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How to add Tuya Devices to Apple HomeKit

Oliver H

— 17 min read
How to add Tuya Devices to Apple HomeKit

I recently purchased a Lomota Smart Light Bulb, because it is cheap and plentiful. But unfortunately, it only supports Google Home and Amazon Alexa. I wanted to get them with iOS Home App and Siri. I found an awesome tool to connect my Tuya devices to HomeKit easily. Let's see how.

If you are wondering "how to add any Tuya devices to Apple HomeKit?" Here is how:

These are the methods to Add your Tuya Devices to Apple HomeKit in 2024. Find out the most suitable solutions or check the available list of solutions for adding your devices to HomeKit.

AddToHomeKit [Recommended Solution]

AddToHomeKit is the best solutions for those who want to add their Tuya smart home devices to HomeKit. Not only Tuya smart home solutions, you can also add any smart home devices to HomeKit.

Say goodbye to complicated setups and enjoy easy integration with Apple HomeKit in just a few taps. Visit AddtoHomeKit via the button below and enjoy Tuya Home Kit integration.

You can use AddtoHomeKit to add Shelly devices to Apple HomeKit. Moreover, you can even add SwitchBot devices to HomeKit and even create a ZigBee HomeKit with AddtoHomeKit!

Tuya devices can be integrated into Apple HomeKit by using several ways. The following are available solutions to doing this.

  1. Athom Bridge [Affordable Solution]
  2. Software Based Solutions →
  3. Hardware Based Solutions →

Let me break down some of the possible ways and the best way of adding Tuya products to your Home Kit. So, you can connect any smart home device to HomeKit using the following solutions.

Software Solution

Here are some software solutions to add your Tuya smart devices to Apple ecosystem.

Homebridge

Simply, Homebridge is a lightweight server that is designed to unify your entire smart ecosystem under one simple control system.

This third-party software application can integrate with your home automation system to offer Apple Home integration for your smart home devices that don’t directly support Apple Home Kit Tuya.

If you want install the Homebridge and add devices to HomeKit yourself, you can do it simply using our complete step guide to adding Tuya devices to Homekit →

Home Assistant

Home Assistant is open-source software for Home Automation. It can act as a central hub for your Smart home devices.

It has a web based user friendly user interface and supported to Google Home and Amazon Alexa. You can use Tuya Home Assistant integration to add your SmartLife devices to HomeKit.

Hardware Solution

Here're the best HomeKit hardware solution you can buy. Let's see what're they.

Athom HomeKit Bridge (Affordable way)

This incredible solution comes pre-flashed with a specially compiled server that effortlessly connects with Siri. This is the cheapest way to add your Tuya devices to HomeKit and is designed with simplicity in mind.

If you're dreaming of a smarter home and want an affordable, hassle-free solution to integrate your non-HomeKit devices into HomeKit, look no further than the ATHOM HomeKit Homebridge Hub.

Note: Keep in mind that due to shipping from China, your ATHOM HomeKit Homebridge Hub may take 2 to 4 weeks to arrive. And remember, refunds can only be requested within 24 hours of purchase.

HOOBS

HOOBS stands for Homebridge out of the box which consists of a Raspberry Pi and the Homebridge software pre-install.

Also, it can integrate thousands of third-party accessories with HomeKit and is compatible with over 2000 accessories now. However, HOOBS is a bit more expensive solution than the other solutions. So, you can create HOOBS SmartLife integration easily.

Zemismart HomeKit Hub

Zemismart ZigBee hub supports Tuya standard ZigBee devices and control smart curtain, light, switch, sensor and many more in HomeKit. Also, you can control most Tuya ZigBee devices in Apple Home APP or in Tuya App with this Tuya Gateway HomeKit / multi-mode ZMHK 01 hub.

Now you know how to connect tuya to HomeKit. Let's see how to add Tuya ZigBee devices to HomeKit with Zemismart HomeKit Hub.

Smart HomeKit Switch Solution - Tuya

If you're looking for HomeKit integration for switches that do not directly support Apple HomeKit. here is the good news for HomeKit users.

Yes! Smart HomeKit Switch Solution supports to Apple HomeKit. You can control your Tuya Apple Siri switches using the Home app and Siri on Apple devices such as iPhones and iPads.

