How to add IKEA Smart Devices to Apple HomeKit [Step by Step Guide]

One of the most regrettable things in smart device experience is to have an incompatible device. For Apple users, the chances are very high. Especially the ones who expect to add IKEA devices to Apple HomeKit. Anyway, the problem is not to last any longer. Why do we say this? Well the answer is simple. We will talk about “How to add IKEA devices to Apple HomeKit”. Read on, here’re the best ways to add your IKEA smart devices to Apple HomeKit and find out how easy it is to control your smart home devices with IKEA Home Smart.

IKEA and HomeKit compatibility

Most IKEA smart home devices don’t support Apple HomeKit. But, don't worry! Your IKEA smart devices support Apple HomeKit when you use TRADFRI Gateway. Also, you can use third-party software applications and simple device solutions.

TRADFRI is a part of IKEA's smart home range and compatible with all major smart home platforms including Apple HomeKit. Also, IKEA has introduced a new Matter-ready Smart Home Hub. So, you can integrate IKEA Apple HomeKit using this new Dirigera Smart Home Hub. Now, let’s make IKEA HomeKit compatible with these top solutions.

Apart from IKEA devices, if you're interested in the eufy smart home devices, you can learn more about adding eufy devices with Apple HomeKit using this comprehensive guide.

Ways to add IKEA devices to Apple HomeKit

If you want to control IKEA devices with Apple Home App and Siri, you need to add IKEA smart devices to Apple HomeKit first. Here’re the best ways to add your IKEA smart home devices to Apple HomeKit

1. Software Solution / App based solution
2. Hardware Solution / Devices based solution

01. App Method

You can use a third-party software application that can be run on a computer or on your iPhone.  let’s see what these method are.

Enomek - HomeKit Enabler (Recommended Solution)

Enomek is an iOS app that can enable your favorite smart home devices to Apple HomeKit. It simply break the limitation of software solution like Homebridge as it provides step by step guide for installation. Say goodbye to complicated setups and enjoy easy integration with Apple HomeKit in just a few taps. Dowload Enomek - HomeKit Enabler now.

Homebridge

Have you ever wondered how to integrate your favorite Apple HomeKit with smart home devices that don’t support HomeKit? Homebridge is the best and cost effective method for adding any smart home device to Apple Homekit. It is a lightweight NodeJS server that allows you to integrate non-Homekit compatible smart devices with Apple HomeKit.

Need to know more about Homebridge? Check out our Homebridge guide.

Install Homebridge on your PC

As the best and cost effective method to add IKEA smart devices to Apple HomeKit, you need to install Homebridge on your computer first. If you have a computer running 24/7, you can easily install Homebridge for your computer. But, it has a bit more complicated installation process.

Let's see how to Install Homebridge on your Mac / PC. Click here for the step by step Guide to add IKEA smart home devices to Apple HomeKit using Homebridge→

02. Device Method

There are a few simple devices to add your IKEA devices to Apple HomeKit. IKEA offers some smart hubs that can be integrated with Apple HomeKit. Also, you can use common devices to add any smart home device to Apple HomeKit like HOOBS. Let's dig more.

TRADFRI Gateway

You need a web-connected hub to control and manage Ikea’s Smart Plugs, Lighting products, Electric Blinds, and more. It allows you to control and manage all of these devices using the IKEA App or a smart home assistant such as Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant.

Setting up the Trådfri Gateway Homekit is as simple as connecting the hub to your router, downloading the IKEA smart home app, and then you need to follow the on-screen steps. Also, you can select which voice assistant you want to control your Ikea devices during the initial setup. Further, the Tradfri works as an Ikea HomeHit Hub and Tradfri remote HomeKit.

TRADFRI Smart hub is our recommended solution. You can get it at a convenient price and simple to use. We highly recommend this solution if you have no coding experience. Let’s see how to add your IKEA device to Apple HomeKit using the Tradfri smart hub.

New Dirigera Hub

This new Dirigera smart hub will be Matter supported. The Matter is a new smart home interoperability standard. It promises to enable device communication across all ecosystems and manufacturers. Any IKEA product plugged into the hub can be controlled through any ecosystem that supports Matter. Ecosystems like Apple, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and more have committed to supporting Matter.

Want to know more about Dirigera Hub? Let’s find more about the Matter support IKEA HomeKit Hub.

HOOBS solution

One of the cheapest hardware solutions for adding IKEA devices to HomeKit is HOOBS. Your smart devices are now compatible with Apple HomeKit with this solution. If you want easy-to-use home automation, HOOBS is the perfect option for you. More than 2000 gadgets are connected to HomeKit through it.

Get your HOOBS Box today for $255.88

We have given three device methods to add your IKEA devices to Apple HomeKit.  If you are interested in IKEA HomeKit, you can choose the best solutions to improve your IKEA smart home with Apple HomeKit. Then, we'll dive further into how to add IKEA devices to Apple HomeKit using Homebridge.

