How to Add Any Hive Smart Devices to Apple HomeKit
I recently transformed my analogue home into a smart home and have been mostly relying on Hive smart devices, and as an iPhone user, I was mostly confused about how to add Hive smart devices to Apple HomeKit. So, here is an article on what I found and experienced in the process, as well as the best ways to create a Hive Home Kit.
Yes, Hive works with Apple HomeKit. Supported Hive heating, radiator valves, lights, and plugs can connect directly to Apple Home through the Hive app. Some Hive features, including hot water control, Heating Boost, schedules, Actions, and Quick Actions, are not available in Apple Home.
Best Methods to Add Any Hive Smart Devices to HomeKit
Hive supports native Apple HomeKit integration for compatible devices, so a third-party bridge is not always required. If your Hive setup or device is not covered by native HomeKit support, options such as AddToHomeKit, ATH Bridge, HOOBS, or Homebridge can provide an alternative way to connect it to Apple Home.
I found 04 major methods to link Hive Smart Devices to Apple HomeKit,
AddtoHomeKit - Best Recommended Software Solution
AddtoHomeKit is one of the easiest methods to use, it is a software solution that allows you to add your smart devices to HomeKit. AddToHomeKit is one of the best solutions to help you add any smart device to Apple HomeKit. You can easily control your Hive or any other smart device with Apple Home and Siri.
This will allow you to operate or control your Hive smart devices through the Apple Home App and Siri voice commands. You need to follow a very few simple steps to integrate your Hive devices with Apple HomeKit. Also, this is athird-party software solution and it provide recommended software solution and recommended hardware solution to integrate Hive devices to Apple Home.
Step Guide to Add Hive to HomeKit with AddtoHomeKit.
Alternative solutions to add Hive smart devices to HomeKit
There are a few alternative options to add Hive smart devices to HomeKit. All these methods can be used to INTEGRATE Alexa Echo Dot HomeKit and Ring Doorbell HomeKit.
ATH Bridge
ATH Bridge was a lifesaver when I was searching for a budget-friendly and affordable solution. It is a simple device solution that allows you to add your Hive smart devices to HomeKit, not just Hive devices, of course. It supports a large range of products. It is an amazing method to add any device to Apple HomeKit.
You can integrate any smart device with Apple HomeKit using ATH Bridge. It is a specifically compiled and pre-flashed to HomeBridge server, you just have to download the plugins and configure them, and your Hive devices will respond to HomeKit in an instance!
HOOBS (HomeBridge Out of the Box)
Another great solution I loved is HOOBS (HomeBridge Out of the Box). It is a user-friendly, compatible software platform. It simply indicates setting up the process and operating HomeBridge. By far, as I see it, HOOBS is the most popular open-source software available.
I personally found the way to use HOOBS as a bridge to be less complicated. Additionally, it enables users to add non-Hive Smart Devices into Apple HomeKit. HOOBS acts as a bridge to connect your Hive smart devices and, of course, supports and responds to Apple HomeKit.
- Fast conversion of smart devices into HomeKit accessories.
- Able to operate via the Apple Home app or with Siri voice commands.
Step Guide to Add Hive to HomeKit with HOOBS.
HomeBridge Solution
Homebridge is an open-source option for connecting unsupported smart home devices to Apple Home. For Hive, it is mainly useful when you need functionality that is not available through Hive’s native HomeKit integration. Homebridge requires more technical setup and can run on hardware such as a Raspberry Pi.
Step Guide to Add Hive to HomeKit with HomeBridge.
Does Hive work with Apple HomeKit?
Yes. Hive supports native Apple HomeKit integration for supported Hive devices, including heating, radiator valves, lights, and plugs. You can connect compatible devices through the Hive app and control them in the Apple Home app or with Siri. Some Hive features, such as hot water control, Heating Boost, schedules, Actions, and Quick Actions, are not available through Apple Home.
You can also check Hive’s official Apple HomeKit support guide for the latest compatibility and setup information.
There are limits worth knowing before you start:
- Hot water control is not supported by HomeKit, even on a supported hub. You can still manage hot water in the Hive app.