Communication Capability: Wi-Fi & Bluetooth LE

Control Panel: Switch Public Panel

Features of Tuya Smart HomeKit Solutions

  • Remote control
  • Voice control
  • Schedule
  • Timer
  • Tuya Smart Home Kit Integration
  • Smart linkage

HomeKit Device Pairing-IoT App SDK-Tuya Developer

Smart Life App SDK allows your Apple HomeKit devices to work with both Tuya's and Apple's smart home ecosystems. You can add your Tuya devices directly to Apple Home App and connect them to the Tuya IoT Development Platform at the same time.

You can do following things with Smart Life App SDK:

  • Add devices
  • Bind devices
  • Remove devices
  • Reset devices

Find more : HomeKit Device Pairing-IoT App SDK-Tuya Developer

HomeKit Device Pairing-IoT App SDK-Tuya Developer

If your device has an embedded MCU (simulation debugging assistant), you can integrate your device with Tuya IoT platform and Apple HomeKit platform.

Find more : Wi-Fi HomeKit General Solution

Also, if you want to flash your device to work with HomeKit, you can use Tuya convert to HomeKit.

What Can You Do With Tuya-HomeKit Integration

Here're the benefits of integrating your Tuya-compatible devices with Apple HomeKit.

  • Control using Apple devices and Siri commands
  • Automation and scenes
  • Improved Security
  • Many networking hardware modules have become accessible like Wi-Fi modules, Bluetooth modules, and ZigBee Modules
  • Significant cloud advantages
  • Can create customized application for you (with no coding)
  • Covers all important categories of smart home devices

You can add any Tuya smart home products such as Tuya Zigbee hub, Tuya Smart Switch, Tuya Convert, Tuya Bulb, Tuya lights, Tuya Switch, Tuya Thermostat to Apple HomeKit using Enomek.

Adding Tuya devices to Apple Homekit using Homebridge

  1. Tuya User Account: Make sure you have a Tuya user account and that your devices are linked with the Tuya App. You can check the configuration on the Tuya IoT platform.
  2. Install Homebridge: If you haven't already, set up Homebridge on your Mac or PC. You can refer to our Homebridge setup guide for detailed instructions.
  3. Install Tuya Plugin: After installing Homebridge, you need to install the Tuya plugin.

    To install the Tuya plugin using your terminal, run:

              
            npm install homebridge-tuya-platform

    Alternatively, you can install the Tuya plugin using the Homebridge UI:

    1. Open Homebridge in your web browser using: http://homebridge
    2. Click on the plugin in the menu bar.
    3. Search for "Homebridge Tuya" in the search field.
  4. Edit the Configuration File: After installing the Tuya plugin, you need to edit the configuration file.

    Navigate to the directory:

              
            homebridge-tuya-platform/config

    Edit the config.json file to include your Tuya account details:

    • Username and Password: Use the credentials from the Tuya Smart or Smart Life app.
    • AccessId and AccessKey: Obtain these from your cloud project on the Tuya IoT platform.
    • Lang: Keep the default value.
    • Endpoint: Select the availability zone of your cloud project.
    • ProjectType: Choose the development method you selected when creating your project.
    • AppSchema: Specify the mobile app used to link your devices (Tuya Smart or Smart Life).
    • CountryCode: Select the code for the country you used when logging into the Tuya app.
  5. Run the Plugin: Navigate to the homebridge-tuya-platform directory and run the plugin using: 
              
            homebridge -D -U ./config/ -P ./
  6. Bridge to HomeKit: Open the Home app on your Apple device. Scan the QR code from the Homebridge UI to pair with Homebridge or enter the 8-digit PIN code found in the configuration file.
  7. Control Devices on HomeKit: After successful pairing, you can control your Tuya devices through the HomeKit dashboard.

You can also integrate eWeLink HomeKit, Somfy HomeKit, UniFi HomeKit using Homebridge.

How to add Tuya devices to Apple HomeKit using HOOBS

After all you need to link devices with your Tuya App. Let's see how to configure on Tuya IoT platform.

