There may be several reasons why a HomeKit device cannot be added. With this checklist, you can step-by-step resolve the most common problems.

Connection-Specific Issues

Depending on which wireless connection the device uses, there might be specific issues. We recommend you first check the connection-specific problems before moving on to general troubleshooting steps.

Bluetooth & Thread devices

  • Check if Bluetooth is enabled on the iPhone or iPad used to add the new device.
  • To use Thread, a Thread Border router, e.g., a HomePod (mini), Apple TV 4K 2nd generation or 3rd generation with Ethernet connection must be present. However, Thread devices can also be used without Thread Border Router via Bluetooth.

Wi-Fi devices

  • Make sure that the iPhone or iPad used to add the new device is connected to the appropriate Wi-Fi.
  • Many smarthome devices only support the 2.4GHz band. It may be helpful to disable the 5GHz band during setup. This can usually be set via the router. With Eero, for example, you can turn off the 5GHz band for 10 minutes via the app under “Settings” → “Troubleshooting” → “No device connection”.

Devices with a different radio standard

  • If the device uses a different wireless standard, such as Zigbee or Z-Wave, you will need an additional hub. Normally, these devices have to be added via the manufacturer’s app to put the hub into pairing mode. These devices often do not have their own HomeKit codes. The manufacturer’s hub acts as a bridge and is the only one to be added directly to Apple Home with the HomeKit code.

General solution steps

  • Make sure that the device supports HomeKit or Matter.
  • Check if the device is turned on and replace the batteries if necessary.
  • Reset the device. The method varies depending on the manufacturer and the device, usually there is a reset button that you have to press for 5-10 seconds. Partially, the reset switch is hidden behind a pinhole. If you can’t find the switch, it’s worth taking a look at the manual.
  • Check the Internet connection of the iPhone or iPad.
  • If necessary, restart the Home Hub, i.e. the HomePod (mini) or Apple TV.
  • Make sure you are logged into iCloud. This can be checked in the settings under your username.

Problem: No HomeKit code available / code lost

  • If there is no HomeKit code on the device, check if it needs to be added via a hub. Here, usually only the hub has a code and the other devices are usually added via the manufacturer’s app without a code.
  • In addition, some devices, including AirPlay 2 speakers, for example, do not require a HomeKit code. Instead of scanning the HomeKit code in the setup process, you can tap “More options” and select the device from the list there.
  • If the device is not to be added via a hub, the code can often be found not only on the device, but also in the user manual and/or on the packaging.
  • If the code is lost and the device can no longer be added to HomeKit, contact the manufacturer directly.

Problem: Device already added

  • If you get a message when adding a device that the device is already added, delete it from the home first.
  • If the device is not present in your home, you should reset the device.