Adding IKEA devices to Apple HomeKit using Homebridge

01. Install Homebridge on Mac/PC

Before installing the Homebridge IKEA plugin, you need to install HomeBridge on Mac/PC. Check out how to add any smart home device to the Apple HomeKit article to install Homebridge on your device easily.

02. Install IKEA Plugin

First you need to install homebridge-ikea-tradfri-gateway using the below code:

$ sudo npm install homebridge-ikea-tradfri-gateway -g

Also, you can try this code if you’re having a permission problem

$ sudo npm install homebridge-ikea-tradfri-gateway -g --unsafe-perm

03. Edit the configuration file

Configure your JSON file with the below platform:

{
"bridge": {
"name": "Trådfri",
"username": "AA:22:3D:E3:CE:57",
"port": 51826,
"pin": "031-45-123"
},
"description": "This is an example configuration file",
"platforms": [
{
"platform": "Ikea Trådfri Gateway",
"name": "Ikea Trådfri Gateway",
"securityCode" : "this-is-found-on-the-back-of-the-gateway",
"expose": ["lightbulbs", "outlets", "blinds"]
}
]
}
  

This module automatically determines the IP address of the IKEA portal. If for some reason you need to access a specific portal then merge the following into the code. Go to the ~/.homebridge/config.json file.

{
...
"platforms": [
{
...
"host": "ip-address-of-ikea-gateway"
}
]
}

Credit - https://github.com/meg768/homebridge-ikea-tradfri-gateway

04. Run the plugin

First, navigate to the directory using: cd..

Then,  run the ikea plugin using:

homebridge -D -U ./config/ -P ./

05. Bridge to HomeKit

Now, you can control your IKEA devices with Apple HomeKit after connecting homebridge to HomeKit. Then, go to the Home App on your Apple devices  and scan the QR code of Homebridge UI. Finally, you can control the devices on Apple HomeKit.

If you own HomeKit incompatible Smart Devices like Ring, you can find our How to add Ring Devices to HomeKit article to make them compatible with Apple HomeKit. Let’s find another way to add your IKEA devices to Apple HomeKit.

Adding IKEA devices to Apple HomeKit using TRADFRI Gateway

Let’s see how to link your Ikea Tradfri Gateway with Apple HomeKit. You need to have an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touching running iOS 8 or later.

01: Get HomeKit code

Step 01: First you need to install the Ikea Tradfri app on your mobile device and open it.

Step 02: Then, Tap settings in the top right corner, and next you need to go to the integrations.

Step 03: After that, you need to select Apple HomeKit. You will see the Ikea Tradfri connection code for Apple HomeKit.

Step 04: You need to enter it in the Apple Home app, so take note of that.

02: Add Accessory

Step 01: Once you get the Homekit code, you need to add a new accessory or Device to your HomeKit setup.

Step 02: First of all, you need to open the Apple Home App.

Step 03: Then, you can choose Add Accessory or tap the plus symbol.

Step 04: After that, Tap Allow if you're prompted to add a device.

Step 05: Take a picture of the HomeKit or QR code on the item or document using a camera.

Step 06: If you have an iPhone 7 or later, hold your phone near the device for a few seconds and look at the symbol below instead.

Step 07: You will be prompted to enter the details about the device, including its location in the room and the name you want to give it.

Step 08: Enter these details to make it more accessible in the future.

Step 09: When you’ve got all the details entered, you will need to tap done.

Adding IKEA devices to Apple HomeKit using HOOBS

Ikea Tradfri Gateway Plugin for HOOBS exposes IKEA smart devices connected to an IKEA Tradri Gateway to HOOBS. This HOOBS plugin extracts all IKEA light bulbs, outlets, and blinds in use by the IKEA Gateway. So, HOOBS can convert your IKEA smart home devices into IKEA HomeKit devices.

Get HOOBS all in one for $261.98

This plugin support:

• Standard White Bulbs
• RGB Bulbs
• Warm white bulb with temperature control
• Outlets
• Blinds

You must first connect to your router using an Ethernet cable. Next, you need to plug in the power cord and wait for two to three minutes for HOOBS to boot into the Box.

You should now launch the browser on your computer and go to http://HOOBS.LOCAL. The Home app on your iPhone can be launched after creating your HOOBS account.

Then tap Add accessory to scan the QR code. You need to tap Add again after that, and it has been successfully added. Then click on Plugins and install the Ikea plugin. Select the search option IKEA and click "Install Plug-in."

Add this configuration code:

[
{
"platform": "Ikea Trådfri Gateway",
"name": "Ikea Trådfri Gateway",
"securityCode" : "this-is-found-on-the-back-of-the-gateway",
"host": "ip-address-of-ikea-gateway",
"expose": ["lightbulbs", "outlets", "blinds"]
}
]

How to connect IKEA gadgets to Siri and Apple Home App

First you need to open the Ikea Home smart app. Then make sure the router is turned on and the Ethernet cable is plugged into the back of the router. Now, scan the QR code at the bottom of the Ikea gateway.

Before connecting anything to HomeKit, you need to add the Ikea smart devices you have after registering the gateway.

