How to add any Hikvision Devices to Apple HomeKit

James Matthews

Sep 12, 2024 — 6 min read

One small statement to state, a Hikvision HomeKit integration would solve all Hikvision Apple users’ problems. I am not being dramatic! Hikvision is known for their surveillance cameras and security, and as a Hikvision user who also happens to prefer the Apple Home app interface, an Apple HomeKit Hikvision integration is a dream.

So, I got to work and found a few solutions or methods to integrate hikvision with HomeKit. Have hik connect Apple HomeKit and that is when I found AddtoHomeKit. Well, there are a few solutions so let’s get right into it!

AddtoHomeKit [Recommended Solution]

The AddtoHomeKit solution is simple. It is a desktop solution that you can use to add any smart home device to Apple HomeKit. AddtoHomeKit offers HomeKit configuration plugins that will allow you to configure any smart device to Apple HomeKit. The best part is that now they even provide installation support at request!

Step-by-Step Guide to Use AddtoHomeKit

It is so easy, that you don’t even need a step-by-step guide, I already used this to add Alexa Echo Dot to HomeKit.

Visit the AddtoHomeKit Website
Select the Hikvision Ecosystem

Choose the Hikvision ecosystem from the available options on the website.

Choose Your Preferred Solution

You will be redirected to a new page. On this page, select the solution that best suits your needs.

Select the Operating System

Once you've chosen your solution, you'll need to select the operating system that you're using (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux).

Install the HomeBridge Plugin

Follow the instructions to install the HomeBridge plugin on your device.

Click on AddtoHomeKit

fter installing the plugin, click on the AddtoHomeKit option.

Follow the Instructions

Complete the setup by following the detailed instructions provided.

Enjoy Your Integration

Once the setup is complete, you can start using your devices with HomeKit!

You can also integrate Wemo HomeKit using AddtoHomeKit.

ATH Bridge [Affordable Solution]

If you're searching for a device-specific solution, the ATH Bridge is an amazing option. The ATH Bridge is a cost-effective and straightforward solution for adding your Hikvision devices to Apple HomeKit or even your TP-Link Kasa smart devices to Apple HomeKit and D-Link devices to Apple HomeKit. It's an especially pre-assembled and pre-configured HomeBridge server. All you need to do is download the necessary plugins, configure them, and you're all set!

You can even achieve a Govee HomeKit integration, TP-Link Tapo HomeKit integration or Yale HomeKit integration with ATH Bridge.

HomeBridge Solution

HomeBridge is the best solution for integrating non-HomeKit-enabled smart home devices with Apple’s HomeKit ecosystem. It’s a server built on Node.js that allows you to connect HikVision devices to HomeKit seamlessly. You can add any device to Apple HomeKit with this!

There is no installation costs associated with the software on your chosen hardware. This tool enhances your HomeKit setup by including devices and services that are not natively compatible, such as HikVision.With HomeBridge, setting up a HikVision HomeKit bridge is straightforward. Below, we’ll explore how to connect HikVision devices to Apple HomeKit using the HomeBridge platform.

You can also use HomeBridge to integrate other incompatible devices, such as Shelly HomeKit, Blink Camera HomeKit or even a Aqara HomeKit.

Step-by-Step Guide to Use HomeBridge Solution

Install HomeBridge
First, set up HomeBridge on your chosen platform, such as a Raspberry Pi or a computer running Node.js, if you haven’t already done so.
Install Plugins
Locate a HomeBridge plugin compatible with HikVision devices. You can find such plugins on the npm registry or GitHub. For instance, a popular plugin for HikVision integration is HomeBridge HikVision.
Configure Plugin
Once the plugin is installed, configure it by editing your HomeBridge config.json file. Add a new platform entry for the HikVision plugin and input your HikVision login details as shown below:
```
{
    "name": "HikVision",
    "username": "your-hikvision-email",
    "password": "your-hikvision-password",
    "platform": "HikVision"
}
```
Restart HomeBridge
After configuring the plugin, restart HomeBridge to apply the changes.
Pair with HomeKit
Open the Home app on your iOS device. You should see the HikVision devices you configured with the HomeBridge plugin. You can now add these devices to your Apple HomeKit setup and control them through the Home app or via Siri.

