Can Alexa Control Apple HomeKit Devices
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HomeKit, Apple’s smart home system, streamlines device control through the Apple Home app on iOS. Alexa is a virtual assistant from Amazon that responds to voice commands, provides information, and controls smart home devices.
HomeKit and Alexa function as distinct smart home hubs and cannot directly control each other. However, if a device connected to your HomeKit Hub is also Alexa-compatible, they can work together harmoniously.
Although HomeKit and Alexa are separate smart home hubs that don’t easily integrate, using compatible devices enables seamless integration. This allows you to control your smart devices effortlessly using both HomeKit and Alexa.
Using Alexa and HomeKit Together
While you can’t control HomeKit with Alexa, controlling the devices is nearly the same.
The setup is just as easy as non-Apple products; before you know it, you can use voice control through Alexa.
You need both Apple and Alexa products to control your HomeKit devices with Alexa. Users often employ Alexa for voice commands and their iPhone or iPad for automation.
While direct integration may not be possible, you can control them with compatible servers and interoperability protocol (matter).
The advantage lies in flexibility—if one system experiences downtime, seamless switching to the other ensures uninterrupted control of smart home devices.
Alexa Skills
Alexa uses Skills to control its devices. To make your Alexa work with your HomeKit devices, you will need to locate the devices in Alexa Skills and download them.
Many skills are available, so finding your HomeKit device shouldn’t be difficult.
- In the Alexa App, open the More tab on the bottom right
- Tap Skills & Games
- Use the search bar to find your device or brand and check the search results. Look for the specific Skill related to your device.
- Tap the Skill for detailed information, including compatibility details and available features.
- Select Enable
Now, you can voice-activate your devices whenever you want!
Devices Compatible with Alexa and HomeKit
Connecting your devices to Alexa is fruitless if your own devices are incompatible with HomeKit. Here is a list of Alexa and HomeKit-compatible devices.
Echo Dot 5th Gen
The Echo Dot 5th Gen works with both HomeKit and Alexa. It lets you use voice commands to control smart devices.
It has better sound quality, plays music from different services, and lets Alexa assist you hands-free. It’s designed with privacy controls and is versatile for creating a connected home.
Netatmo Smart Video Doorbell
The Netatmo Smart Video Doorbell seamlessly works with both HomeKit and Alexa. It allows you to integrate it into your preferred smart home ecosystem.
This compatibility enables voice control through Alexa and convenient management within the Apple Home app.
Schlage Encode Plus Smart Lock
Schlage Encode Plus Smart Lock enables convenient touch entry via Apple Watch or iPhone. Available at Home Depot and Amazon, it combines smart technology with accessibility for enhanced home security.
Keep in mind only the Encode Plus is compatible with both HomeKit and Alexa. The Encode is only compatible with Alexa.
You can visit Apple’s constantly updated webpage for devices compatible with HomeKit for a complete list. You can then do a quick search to see which products are Alexa-enabled.
The Role of Matter and Homebridge in Promoting Alexa and HomeKit Compatibility
Matter is an open-source connectivity standard that helps smart home devices communicate easily through Wi-Fi and Bluetooth through the Apple Home app.
Homebridge is another important server allowing various smart devices to communicate with Apple and Amazon gadgets.
These frameworks ensure you can control smart lights and locks with Alexa and HomeKit.
Alexa on Your iPhone
You can now download the Alexa Amazon app on your iPhone to connect your Alexa and Apple devices like HomeKit devices and Apple TVs.
Here is how you set up Alexa on your iPhone:
- Open the Amazon Alexa app and sign in.
- To enable Alexa, press and hold the circle button on your Echo Speaker to enter pairing mode.
- Connect your Echo to your iPhone via Bluetooth and ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Check in the Alexa app to confirm the Echo is connected.
Now, you can also add the Alexa widget to your iPhone’s screen:
- Long-press your home screen on your iPhone.
- Tap the “+” icon.
- Search for “Alexa” and add the widget
Enjoy quick access to Alexa on your iPhone’s home screen.
Can Alexa Tell Apple TV What to Do?
Although Alexa lacks direct control over your Apple TV unit, you can employ a smart home platform or hub controller like the Harmony Hub Remote to set up a task list for Alexa.
This enables her to execute commands such as turning on your television, switching the input to the Apple TV, and connecting to the audio system.
To connect Alexa with Apple TV with the help of Harmony Hub, you need an Amazon Echo, smartphone or tablet that supports your Apple TV, a hub remote, and Wi-Fi. After collecting all the equipment, follow these steps.
In the Harmony App:
- Choose your Harmony Remote
- Tap “Devices” and then “Add Device”
- Now enter Apple for the manufacturer and then Apple TV for the model
- Select “Sync Now”
If your Apple TV doesn’t show up, you can also click on the search bar and select your Apple TV from the list.
After this, you’ll need to open the Alexa App:
- Press “More” in the bottom right
- Tap “Skills and Games” and search for Harmony
- Choose the Harmony skill and tap “Enable”
Define the activity list for Harmony and Alexa, covering tasks like turning on the TV, selecting the input, logging into Apple TV, and setting up the audio system.
Can Alexa Play Apple Music?
Follow these easy steps to enjoy your Apple Music on your Alexa device without hassle.
To Add Your Apple Music Account:
- Open the Amazon Alexa app.
- Tap “More” at the bottom.
- Select “Skills & Games.”
- Search for “Apple Music” and enable the skill.
- Enter your Apple ID and grant access.
To Play Apple Music on Your Echo Device
- Use voice commands like “Play Blank Space on Apple Music” or “Play Linkin Park on Apple Music.”
- Explore commands for artists, albums, playlists, and genres.
Be aware that some Amazon Music commands may not work for Apple Music.
To Set Apple Music as Default
- Open the Amazon Alexa app.
- Tap “More” and go to “Settings.”
- Select “Music & Podcasts” and then “Default Services.”
- Choose “Apple Music”
Can HomeKit Control Alexa Devices?
HomeKit can control Alexa devices through integration with iDevices. You need iOS 9 or later to connect both systems.
To do this, authenticate your HomeKit with Alexa through the app settings and enable the iDevices skill within the Alexa app. This establishes a connection, allowing for convenient voice commands through Alexa.
For example, turning on/off devices connected to the iDevices Switch, adjusting light dim levels with the iDevices Socket, or modifying temperature settings on an iDevices Thermostat.