This app is still required for setup every time you buy a new device.  But after everything is configured correctly, you can control everything from home or with Siri. Tap the Settings button at the top right when everything is on. After selecting Integrations select Apple HomeKit.

The next step is to scan the underside of the gateway again instead of scanning for the QR code, check for the HomeKit code. It's a set of numbers on a separate HomeKit sticker. Select the home you want to add the hub to and then follow the on-screen instructions to set everything up.

You will be asked to select whether you want to add each device registered in the Ikea app to the Home app and to provide a name for it. Keep your names short and descriptive so Siri can easily say them.

When you're done, open the Apple Home app and your new devices should be visible in the Home area. Then, you can control these like any other original feature, and remember that a long tap on any item will bring up more controls, including the Settings button for that particular device.

Here, you can choose which rooms or scenes each device belongs to and set up unique automation for each device. Now you can access all your technology from one place, or ask Siri to turn off the lights.

New launcher- Matter supports IKEA HomeKit Hub (DIRIGERA Smart Hub)

The DIRIGERA hub is the heart of a smart home system. It enables you to connect and manage your smart home appliances using the IKEA Home smart app. Imagine being able to wake up, set the lights, open the blinds and listen to music without getting out of bed.

All of their smart products work independently. By connecting them to the hub, you can control and personalize your home in new ways, and when you combine two or more items, you can access additional features and functionality.

Also, you can use shortcut buttons, the app, or schedules to manually trigger scenes, like when you want to quickly turn off all the lights in your smart home before you leave in the morning. Further, The DIRIGERA Hub needs a Wi-Fi network and connects to your router with the supplied cable.

Also, a new and better replacement for the TRADFRI gateway will be this Matter-ready smart hub. And, it is coming this November for around $59.

Best IKEA smart home devices

At a glance, we can find there are several best Ikea smart home hubs, the best Ikea smart lights, the Best IKea smart blind, the Tradfri Motion sensor, and many more best Ikea smart home gadgets like smart plugs and smart speakers. And, you can integrate these solutions with Apple HomeKit easily.

01. Tradfri Gateway

You need a web-connected hub to control and manage IKEA’s many smart plugs, lighting products, electric blinds, and more. It allows you to control and manage all of these devices using the Ikea app or a smart home assistant such as Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. Also, it is powered by Zigbee.

Setup the Tradfri Gateway is as simple as connecting the hub to your router, downloading the Ikea smart home app, and then you need to follow the on-screen steps to activate the portal. Also, you can select which voice assistant you want to control your Ikea devices during the initial setup.

02. Tradfri LED bulbs

Want to brighten up your home? Tradfri LED E12 450 lumen is the best solution for you. It allows you to choose between nine different colors and many warm and cool tones using the Tradfri remote and the Home app. Also, it is the best IKEA Bulb and you can integrate with Apple HomeKit using Tradfri Gateway or any other solutions.

03. IKEA Fyrstur Blackout Roller Blinds

You can control how much sunlight you’re letting into your home using your smartphone or IKEA remote control. Like competitive smart blind manufacturers, IKEA's selection of smart blinds is the best roller blinds with integrated battery pack. Once connected to your Tradfri Gateway or any compatible smart hub you can operate your blinds with the Home Smart App or voice assistant.

04. Tradfri Smart Plug

Wish your coffee maker, desk fan, and dehumidifier were all automatic? Then, you can buy Tradfri Smart Plug which is the best smart plug for your IKEA smart home. These individual smart plugs cost $10 each and are offered in several IKEA Smart Home bundles. Also, you can use physical on/off switches and timers to operate up to 10 different smart plugs at once connected to your Tradfri gateway or another hub.

05. Symfonisk Table Lamp

Symfonisk Table Lamp is Airplay 2-compatible and works as the best IKEA Smart Speaker. Also, it allows you to wirelessly transfer music from your mobile device to the speaker if you're using Apple HomeKit. Although Symfonisk lacks compatibility for Alexa or Google Assistant, you can still operate the speaker with Alexa using a Sonos One or Beam.

06. IKEA Shortcut Button

Keep a shortcut button by the bed so you can turn on the lights, draw the shades, and play your favorite wake-up song with the push of a button. Lighting, Speakers, Screens, and Air quality products make it simple to create smarter everyday experiences in an IKEA smart home.

Also, the IKEA Home Smart App, Remote Controls, Shortcut Buttons, voice commands, and motion can be used to control your smart home. You can control one item, group, room, or all at once. Both the Ikea Home Smart and Apple Home apps allow you to apply actions to shortcut buttons with cumulative results. So, It is easy to integrate the IKEA Shortcut Button Homekit now.

Final Thought

As we mentioned above, IKEA devices can be added to Apple HomeKit with Tradfri Gateway or without a gateway. And, if you have some coding experience, you can use Homebridge or HOOBS solutions to add your IKEA devices to Apple HomeKit easily. If you don't, you can use the above Tradfri Gateway or the New Dirigera Smart home hub, which can be used to easily connect your IKEA devices Homekit.