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tommy0349 Author

Level 1

43 points

HomeKit remote access not always working

I've had a couple HomeKit accessories for quite a while now (Phillips Hue lights, Sensi thermostat), and at first they worked pretty well. Lately, the automation's that I have set up, and remote access quits working after a couple days. I have a 4th Generation Apple TV set up as the home hub. I have made sure that:

The Apple TV is connected to the Internet and on the same Wi-Fi network as my other iOS devices during set up.

Updated with the latest version of tvOS, iOS.

I can control my accessories in the Home app on my iOS device (using WiFi).

On my Apple TV, in Settings > Accounts > iCloud, it shows HomeKit as Connected.

But when I disable WiFi on my iPhone, the HomeKit app shows my accessories (and Phillips Hue hub) as "No Response". To fix this I usually get on the Apple TV and log out, then log back into iCloud and it will start working again - for a couple days. Then the automation's quit working, and I check again for a remote connection where I get "No Response". I can always turn the accessories (lights) on and off using WiFi in my home, but remote access and automation's are gone. Any ideas?

BTW I always put the Apple TV to sleep when I'm done with it and the remote access and automation's have worked fine for months at a time without issues (and without me turning on the Apple TV).

Apple TV, tvOS 10.2.2

Posted on Aug 4, 2017 7:07 AM

Top-ranking reply

sterling r

Community Specialist

Posted on Aug 4, 2017 7:35 PM

Hey Tommy,

Looks like you are experiencing some intermittent connection issues between your Apple TV and iPhone in regards to using the HomeKit app.

I would first verify that all your devices are running the latest software: Update the iOS software on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Update the software on your Apple TV

If all devices are up to date, please use this link for further assistance: Automate and remotely access your HomeKit accessories

Get help with your home hub

If you have issues creating automations or controlling your HomeKit accessories when you're not home, follow these steps:

Make sure that your Apple TV or iPad is:

Connected to the Internet and on the same Wi-Fi network as your other iOS devices during set up

Updated with the latest version of tvOS or iOS

Signed in to iCloud with the same Apple ID with two-factor authentication enabled

Make sure that you can control your accessories in the Home app on your iOS device. Open the Home app and turn on a light or change the temperature.

Make sure that your device is set up as a home hub:

On your Apple TV, go to Settings > Accounts > iCloud and make sure that your Apple TV shows HomeKit as Connected. If you don’t see HomeKit, then your Apple TV isn't connected as a home hub.

On your iPad, go to Settings > Home and make sure that Use this iPad as a Home Hub is turned on.

Restart your Apple TV, iPad, and iPhone.

Wait a few minutes. If you still need help, sign out of iCloud on your Apple TV, then sign back in. Go to Settings > Accounts > iCloud.

If you have an Apple TV (3rd generation)*, you can control your HomeKit accessories in the Home app while you’re away from your home. To change user permissions, create automations, or stream HomeKit-enabled cameras remotely, you need an Apple TV (4th generation). If you add an Apple TV (4th generation) to a home that has an Apple TV (3rd generation) set up, the Apple TV (3rd generation) will stop being used for HomeKit remote access.

Thanks for posting your question. Hope this helps out.

Have a great day.

View in context

114 replies

May 18, 2018 7:45 AM in response to homersdonut

I here ya. I was in the same boat. I try to get HomeKit devices that also work with google or Alexa just in case like my situation where HomeKit wasn’t working for a long time

Oct 24, 2018 8:33 AM in response to MrEmanLOL

Mine accessories constantly say updating now when I’m away from my house. This is just like no response because I can’t do anything with them when it’s stuck on updating.

Nic_42

Level 1

8 points

Nov 9, 2018 11:27 AM in response to Nic_42

I’m very happy to report that I’ve not had the issue again since rebooting my iPhone as stated in my previous post.

I’m not convinced it’ll be that simple for everyone, but definitely worth a try!

Sabs01

Level 1

4 points

Dec 14, 2018 6:18 PM in response to MTGMan2

Tried this and agree it seems to be working as MTGMan2 said thanks mate - Will update after a few days also connected my apply TV to Ethernet so this may have helped...

Dec 18, 2018 1:27 PM in response to MTGMan2

Exactly the same problem here. Hub doesn’t connect and is not active.

Result. Lights not turning on or of if not on the wifi.

Working perfectly with hue app thought.

Sabs01

Level 1

4 points

Dec 21, 2018 1:25 PM in response to Sabs01

Yes can report mine is now working perfectly for the last week after resetting apple TV - had this issue for 18 months and thought I was going nuts ....

Jan 1, 2019 12:40 PM in response to Lore-PRO

I have had this issue and iPhone reboot fixed it. I use iPad as hub. I think this issue is a result of upgrades of iOS needing to be done on both devices

MrKastro

Level 1

14 points

Mar 12, 2019 6:16 AM in response to damiangfinch

-Add my setup to this thread!!!

Said all frustrated HomeKit users.

Here I am experiencing all symptoms described.

Mar 17, 2019 11:05 AM in response to Leo95se

Looking into the the Wink system to replace this HomeKit garbage. And best of all, it works with Nest which is still the best smart thermostat of the 4 I’ve used.

HomeKit remote access not always working