How to add Ring Camera to Apple HomeKit
Have you ever wondered how to add Ring Cameras to Apple HomeKit? Then this is a right for you. I have found the best ways to add Ring Cameras to Apple Home App.
In this article, I will explain the best solutions to control Ring Cameras with your Apple Home App that doesn’t require any technical knowledge.
Are Ring Cameras Compatible with HomeKit?
Ring's HomeKit support has been a long-standing question for users looking for a seamlessly integrated smart home experience.
While Amazon owns Ring, it doesn't natively support HomeKit integration despite its partnership with Apple. There have been official announcements hinting at potential collaboration, but no concrete steps have been taken.
AddtoHomeKit [Recommended Solution]
The simplest method for integrating your non-HomeKit devices with Apple HomeKit is AddToHomeKit. You just want to follow the easy steps to control your Ring camera with Apple Home App and Siri voice.
You can also add your Nest Thermostat to Apple HomeKit using AddtoHomeKit.
Follow these steps to integrate Ring cameras with Apple HomeKit using Addtohomekit
- Visit the AddtoHomeKit official page
- Select the preferred ecosystem
- Select the preferred solution
- Select the preferred Operating System
- Select and install the HomeBridge Plugin
- Now select the Activation Package
- Then, Follow the on-screen instructions as mentioned
Alternative solutions to add Ring Cameras to Apple HomeKit
There are a few alternative solutions to adding Ring Cameras to HomeKit. Not only Ring Cameras, but All these methods can also be used to add Govee smart devices and Sonoff devices.
ATH Bridge [Affordable Solution]
ATH Bridge is a device solution! It is a plug and play solution and is HomeBridge pre-installed hub. It is a great device solution for you, because it is budget-friendly and affordable. It is specifically compiled and pre-flashed to HomeBridge server, you literally just must download the plugins and configure the plugins.
Benefits of Athom Bridge
- Seamless integration with Apple HomeKit
- Easy to set up
- Affordable Solution
HOOBS (HomeBridge Out of the Box) Solution
One hardware option for connecting Ring Cameras to HomeKit is HOOBS. Your smart devices have become HomeBridge compatible with Apple HomeKit through it. HOOBS is the ideal option if you’re looking for home automation which is easy to use.
How to Add Ring Cameras to HomeKit with HOOBS?
- Install HOOBS on a Raspberry Pi or any other suitable hardware.
- Go to the HOOBS dashboard.
- Visit the Home App.
- Select "Add Accessory".
- Next, select the HOOBS server.
- Scan the QR code displayed on-screen.
- Finally, follow the instructions on-screen.
HomeBridge Solution
If you are a person with technical knowledge, HomeBridge is the best option for you. It is a platform for open-source applications. It incorporates devices that aren’t HomeKit compatible into Apple HomeKit.
Benefits of Using HomeBridge
- Integration with Apple’s HomeKit ecosystem
- Compatibility with non-HomeKit devices
- Customizable
- Low-cost solution
- Active community
If you own any SwitchBot Smart Devices, connect SwitchBot smart devices to Apple HomeKit with any of these solutions.
How to Connect Ring Cameras to HomeKit with HomeBridge?
- Install HomeBridge on a device such as Raspberry PI or a device running Node.js
- Find a HomeBridge plugin that is compatible with Ring Cameras (you can find it through npm registry or GitHub) and install the Plugin.
- After installing the plugin, you must configure it.
- Edit your HomeBridge config.json file and add a new platform for the Ring plugin and enter the username and password given below”.
- Install the plugin using npm.
- After configuring the plugin, restart HomeBridge.
- Pair with HomeKit: Open the Home App, you will see the Ring Cameras that you configured earlier in the HomeBridge plugin. Now you can add the items to your HomeKit setup.
Not only Ring Cameras, you can add any devices to Apple HomeKit using these methods.
What Ring Integration with HomeKit can do?
You can experiment with a variety of options on the plugin's configuration page to customize your Ring experience in HomeKit. You may hide and show different features, as well as change things like the smart lighting timings and whether to share light groups from the Ring app, according to your needs and preferences. This offers you a great lot of control over how HomeKit shows and utilizes your Ring devices.
Ring cameras in HomeKit
All Ring cameras are now available and will generate thumbnails in the home app the same as any other HomeKit camera, refreshed every 10 seconds. You can initiate live view from the home app by tapping the camera thumbnail, and the stream will start in about the same time as you would see in the Ring app.
This is significantly slower than native HomeKit cameras, though, because it’s going via the Ring cloud, where HomeKit cameras are directly connected to your local Wi-Fi.
Ring doorbells in HomeKit
As with other camera devices, Ring doorbells have the same capabilities and will act the same as cameras. But you also get the doorbell button itself, which can be used to trigger scenes when pressed.
If you enable HomeKit notifications for a doorbell device, you’ll also receive a snapshot from the camera when the doorbell is pressed on your iPhone, and you can enable it to Chime on a Home Pod, if you have one.
Ring Alarm in HomeKit
All the Ring alarm accessories are supported, presenting various values and controls. For example, you can monitor the keypad battery level, trigger automations from contact and motion sensors, get alerts from water, smoke, and CO sensors, and control smart locks connected to your Ring system.
You can also create virtual home app emergency buttons as options in the plugin configuration. Burglar Alarm, Fire Alarm, and Panic Buttons are supported, but beware that these will trigger the monitored alarm response from Ring and may result in emergency services being called.
Editor's Pick
For myself, I would go with AddtoHomeKit. It is a great fit for people who lead busy lives because it takes very little time and effort. I can use AddtoHomeKit on my desktop, saving me from downloading huge apps or documents. However, before choosing which option to select, you must take your needs and preferences into account!
FAQs
Apple HomeKit provides a centralized platform for managing and controlling smart home devices. With its intuitive interface and robust security features, HomeKit is a popular choice for smart homeowners. However, Ring devices are not natively compatible with HomeKit.
- Video doorbells and cameras.
- Smart locks.
- Smart lights and bulbs.
- Plugs and wall outlets.
- IFTTT and Z-Wave devices.
- Smart speakers and TVs.
- Garage doors, water valves, thermostats.
- Eve Outdoor cam
- eufy Security Solo IndoorCam P24
- aqara 2k security indoor camera hub g3
- Logitech Circle View Doorbell
- eufyCam 2C
- eufy Security Solo IndoorCam C24
And the most popular ones, the Amazon Echo and Google Home, both work with Ring security systems. Your Amazon Alexa or Google Home smart speaker works as a smart hub for all your other devices.
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