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How to Connect Samsung TV to Apple HomeKit

James Matthews

James Matthews

3 years of experience in smart home & HomeKit I want to share knowledge with anyone struggling to add incompatible devices to HomeKit. Experienced with many workarounds, write about the best methods.

— 8 min read
How to Connect Samsung TV to Apple HomeKit

Samsung TV HomeKit integrations are so easy! Yes, that’s right so, I replaced my Apple TV with a Samsung TV. It is not compatible with HomeKit, and I needed full home automation. I found a few methods to add the Samsung TV to Apple HomeKit quite easily. I have found four third-party solutions, but I think that AddtoHomeKit is the best way to go. These are the four solutions: 

AddtoHomeKit [Recommended Solution]

ATH Bridge

HomeBridge

HOOBS

Let me explain each of them thoroughly,

AddtoHomeKit [Recommended solution]

AddtoHomeKit is a software solution that allows you to add Samsung TV to HomeKit. This software solution has thousands of plugins that allow you to add any devices to Apple HomeKit. You just have to install the plugins and follow the step-by-step guides provided and boom you will have a Samsung TV HomeKit integration.

Add Samsung TV to HomeKit with AddtoHomeKit

  1. Visit the official AddtoHomeKit website.
  2. Select the Samsung Smart TV from the device list.
  3. Choose your preferred operating system.
  4. Install the required HomeBridge Plugin for Samsung Smart TV.
  5. Tap “Add to HomeKit” and follow the instructions.

AddtoHomeKit is honestly my go-to to add any device to Apple HomeKit, it does not really matter which integration I want to achieve AddtoHomeKit is always by my side because guess what? It has a lifetime service for a onetime payment! So, whether it be a Schlage HomeKit, Athom HomeKit or a Nuki HomeKit. Mind you, this solution is also very time-effective.

Now that we know the best way to Connect Samsung TV to Apple Home, let me tell you guys the compatible devices you can invest in.  

Apple TV Compatible Samsung Series

  • Samsung QLED 8K Q9, Q8 Series (2019, 2020)
  • Samsung QLED 4K Q9, Q8, Q7, Qx Series (2018, 2019, 2020)
  • Samsung UHD 8, 7, 6 Series (2018, 2019, 2020)
  • Samsung FHD/HD 5,4 Series (2018, 2019, 2020)
  • Samsung Serif Series (2019, 2020)
  • Samsung The Frame Series (2018, 2019, 2020)
  • Samsung The Sero Series (2019, 2020)

Airplay 2 Compatible Samsung Series

  • Samsung FHD/HD 4, 5 Series (2018)
  • Samsung QLED 4K Q6, Q7, Q8, Q9 Series (2018, 2019)
  • Samsung QLED 8K Q9 Series (2019)
  • Samsung The Frame Series (2018, 2019)
  • Samsung Serif Series (2019)
  • Samsung UHD 6, 7, 8 Series (2018, 2019)

Alternative Methods to Add Samsung TV to HomeKit

There are other methods you can use to add your Samsung Tv to Apple HomeKit which are ATH Bridge, I would say this would be my most recommended device solution, especially if you are planning on a limited budget, HOOBS and HomeBridge.   

ATH Bridge [Recommended Devices Solution]

The ATH Bridge (previously known as the Athom Bridge) is a small and compact device that allows you to add any device to Apple HomeKit. It is a very cost-effective plug and play solution that is a pre-compiled server designed for seamless integrations. It is great for anyone that is looking for an effortless solution. I think the ATH Bridge is one of the best solutions out there alongside AddtoHomeKit. Again it does not matter which of the TVs you want to integrate, whether it be a Samsung q60 HomeKit or a Samsung S95b HomeKit these solutions will do it all!

HOOBS

HOOBS or HomeBridge Out of the Box is an upgrade of HomeBridge. As per what I have seen, HOOBS is a very popular integration tool that are lot of smart home users use. However, according to Samsung TV HomeKit reddit, some users seem to disagree. You can run the Samsung Tizen plugin in HOOBS as well.