  1. Connect HOOBS to your Home Network
  2. Open the HOOBS interface on your browser
  3. Install the Tuya Plugin for HOOBS
  4. Add Tuya accessory in Apple Home
  1. Connect HOOBS to your Home Network
    • Connect the HOOBS Hub to an electric socket
    • Connect an Ethernet port to the router (Ethernet port at the back of the HOOBS Hub)
  2. Connect the HOOBS wirelessly to your Wi-Fi network.
    • Open the HOOBS interface on your browser
    • After then, you have to set up your HOOBS account on the local server once connected HOOBS to your home network. (Visit http://hoobs.local to do this).
    • Once completed, you have to create an admin account. (Note: Enter your name, username, and password of your choice)
  3. Install the Tuya Plugin for HOOBS
    • Log in to your newly created HOOBS account
    • Go to the Home window
    • Click on the plugin icon and Type “Tuya Lan”
    • Install the plugin using homebridge-tuya-lan
  4. Configuration of the Tuya Plugin
    • Visit the HOOBS Tuya Plugin page
    • Copy the code provided under the subheading “Configurations”
    • Go Back to the Tuya Lan plugin installation plugin
    • Click on the option “Installed Plugins”
  5. Add Tuya accessory in Apple Home
    • Open Apple Home App on your Apple device
    • Click on add accessory
    • Choose “I do not have a code or cannot scan”
    • Then, it’ll appear on-screen, and enter the eight-digit setup code to add them to Apple Home.
    • If you want to find the setup code, you can find it on the HOOBS dashboard (under the Home Setup pin)

Then, your device is not HomeKit certified, you may get a warning (ignore it and add anyway)

If you like to get the HOOBS, you can get it via the link below.

All you need is supported Raspberry Pi Models, A 4GB or large SD card, and a Windows, macOS, or Linux computer with an SD card reader.

Steps:

  1. Download and Flash to SD card
  2. Connect to Network
  3. Manage Homebridge
  4. Connect to HomeKit
  5. Install and configure the plugin
  1. Download and Flash to SD card

    No sign up required to use Homebridge Raspberry Pi Image because it is completely free. You know what Raspberry Pi the imager is the easiest way to flash the Homebridge Raspberry Pi Image to your SD card.

    • Download and install the newest version of Raspberry Pi Image
    • Open the Raspberry Pi Imager Application
    • Click choose OS
    • Scroll down and select the “other specific purpose OS” category
    • Select Homebridge, then choose the latest Homebridge image
    • Click Choose Storage and select your SD card
    • Click Write
  2. Connect to Network

    Ethernet or WiFi are both options for connecting your Pi. Ethernet can be used to connect Raspberry Pi without additional configuration. You just need to turn on your smart device for the first time. If you want to connect your Raspberry Pi via Wi-Fi, follow these steps:

    • Power on your device (without an Ethernet cable attached)
    • Scan for a new Wi-Fi network (Use your mobile phone)
    • Connect to the hotspot named Homebridge WiFi Setup
    • After a few moments open the captive portal and then you can connect the Raspberry Pi to your local Wi-Fi network.
  3. Manage Homebridge

    You can install, remove, update the plugin, and modify the config.json file of Homebridge using the Homebridge user interface. (Note: Default username and password are both admin)

    • If you’re a Mac user, you want to access the user interface via http://homebridge.local. Otherwise, if you’re a Windows user, follow these steps to find the IP address of your Raspberry Pi:
    • Log in to your router
    • Find the “connected devices” or “dhcp client” page

Easy ways to integrate your Tuya device with Apple HomeKit

There’re many ways to integrate your Tuya smart Siri devices into Apple Home. Here’re the 3 easy ways to integrate your smart life device into your HomeKit.

  1. Configuration by simply using Tuya email Credentials
  2. Using Tuya's official HomeBridge plugin
  3. Local control way

Using web and local keys, you can easily control your Tuya devices with your HomeKit Accessories. Let’s see How to get Tuya's local key.

Do you have Shelly devices and Apple HomeKit? Then, Then, you might be wondering how to add your Shelly devices to Apple homeKit. Let's see how.

Configure on Tuya IoT platform

Extracting device keys from the Tuya platform - Local Key configuration

You can control your devices locally without even an internet connection. You’ll need to have the TuyaSmart app installed on your Apple device and have an account set up before we do this.

