How to Add Geeni Cameras to Apple HomeKit
Argue with me but Geeni has some of the best cameras out there. The only issue is that most of the Geeni devices are incompatible with HomeKit, as an avid Apple user this was pretty frustrating. Which is why, I decided to check out some third-party solutions that will allow a Geeni Camera HomeKit. The following are the best solutions out of what I found.
- AddtoHomeKit [Writer's Choice]
- ATH Bridge [Affordable Cheaper Device Solution]
- HOOBS
- HomeBridge
Let’s start off with my favourite solution:
AddtoHomeKit [Writer's Choice]
AddtoHomeKit is one of the best software solutions out there. It allows you to add Geeni Cameras to Apple HomeKit! It provides thousands of plugins for many ecosystems. I was so excited when they announced that they will be providing installation support which is just amazing!
The AddtoHomeKit solution is amazing, it requires almost no time and effort. It is perfect for anyone who does not have a lot of time to spend on integration. Unlike HomeBridge and HOOBS, it does not require any coding knowledge either!
Thought and Opinions on AddtoHomeKit
Personally, I think AddtoHomeKit is one of the best solutions out there to add any device to Apple HomeKit. It is not only insanely easy to do so but also very convenient. If you are a person working 9 – 5 with kids and does not have time to spare, just opt for their installation support.
Moreover, I also like how they provide a life-time service with just a one-time payment. As per my knowledge, they add new ecosystems weekly and keep them updated.
I mean, what’s not to like, it is cheap, does not require any coding knowledge and is also low on time and effort.
Read the AddtoHomeKit step-guide for further assistance.
Moving on, you can also opt for the ATH Bridge, let me elaborate,
ATH Bridge [Affordable Device Solution]
The ATH Bridge, formally known as the Athom Bridge, is yet another amazing solution to add any device to Apple HomeKit. The ATH Bridge is a pre-flashed HomeBridge server that is specially compiled allowing you to create amazing integration. It is a small and compact solution that bridges the gap between Apple HomeKit and your incomplete Geeni Camera.
It is honestly a great solution. I have previous experience with this bridge as I used the ATH Bridge to add Zemismart devices to Apple HomeKit and also to create an Aqara HomeKit integration.
HOOBS
HOOBS or HomeBridge Out of the Box is an updated version of HomeBridge. It is user-friendlier compared to HomeBridge, however you would still require some technical knowledge unlike with AddtoHomeKit. HOOBs allow you to integrate Geeni cameras with HomeKit and even Samsung TV HomeKit or create an UniFi HomeKit if you wish.
Read the HOOBS step guide for further assistance.
HomeBridge
HomeBridge is another great software solution I used to bridge the gap between incompatible devices and Apple HomeKit. HomeBridge is an open-source platform that allows you to connect and control Geeni cameras with HomeKit, it does not matter if it is a Geeni outdoor camera or if it is a Geeni security camera. And again, it is not limited to just Geeni cameras, you can add any Geeni device to Apple HomeKit or even add Smartwings devices to Apple HomeKit!
Read the HomeBridge step guide for further assistance.
Step Guides to Operate the Solutions
Follow these guides to operate the above solutions. The step-guides I have given is just my experience, and in my opinion, these are the easiest methods you can use to create a Geeni Camera HomeKit.
Step-by-Step Guide to Operate AddtoHomeKit
- Go to the AddToHomeKit website.
- Select the Geeni ecosystem.
- Choose the preferred solution.
- Select the operating system.
- Install the HomeBridge plugins.
- Select the activation package.
- Follow on-screen instructions.
Step-by-Step Guide to Operate HOOBS
- Setup HOOBS
- Install Plugins
- Configure Devices
- Sync with HomeKit
Install HOOBS on a compatible device like a Raspberry Pi or a PC. Follow the setup instructions provided with HOOBS.
Access the HOOBS dashboard and search for plugins compatible with Geeni Cameras. Install the relevant plugins to enable communication between HOOBS and your Geeni Cameras.
Enter your Geeni Camera's details into the HOOBS configuration.This will enable HOOBS to recognize and integrate your devices into HomeKit.
Once configured, HOOBS will sync your Geeni Cameras with HomeKit. You can now control your devices using the Home app and Siri.
Step-by-Step Guide to Operate HomeBridge
- Install HomeBridge
- Add plugins
- Configure Plugins
- Integrate with HomeKit
Set up HomeBridge on a compatible device. this could be a Raspberry Pi, a dedicated server, or through a Docker container.
Find and install the necessary HomeBridge plugins for Geeni Cameras. THese plugins are available from the Homebridge repository or community sources.
Edit the HomeBridge configuration file to include your Geeni Cameras. You'll need to input device specific details to enable proper communication.
After configuration, HomeBridge will integrate your Geeni Cameras into HomeKit. You can manage and control them via the Home app and Siri.
Geeni Camera Matter
As if now Geeni does not support Matter, however in the recent past Geeni has expressed their interest in adopting Matter and some of their devices might eventually support the Matter protocol. So unfortunately, as of now there are no Geeni cameras that supports Matter.
Geeni Camera Alexa
So, I tried out Geeni cameras with Amazon Alexa as well. If you want to set up Geeni cameras with Alexa, follow these few steps.
- Set Up Geeni Camera:
- Enable the Geeni Skill on Alexa:
- Control the Geeni Camera with Alexa:
- Ensure your Geeni camera is set up and working in the Geeni app (available for both iOS and Andriod).
Open the Alexa app.
Go to the Menu -> Skills & Games.
Search for the Geeni skill in the Alexa skill store.
Tap Enable to Use.
Sign in to your Geeni account within the Alexa app to link it to Alexa.
Once the account is linked, Alexa should automatically discover your Geeni cameras or any other Geeni devices.
Once connected, you can control your Geeni camera with voice commands such as:
Alexa, show the Geeni camera.
Alexa, turn off the Front-door camera.
Alexa, show the living room camera on Fire TV.
Geeni Camera Google Assistant
- Set up your Geeni Camera:
- Link Geeni with Google Assistant:
- Control the Geeni Camera with Google Assistant:
Ensure your Geeni camera is set up and configured in the Geeni app.
Open the Google Home app.
Tap on the + -> Set up device.
Under the Works with Google -> Geeni.
Tap Geeni and sign in with your Geeni account to link it to Google Assistant.
Once linked, Google Assistant will automatically sync your Geeni devices.
Once connected, you can use voice commands such as:
Hey Google, show the kitchen camera on the TV.
Hey Google, turn off the living room camera.
Hey Google, stream back garden camera on Chromecast.
Editor's Pick
As you can see Geeni devices are mainly focused in supporting Alexa and Google Assistant BUT if you want to go off the hooks and add Geeni cameras to Apple HomeKit then, I suggest you go for AddtoHomeKit. As I mentioned above, AddtoHomeKit is amazing and very easy to operate. That is it for the article, hope you learned something!
FAQs
No, Geeni cameras do not currently support Apple HomeKit. However, you can use third-party solutions such as AddtoHomeKit, ATH Bridge and HOOBs.
Unfortunately, as of now, Geeni does not have Matter cameras or any Matter devices for that matter. They have however, announced their interest in undertaking the Matter protocol for their devices.
Nope, Geeni does not support Apple HomeKit. However, with the AddtoHomeKit solution you can control your Geeni cameras with Apple HomeKit and Siri.
As of now, Geeni cameras work natively only with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. With third-party solutions, you can create Geeni Camera HomeKit.
Yes, you can share Geeni cameras and any other devices, hoowever, the other user’s number should be registered in the Geeni App.
Unfortunately, Geeni does not offer cloud storage.
