Accessing HomeKit via a 2nd device

I have configured HomeKit on iPhone 14 (ios 16.4.1) using HomePod mini as the hub. Now I am trying to use an iPhone 5s (ios 12.5.7) as a secondary device for viewing the cameras connected to my HomeKit.


I have signed in iPhone 5s using the same Apple ID as iPhone 14, with iCloud keychain on and home sharing ‘on’ in iCloud on both devices. I see the accessories on Home app in 5s but all accessories show ‘not responding’. Also the customised home name is not visible in the home app on 5s. The iPhones and the HomePod are connected on the same Wi-Fi network.


I also use a MacBook and iPad with the same Apple ID and the home app works seamlessly as it works on the iPhone 14.


please help.

iPhone 5s, iOS 12

Posted on May 14, 2023 2:28 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 16, 2023 7:20 PM

You won’t be able to view or control Home on your iPhone 5s. You need at least ios 16.2.. Additionally, if you upgraded to the new Home architecture all devices will need to be running the latest OS to be able to use the Home App.


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2 replies

May 16, 2023 8:52 AM in response to Raul_Derf

Hey Raul_Derf,


We'd be happy to help out. It sounds like you're having no issues using HomeKit and the Home app to access your accessories across the majority of your devices, and the only outlier is your iPhone 5s.


This appears to be an issue with incompatibility due to the very outdated software on your iPhone 5s. Given that it's only able to run iOS 12, this is likely the reason it's experiencing issues working with your accessories.


We'd suggest checking with the manufacturer of said accessories to see what their requirements are, but that's the biggest thing that stands out in your response.


For help help with HomeKit accessories showing as "Not Responding", check out: If your HomeKit or Matter accessory isn't responding in the Home app - Apple Support


We hope this helps out.


Take care!

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Accessing HomeKit via a 2nd device

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