Either way, HOOBs is a user-friendly bridge. It is an open-source solution that allows amazing integrations.  

Read how to add Samsung TV to HomeKit with HOOBS.

HomeBridge

First of all, I think I have to say that this does require a little bit of coding skills. HomeBridge is an open-source platform that lets you create a Samsung TV HomeKit integration. This solution is a little bit more on the technical side (in my opinion), but it is highly effective if you are familiar with customizing configurations.  

Step Guides to Operate HOOBS and HomeBridge

Here are the step-guides you can use to integrate Samsung TV to HomeKit with HOOBS and HomeBridge.

Add Samsung TV to HomeKit with HOOBS

  1. Prepare your Network:

    2. Make sure you have a stable WiFi network available, both your iOS devices and HOOBS to the samr WiFi network.


  2. Visit the HOOBS Website:

    3. You must flash the HOOBS image onto a microSD card using appropriate software (eg: BalenaEtcher or Raspberry Pi Image). Now, insert the microSD into the Raspberry Pi. Acquire and install HOOBS.


  3. Boot up HOOBS:

    4. After the installation of HOOBS. Connect your Raspberry Pi to power and wait for HOOBS to boot up. HOOBS will appear as a Wi-Fi network namely “hoobs.local”, connect your device to this network.


  4. Access HOOBS Dashboard:

    5. Visit http://hoobs.local. And follow the on-screen instructions to complete the initial setup of HOOBS. You would most likely need to set up your admin account and connect HOOBS to your Wi-Fi network.


  5. Access HOOBS Configuration:

    6. After completing the setup, you will be directed to the HOOBS dashboard where you can manage plugins and configure devices.


  6. Install Samsung TV Plugin

    7. In the HOOBS dashboard, click on “Plugins” in the sidebar. Search for “Samsung Tizen” in the Plugins Marketplace. Click “Install”.


  7. Configure the Samsung TV Plugin.
  8. Add Samsung TV to HomeKit.

Add Samsung TV to HomeKit with HomeBridge

  1. Install HomeBridge

    2. Start by setting up HomeBridge on a Raspberry Pi (or any compatible platform).


  2. Install Plugins
  3. Install Aeotec Plugin for HomeBridge

    4. Locate the HomeBridge plugins that are compatible with the Samsung TV. (you can find HomeBridge plugins through AddtoHomeKit).


  4. Configure HomeBridge

    5. After the Samsung TV HomeKit plugins are installed, configure it by editing the HomeBridge config.json file. Add a new platform entry for the Samsung TV plugin and input your Samsung login details as displayed below:

    
   {   
    "name": "Samsung TV",   
    "username": "your-samsung-email",   
    "password": "your-samsung-password",   
    "platform": "Samsung"   
   }


  5. Restart HomeBridge

    6. Restart the HomeBridge after the plugin configuration to app the changes.


  6. Pair with HomeKit

    7. Open the Home App on your device. You would be able to locate the Samsung Smart TV you have configured with the HomeBridge plugin. Now you will be able to add the Samsung TV to the Apple HomeKit setup and control them through the Home app or via Siri.

Samsung TV HomeKit Reddit

According to Reddit users, when exploring ways to add Samsung TVs to HomeKit, they favour using Homebridge over HOOBS, as HOOBS is viewed as a costly, branded version of HomeBridge with a less flexible interface. Many recommend installing HomeBridge on a Raspberry Pi and utilizing the Samsung Tizen plugin, which allows users to control the TV’s power, volume and input options. For basic control, users suggest an Apple TV, which supports power management via HDMI-CEC, while advanced users recommend IR blasters with custom firmware for offline, direct HomeKit integration without needing internet access. It was also mentioned that we could look out for a Samsung TV HomeKit Matter compatibilty!

Troubleshooting

  1. Check Compatibility
    • Check if your TV is compatible with HomeKit by visiting Samsung's official support page or looking at the product specs.
    • Ensure your TV’s software is updated to the latest version. HomeKit support may not work properly on outdated firmware.