- Non-Hive devices are not covered by Hive's native bridge and need a separate solution.
How To Add Hive Smart Devices HomeKit Using AddtoHomekit?
Follow these steps to integrate Hive smart devices with Apple HomeKit using Addtohomekit.
- Vist the AddtoHomeKit official page.
- Select the preferred ecosystem.
- Select the preferred solution (eg: Athom Bridge)
- Select the preferred Operating System.
- Select and install the HomeBridge Plugin.
- Now select the Activation Package
Then, follow the on-screen instructions as mentioned.
How To Add Hive Smart Devices HomeKit Using HOOBS?
Follow these steps to integrate Hive smart devices with Apple HomeKit using HOOBS. You can use this method to connect compatible Hive devices, including Hive heating, to Apple HomeKit.
- HOOBS is a plug-and-play hub that makes smart accessories compatible with HomeKit. It’s accessible for beginners yet robust for advanced users. Install HOOBS on a Raspberry Pi or other corresponding hardware. Go to HOOBS dashboard.
- Go to the home app.
- Select “Add Accessory”.
- Select the HOOBS server.
- Scan the QR code.
Then, follow the on-screen instructions as mentioned.
You can also add SwitchBot to Apple HomeKit and even add TP-Link Kasa to HomeKit or add any devices to HomeKit using HOOBS.
How to add Hive Smart Devices to HomeBridge?
To add Hive smart devices to HomeBridge, have to plugin that supports Hive devices. Follow these steps to set up.
- Set up Homebridge: Install Homebridge on a supported device, such as a Raspberry Pi or a computer that can run Homebridge.
- Find a Hive plugin: Open the Homebridge UI and search for a currently maintained plugin that supports the Hive devices you want to connect. Check the plugin documentation to confirm device compatibility before installing it.
- Configure the plugin: Follow the setup instructions provided by the plugin developer. Configuration requirements can vary between Hive plugins, so avoid using old email-and-password configuration examples unless the current plugin documentation specifically requires them.
- Restart Homebridge: After installing and configuring the plugin, restart Homebridge and check the logs for any setup or connection errors.
- Add Homebridge to Apple Home: If Homebridge is not already connected to Apple Home, open the Home app, tap +, select Add Accessory, and scan the Homebridge QR code shown in the Homebridge UI.
- Check your Hive devices: Hive devices exposed by the plugin should appear in the Apple Home app. You can then assign them to rooms and control supported accessories through Apple Home or Siri.
How do I connect Hive to HomeKit using the Hive app?
The native setup is enabled from inside the Hive app, not the Apple Home app. This catches a lot of people out, so follow the order carefully.
- Check your network. Make sure your iPhone or iPad, the Hive Hub, and your router are all on the same Wi-Fi network. If you use a mesh system, connect the Hub to the main router.
- Open the Hive app and go to the Manage tab (bottom-right).
- Select “Connect your hive home”, then choose “Apple home or siri shortcuts”.
- Follow the on-screen prompts. The app guides you through connecting the Hub as a bridge, sets a bridge location or room, and confirms with a "Bridge Added to Home" message.
- Add your devices. The app then lets you add the devices connected to the Hub (for example lights or the thermostat). Confirm each one until you see "HomeKit successfully linked."
- Finish in Apple Home if prompted. If you are asked to scan a code, open the Apple Home app, tap + > Add Accessory, and scan the QR code on the back of the Hub.
- Assign rooms and rename your devices in Apple Home, then tap Done.
Two timing details that cause most failures:
- You must pair within 10 minutes of the Hub starting up. If you miss the window, unplug the Hub, plug it back in, wait for the solid green light, and start again.
- Keep everything on the same Wi-Fi network throughout. HomeKit is strict about this.
Troubleshooting Tips for Add Hive Devices to HomeKit using HomeBridge
- Check the Plugin: Make sure the Hive plugin you installed supports the Hive devices you want to connect.
- Check the Plugin Configuration: Review the setup instructions provided by the plugin developer and make sure the plugin is configured correctly.
- Check for Updates: Keep Homebridge and your chosen Hive plugin updated to a supported version.
- Check Device Compatibility: Confirm that your specific Hive devices are supported by the plugin.
