How to add any Hikvision Devices to Apple HomeKit
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 Your Preferred Solution
- Select the Operating System
- Install the HomeBridge Plugin
- Click on AddtoHomeKit
- Follow the Instructions
- Enjoy Your Integration
Choose the Hikvision ecosystem from the available options on the website.
You will be redirected to a new page. On this page, select the solution that best suits your needs.
Once you've chosen your solution, you'll need to select the operating system that you're using (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux).
Follow the instructions to install the HomeBridge plugin on your device.
fter installing the plugin, click on the AddtoHomeKit option.
Complete the setup by following the detailed instructions provided.
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
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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.
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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.
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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" }
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Restart HomeBridge
After configuring the plugin, restart HomeBridge to apply the changes.
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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.