If you haven’t a Tuya developer account on http://iot.tuya.com/, you need to create an account.

Create a project

  1. Go back to the Tuya IoT Platform page, and now go to the created cloud development project (Cloud, Development, Create Cloud Project).
  2. After then, you have to fill in the details and click create button.
  1. Once you created the cloud project, then we need to link it to our user account, With the devices, we want to control, we use the one on the app.
  2. Before linking your account, again go to the Cloud Development, and then Devices in Tuya IoT platform.
  3. Next, Select the Link Tuya App Account tab, and then you want to click Add App Account button on the right.
  4. You will see a QR code and go into your Tuya Smart app on your smartphone. Then you have to tap the Me icon, and then tap the [ - ] button.
  5. Now you can scan the code.
  6. These two accounts will be linked now. You can see it in the list on the website.

Extract the Device ID

You can see the device that has been added to your Tuya App.

  1. Go to devices in the IoT platform from the Development screen and select the created device.
  2. Next you want to copy the device ID, and select the correct data centre from the drop-down.

Get device permission

Now, you have your device ID, but we need to add API permission before doing anything.

  1. Go to the My Services from the cloud menu and then click it.
  2. After you want to go to Click IoT core and you need to sign up for the trial edition plan.

Extract to Tuya local key

Now we have some API permission for our Device ID

  1. Now, got to the Cloud and then API explorer
  2. After then, go to Smart Home Management System, and go under device management, you can scroll down to get device details.
  3. Now, Copy and Paste the device ID and submit the request, after all, you can see your local key.
  4. Copy your local key along with the device ID for entering into our HomeBridge.

Configuring the Tuya device

  1. Back to HomeBridge and select device type
  2. Give a name to your device, and then give Tuya ID
  3. Copy and paste the Tuya key into the local key
  4. After then, give manufacture, and fill other sections(If you don’t know how to fill other sections – go to GitHub issues and you will find device type, ) Click on save.
  5. Restart the HomeBridge and allow it to load all of its plugins.
  6. Go to accessories, you can see your device here, Click on it to control your device using HomeBridge. If you go to my Apple Home app, you can also control it using Apple HomeKit.

How to use the Tuya HomeBridge web plugin to control Tuya devices in Apple HomeKit

We want to install the official Tuya Homebridge plugin so it will be possible to control Tuya smart devices using Apple HomeKit. You can use HomeBridge or HOOBS to integrate your smart life devices with smart Home Kit. Here’re the two easy ways.

  1. Configuration by simply using Tuya email Credentials
  2. Tuya dev configuration

Configuration by simply using Tuya email Credentials

You can simply control Tuya smart devices with HomeKit using Tuya email credentials. But you cannot control your device locally. You need to have an internet connection.

Let's see How to configure Tuya plugin using Tuya email credentials

We can control your Tuya device using the internet connectivity between the plugin and Tuya’s cloud.

This plugin uses your email credential and requires an active internet connection. Also, you can now control devices over your HomeKit. If you go through the plugin configuration, you can even go and expose these device types into this plugin.

Tuya dev configuration

HomeBridge Developing team has introduced a new HomeBridge plugin. They are actively supporting the Homebridge community. So, using this method you can easily expose to Apple. Configuration is different from the first way.

How to configure the Tuya development plugin - Steps

  1. Step 1: On Tuya HomeBridge developing teams web page, you can see the official plugin and device types that they support. (Small Home Appliances, Security and sensors, Electrician category, Lighting).


    If you go to GitHub page open up an issue and they actively resolve it and try to assist you to enable that device into Apple HomeKit. They’re a very active community to configure this plugin

  2. Step 2: Go and install Tuya HomeBridge Plugin. (Copy the header of the plugin- HomeBridge-Tuya-Platform).


    Then go to HomeBridge plugins. Click install. It takes a few seconds. Once the plugin is installed, you want to fill settings of the HomeBridge tuya platform. (Username, password, country code, Access id, Access key).