  2. Ensure Both Devices Are on the Same Network
    • Your Samsung TV and Apple device (iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV) must be on the same Wi-Fi network for HomeKit integration to work.
    • Double-check that both devices are connected to the same 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band.

  3. Reboot the Devices
    • Restart your Samsung Smart TV: Power cycle your TV by turning it off, waiting 30 seconds, and turning it back on.

  4. Check Apple HomeKit Setup
    • On your iPhone or iPad, ensure that you have the Home app set up correctly and that you’re signed in with the same Apple ID across all devices.
    • The QR code needed to add the Samsung TV to HomeKit is typically found in the TV’s settings. Go to:

      • Settings > General > External Device Manager > Apple AirPlay Settings
      • You should see a HomeKit setup option and a QR code to scan in the Home app.

  5. AirPlay & HomeKit Settings on TV
    • On your Samsung TV, navigate to Settings > General > Apple AirPlay Settings. Ensure AirPlay is enabled.
    • you should also see an option for HomeKit. Ensure HomeKit is enabled as well.

  6. Re-pair the TV with HomeKit
    • In the Home app, press and hold the TV tile, then select Remove Accessory.
    • Go back to the TV's AirPlay & HomeKit settings and re-scan the QR code with the Home app.

  7. Check for Software Updates
    • Samsung TV: Go to Settings > Support > Software Update to check if there’s an update available for your TV.

  8. Reset Network Settings (If Necessary)
    • On your Samsung TV, go to Settings > General > Network > Reset Network to reset the network settings. Afterward, reconnect the TV to your Wi-Fi network.
    • On your iPhone/iPad, go to Settings > General > Network > Reset Network to reset the network connection.

Comparison Between AddtoHomeKit, ATH Bridge and HomeBridge

Feature/Aspect AddtoHomeKit ATH Bridge HomeBridge
Type Web/Software Solution Hardware Device Node.js Server (Software)
Purpose Adds devices to Apple HomeKit via plugins and step-guides Adds non-HomeKit devices to Apple HomeKit Bridges non-HomeKit devices to HomeKit
Ease of Use Easy and clear instructions, Requires some technical expertise Plug-and-play, Requires some technical expertise Requires some technical expertise
Customization Thousands of plugins and step-guides Pre-installed plugins Highly customizable with plugins
Compatibility Supports almost all brands Compatible with a wide range of devices Supports a wide range of devices
Cost Likely subscription-based or one-time fee Cost-effective hardware solution Free (open-source), but requires setup
Technical Expertise Likely requires internet connection (web-based) Local network control; works without internet
Customization Minimal Moderate to high (depends on setup) Moderate to high (depends on setup)
Portability Web-based, accessible from any device Compact and portable Requires a server (Raspberry Pi, PC, etc.)
Ideal For Users looking for a guided, plugin-based solution Users seeking a plug-and-play hardware solution Tech-savvy users who want full control

Editor's Pick

And with that we have come to the end of the article. As I have very clearly mentioned above in the article, my pick would be AddtoHomeKit. Not just to add Samsung TV to HomeKit but for any integration with just a onetime payment! With AddtoHomeKit you can ensure safe and fast integration but keep in mind that you have to pick what fits best for you! Hope you have a happy integration!

FAQs


  1. Open the Apple TV app on your TV.
  2. Select Settings, then Accounts, and then Sign In.
  3. Choose "Sign In On Mobile Device." You’ll see two sign-in options on your TV.
  4. Use your phone to enter the on-screen code on the Apple TV activation page or scan the QR code that appears.

Press the Home button on the TV remote control and go to Menu → Settings → All Settings → Connection → Apple AirPlay Settings → AirPlay. Select "Allow" on the TV screen, then choose Screen Mirroring. Select the TV model you want to connect to from the screen mirroring list.

If you are experiencing issues with the Apple TV app, make sure your device firmware is fully updated and confirm you have a strong internet connection.

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