- Check the Network: Make sure Homebridge and the required Hive hardware are connected correctly to your home network.
- Restart Homebridge: After making changes, restart Homebridge and check the logs for any plugin or connection errors.
- Clear Homebridge Pairing Data: If the devices still do not appear, clearing the Homebridge pairing data may help.
- Warning: The command below removes Homebridge pairing data and may require you to re-add Homebridge and its accessories to Apple Home. Only use it if the previous troubleshooting steps have not worked.
rm -rf ~/.homebridge/accessories ~/.homebridge/persistComparison Between AddtoHomeKit, ATH Bridge and HomeBridge
| Feature/Aspect | AddtoHomeKit | ATH Bridge | Homebridge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Software solution | Hardware solution | Open-source software |
| Purpose | Provides a guided way to connect supported devices to Apple Home | Bridges supported non-HomeKit devices to Apple Home | Uses plugins to bridge supported devices to Apple Home |
| Ease of Use | Guided setup | Designed for a simpler hardware-based setup | Requires more manual setup and configuration |
| Customization | Depends on the available integration | Depends on supported integrations | Highly customizable through plugins |
| Compatibility | Depends on the device and available integration | Supports a range of smart home devices | Depends on available Homebridge plugins |
| Technical Knowledge | Some setup may be required | Designed to require less manual configuration | More technical knowledge may be required |
| Ideal For | Users who prefer a guided software solution | Users who prefer a dedicated hardware solution | Users who want more control and customization |
Can I control Hive with Google Assistant or Alexa?
Yes. Hive integrates with both. For Google, open the Google Home app > Settings > Works with Google, search for Hive, and sign in with your Hive account. You can then organize devices into rooms and control them by voice. Google-compatible Hive devices include the Hive Thermostat, Hive smart light bulbs (standard and colour), and the Hive Plug.
For Alexa, Alexa cannot act as a Hive hub, but it can control Hive devices through the Hive skill once your Hive account is linked, letting you use Echo devices for voice control.
Editor's Pick
If you have the latest Hive Hub, start with native HomeKit pairing through the Hive app. It is free, official, and takes a few minutes. If native support does not cover your setup, whether that is an older hub, hot water control, or non-Hive devices, a bridge solution closes the gap. AddToHomeKit is the easiest software route, ATH Bridge and HOOBS are strong hardware options, and Homebridge gives technical users the most control.
FAQ
Yes. Hive supports native Apple HomeKit integration for supported Hive devices, including heating, radiator valves, lights, and plugs. You can connect compatible devices through the Hive app and control them in the Apple Home app or with Siri. Some Hive features, including hot water control, Heating Boost, schedules, Actions, and Quick Actions, are not available through Apple Home.
No, you cannot directly control two Hive hubs with one app. The Hive system is designed to work with a single hub per location. If you use Hive devices in different locations, separate Hive accounts may be required.
Hive offers Quick Actions that can provide faster access to commonly used controls. Availability can depend on your device, operating system, and the current version of the Hive app.
No. Alexa does not replace the Hive Hub. You can connect supported Hive devices to Alexa for voice control, but the Hive Hub remains part of the Hive setup where it is required.
Open the Hive app and go to the Manage tab. Select “Connect your hive home”, then choose “Apple home or siri shortcuts” and follow the on-screen instructions. Supported Hive devices can then appear in the Apple Home app, where you can organize them into rooms and use Siri for supported controls.
Hive supports Apple HomeKit for supported heating devices, radiator valves, lights, and plugs. Once HomeKit is enabled through the Hive app, compatible devices can appear in Apple Home. Some Hive-specific functions are not available through Apple Home, so you may still need the Hive app for those features.
No, not for supported Hive devices with native Apple HomeKit integration. Start with the Hive app and its built-in Apple Home connection. Homebridge is an alternative for setups that need additional integration, but compatibility depends on the community plugin you use and the Hive devices it supports.
Make sure your phone and Hive setup are on the correct home network and follow the Apple Home setup process in the Hive app. If pairing does not work, check the HomeKit QR code on the back of the Hive Hub and try pairing again shortly after restarting the Hub.