  3. To get other information, you can go to iOT.Tuya.com. And now you want to go to the cloud development tab
  4. Then, create a new project (fill and create), And authorize to follow API services device log and notification
  5. Next, You want to go to the Devices tab, and then link Tuya app account as in previous methods.
  6. Open up Tuya smart app on your phone, Click your profile, click on the scan account, then scan the account here, confirm login, and let’s go-to devices.
  7. Now, you can see the devices that you have installed. Then, you can go to overview.
  8. We need the access id for this plugin, so, you want to go to IoT Tuya Platform and go to the overview
  9. Select the platform as Tuya smart. And click on save. Once it is saved, you want to click on restart bridge
  10. Once the plugins are loaded you want to go to accessories, then you can see your device over here. you can control your Tuya device using HomeBridge or Apple Home App

This plugin uses your internet connection and that’s how it exposes all the devices Tuya web development and then exports it into Apple HomeKit.

How to add Tuya devices to Home Assistant

Go to the Home Assistant Dashboard > Go to the configuration > Go to the integration > Click Add integration button > Search for Tuya > Enter your Tuya credentials (User name, password, Country code and Choose the App you use) > Click the submit button > You'll see the success message > Now, you can see your devices that you have registered to your account and can see scene that you have created within the App > Click finish > Then, your Tuya integration will be added to Home Assistant.

You can also create local Tuya in Home Assistant. This Tuya local Home Assistant integration is support to Wi-fi devices running Tuya firmware without going via the Tuya cloud.

Tuya Support for Matter Smart Home Standard

Now, you can solve the fragmentation problems and also eliminate the compatibility issues between different ecosystems. Tuya's latest smart home devices will support to Matter protocol. Matter-supported Tuya solutions provide triple security protection for their customers.

So, Tuya Tread Matter integration allows you to connect all of your Matter-compatible Tuya devices to any smart home ecosystem like Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThing.

How to add Tuya devices to HomeKit with Zemismart Hub

There're two ways to add Tuya ZigBee devices to HomeKit. You can add the hub directly to Apple Home Kit and press the pairing button to add devices. Also, you can add the hub and its devices to the Tuya Hub.

You can do the entire integration in the Tuya app and next, you can scan the QR code through the Tuya App to import all of your Tuya Zigbee devices to Apple Home App.

  1. Connect the device via an Ethernet cable and power the device.
  2. You'll see green light and flashing red light.
  3. Open the Tuya App > Tap on the plus sign > Tap on Add > Tap on Next.
  4. Now, the hub is integrated into your Tuya account and your local network.
  5. Then prompted to add sub devices (Make sure the device is in pairing mode).
  6. Button pressed for 5 seconds (You'll see some blinking blue light).
  7. Tap on add sub devices (The hub'll scan and locate them).
  8. Rename the device > Toggled the configuration of the added devices.
  9. Once completed, you can scan the QR code through the device setting and add the device to the Home app.
  10. Follow the on-screen instructions.

How to connect the Matter Gateway with Tuya and HomeKit

  1. Press the set key until the indicator light flashes.
  2. When the indicator light flashes quickly, open the Tuya app to discover it.
  3. Add devices > Find the Matter Gateway > Add sub-devices here > Click share via Gateway > Get QR code > Copy it > Open the Home app after adding it.
  4. Find the Matter Gateway in the Home App > If you added Tuya ZigBee sub devices before, they'll show in the Home App automatically.

1. Zigbee RGBW LED Driver for LED Strip Lights

Features:

  • The latest ZigBee 3.0 protocol
  • Fully isolated design with over-current protection
  • Control color, on/off, and dimming of your LED light strips
  • Powerful Zigbee repeater
  • High-quality smart lighting

2. Smart Motion Sensor by Senckit

Features:

  • Wifi PIR motion detector alarm
  • 4 Arming modes
  • Free alarm records
  • Dual infrared detection
  • Compatible with Alexa, Google and smart linkage

3. Smart WiFi Temperature Humidity Monitor

Features:

  • Built in Swiss made smart hygrometer sensor
  • Disply on Screen(Time, Date, Temperature, Humidity)
  • Super High Coverage Range
  • Intelligent Linkage Function
  • Can be used indoors and outdoors

4. Tuya Smart Life Security Camera

Features:

  • 1080P Full HD with Superior Night Vision & Every Angle Covered
  • 2 Way Audio & 2 Way storage
  • Motion Detection&Auto Tracking Instant phone Alerts

05. Zemismart Tuya Homekit ZigBee ZMHK-01 Hub

Features:

  • With Motion Sensor,Door Sensor,Temperature and Humidity
  • Compatible with Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa
  • You can turn on alarm mode when you leave the house
  • Wireless Mini Contact Sensor

06. Tuya Mini Smart Switch

Sparkleiot Tuya Mini WiFi Smart Switch Relay is compatible with Alexa and Google Home. You can control any Tuya devices with Tuya or Smart Life APP. Also, it includes features like Smart Scene and State Memory.

