set up Apple TV as a home hub

Apple TV* automatically becomes a home hub when you add it to HomeKit.

1. Open Settings on Apple TV.
2. Select Users and Accounts. Make sure your name is selected under Default User and that you're signed in to iCloud with the Apple ID that you used to set up your HomeKit and Matter accessories in the Home app.
3. Go back to Apple TV Settings, then select AirPlay and HomeKit.
4. Scroll down and select Room, then choose a room or add a new room.

Set up iPad as a home hub

1. Tap Settings > [your name] and make sure that you're signed in to iCloud with the Apple ID that you used to set up your HomeKit and Matter accessories in the Home app.
2. Tap iCloud, then scroll down and check that Home is turned on under Apps Using iCloud.
3. Tap Settings > Home and turn on Use this iPad as a Home Hub.

To use your iPad as a home hub, it must remain in your home, powered on, and connected to your home Wi-Fi network.

iPad is not supported as a home hub on the new, more reliable, and more efficient Home architecture, which is available as a separate upgrade in the Home app. "

For additional information, check out this link: Set up your HomePod, HomePod mini, Apple TV, or iPad as a home hub - Apple Support

These steps will help ensure your device is working with ease and can fix common issues like the ones you’re experiencing.

Kindest regards!