Comparison Between the Solutions

Feature	AddtoHomeKit Desktop Solution	ATH Bridge	HOOBS	HomeBridge
Purpose	Integrates various smart devices into Apple HomeKit with broad compatibility	Affordable solution for TP-Link and other devices	User-friendly interface for HomeKit integration	Connects non-HomeKit devices to Apple HomeKit
Ease of Setup	Simple, intuitive app interface makes integration straightforward	Easy setup with pre-flashed server	Easy setup with a user-friendly interface	Requires manual installation and configuration
Compatibility	Supports a wide range of smart devices, including TP-Link, Govee, and more	Primarily for TP-Link Kasa smart devices	Supports a variety of smart devices	Supports a broad range of non-HomeKit devices
User Interface	Desktop app with guided setup, making it accessible and easy to use	Pre-configured hardware with minimal setup required	Web-based interface with graphical setup	Configuration through JSON files and plugins
Installation Cost	Generally no additional hardware costs, but occasional hardware purchase may be necessary	Affordable with no additional installation costs	Typically requires purchasing HOOBS hardware	Free software, but requires compatible hardware (e.g., Raspberry Pi)
Configuration	Simple app-based configuration with detailed guidance	Minimal configuration needed, mostly plug-and-play	User-friendly configuration through a web interface	Requires manual configuration of config.json file and plugin installation
Plugin Support	Extensive plugin support for various smart devices	Limited to specific devices like TP-Link	Supports a wide range of plugins and devices	Broad plugin support but requires manual setup

What Can You Do with a HikVision HomeKit Integration

Unified Control - Manage all your Hikvision devices through the Apple Home app bringing them into your HomeKit ecosystem.
Real-Time Surveillance - Access live video feeds from your HikVision cameras on your iPhone or iPad, providing constant visibility.
Siri Integration - Use Siri to control your HikVision devices with voice commands, such as “Show me the front door camera.”
Hik Connect Compatibility - Integrate Hik Connect with Apple HomeKit to streamline your smart home setup and ensure all your devices work together.
Custom Notifications - Receive customized alerts and notifications from your HikVision cameras directly to your Apple devices.
Automations and Scenes - Create HomeKit automations and scenes that include your HikVision devices, like setting up a “Home” scene that turns on lights and shows live camera feeds.
Enhanced Security - Monitor and secure your home more effectively by having real-time access and control of your HikVision cameras through HomeKit.
Remote Access - Access and control your HikVision devices remotely from anywhere, ensuring you can keep an eye on your home even when you're away.
Improved User Experience - Enjoy a seamless and intuitive user experience with integration, thanks to HomeKit’s user-friendly interface.

Editor's Pick

When weighing these three options, I personally lean towards AddtoHomeKit. This desktop solution is incredibly user-friendly, quick, and has an overall charm that makes it stand out. With a one-time subscription, you get lifetime access, offering great long-term value. It effectively bridges the gap between your HikVision devices and Apple HomeKit, making the integration process smooth and straightforward. Of course, it’s important to choose the solution that best fits your unique needs and preferences. I hope this insight helps you decide on the best option for your situation.

FAQs

To integrate your HikVision cameras with Apple HomeKit, you can use AddtoHomeKit or a HomeBridge setup with a compatible plugin. This setup acts as a bridge between HikVision devices and HomeKit, allowing you to control and monitor your cameras using the Home app and Siri.

Yes, AddtoHomeKit can be used to integrate HikVision devices with Apple HomeKit. It provides an easy-to-use desktop solution that simplifies the process of connecting your HikVision cameras to HomeKit, enabling seamless control through the Home app and Siri commands.

Integrating HikVision devices with Apple HomeKit offers several benefits, including centralized control of your security cameras through the Home app, the ability to use Siri for voice commands, and enhanced automation options. This integration helps streamline your smart home setup and improves overall convenience.

For integrating HikVision devices with HomeKit using HomeBridge, you may need hardware like a Raspberry Pi or a computer running Node.js. However, using services like AddtoHomeKit might require less additional hardware, though occasional purchases might be needed.

Yes, once integrated, you can view live footage from your HikVision cameras directly in the Apple Home app. This allows you to monitor your security cameras from your iPhone, iPad, or other Apple devices.

After integrating your HikVision cameras with HomeKit, you can set up notifications through the Home app. This allows you to receive alerts and updates directly to your Apple devices, helping you stay informed about activity captured by your cameras.