FAQ


No, you cannot directly control two Hive hubs with one app. The Hive system is designed to work with a single hub per location. However, there are workarounds depending on your situation:

• Various Locations: You can set up distinct Hive accounts with different email addresses if you wish to manage Hive devices in different locations like home or office.

• Multi-Zone System (Single Location): One Hive hub can be used to set up a various zone system if you are in a large house and require controlling the hot water, heating, and lights on/off actions in different zones. It allows you to use the same app to control various thermostats for different locations in the house.

You can utilize specific features from your smartphone or tablet. These widgets are available in the Hive app:

• Quick Action Widget (compatible with iOS and Android devices version 10.5 and above)

• Every Quick Action is automatically displayed in the Quick Action widget. This enables the programming of most of the Hive's devices, including lights, plugs, cameras, etc. This indicates that the user can easily take care of any last-minute adjustments.

No, Alexa can't perform as a Hive hub, but it can operate Hive devices by using the Hive skill. This is an explanation: Hive Hub: To connect and control Hive devices, it needs its hub. The Hive app or other smart home systems can communicate with Hive devices and vice versa through utilizing this hub. Alexa skills allow you to use voice control to facilitate your Hive devices through Echo or other Alexa devices by connecting from your Hive account to Alexa.

Yes, SwitchBot works with Home Pod indirectly through Apple HomeKit with newer devices and directly with Siri for Matter-enabled devices.

• Newer Devices (Matter-enabled): Direct control with Siri on Home Pod.

• Older Devices: Requires a HomeBridge server setup for indirect Siri control.

No, Tuya doesn’t support HomeKit natively. Tuya is a third-party manufacturer, making it difficult to get the “works with HomeKit” label due to Apple's guidelines.

Local Tuya allows you to handle Tuya devices without an internet connection. Home Assistant can manage Tuya devices locally through a custom integration.

No, Tuya is not compatible with Apple HomeKit. You can control Tuya devices using the Tuya Smart App on your iPhone or iPad.

You can add Tuya directly from Configurations -> Integrations -> Add Integration -> Tuya without needing a HOOBS hub or HomeBridge.

Tuya offers various networking hardware modules, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and ZigBee, which can be integrated with HomeKit for smart home control.

Yes, Tuya Smart devices use both Wi-Fi and Zigbee, allowing for compatibility with ZigBee gateway hubs.

Yes, you can control Smart Life devices on HomeKit using open-source software and Homebridge.

Yes, both are official Tuya apps, but the Tuya Smart App uses the Tuya logo, while the Smart Life App does not.

You need a HOOBS hub or third-party software to connect Tuya Smart to HomeKit.

Yes, Tuya Smart is considered secure, adhering to data privacy regulations and providing a highly encrypted user interface.

You can add Tuya to Home Assistant by going to Configurations -> Integrations -> Add Integration -> Tuya.

Yes, you can control Smart Life products with your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

To add a Tuya Smart Camera to HomeKit, download the AddtoHomeKit and follow the step-by-step guides.

Yes, you can integrate your Tuya switch with HomeKit using AddtoHomeKit, along with other Tuya devices.

Yes, Tuya's newest smart home devices support Matter.

Yes, except for the lock and remote platform, all Home Assistant platforms are supported by Tuya integration.

Tuya isn't compatible with ZigBee by default, but you can add ZigBee devices to HomeKit using AddtoHomeKit or other hubs.

Yes, the IKEA DIRIGERA Smart Hub is Matter-Ready and can connect IKEA devices to Tuya Home with a ZigBee Hub.

Yes, you can use HOOBS with Smart Life to create an integration easily.

No, most smart home devices do not work with HomeKit.

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