How to Connect Tuya Devices with Apple HomeKit
Tuya HomeKit Integration! It is amazing..... I've found three reliable ways to connect Tuya smart devices to Apple HomeKit.
I first bought my Tuya smart bulbs and plugs. They worked flawlessly when controlled via the Tuya Smart or Smart Life app. But as an iPhone user, I wanted to control those devices with Apple HomeKit. But Tuya devices don’t natively support HomeKit. Here's my personal experience with each, shared to help you bring your Tuya Apple HomeKit integration.
Method 1: Enomek – The Easy App Solution
My Experience
I first tried the Enomek system. It’s a user-friendly app with minimal setup. And as someone with a busy schedule, I appreciated its plug-and-play vibe. Enomek is a software solution that acts as a bridge between Tuya and Apple HomeKit. It offers lifetime support after a one-time purchase.
How I Set It Up
- Downloaded Enomek: I visited the official Enomek website and downloaded the app. The installation was straightforward, just a few clicks and password confirmations.
- Linked to Tuya Account: I opened the Enomek app and entered my Tuya Smart app credentials to link to my devices.
- Added to HomeKit: After all the setups process my Tuya devices showed up in HomeKit and ready to be controlled with Siri.
Pros and Cons of Enomek
What I Loved
- Simplicity
- Lifetime Service
- Reliability
Challenges
- Cost
- Cloud Dependency
Enomek is ideal if you want a hassle-free way to integrate into HomeKit Tuya. It’s my go-to recommendation for beginners or anyone who values simplicity.
Method 2: HOOBS – The Hardware Choice
My Experience
Next, I connected to HOOBS (HomeBridge Out of the Box). It is a lightweight Node.js server that emulates the HomeKit API. It is an open-source solution. HOOBS requires more technical knowledge.
How I Set It Up
- Install HOOBS - I installed HOOBS on a compatible device like a Raspberry Pi or a PC.
- Add Plugins - I installed the official Tuya Homebridge plugin by running
npm install homebridge-tuya-platform. Then, I edited the config.json file to include my Tuya account details (username, password, country code, and API keys from the Tuya IoT Platform). - Configure Plugins - I Edited the HomeBridge configuration file to include my Tuya devices.
- Integrate with HomeKit - After configuration, HOOBS integrated my Tuya devices into HomeKit.
Read also: How to Add Any Alexa Devices to Apple HomeKit
Pros and Cons of HOOBS
What I Loved
- Flexibility
- Community Support
Challenges
- Technical Setup
- Maintenance
- Occasional Glitches
HOOBS is perfect for tech-savvy users who enjoy customizing their smart home. It’s powerful but requires some coding knowledge.
Method 3: Tuya Zigbee Hub – The Hardware Bridge
My Experience
Finally, I explored a hardware solution: a Tuya Zigbee Hub. It’s a Zemismart Zigbee Hub with HomeKit support. This method is great for Zigbee Tuya devices but less versatile for Wi-Fi-based devices.
How I Set It Up
- Purchased a HomeKit Compatible Hub: I bought a Zemismart Zigbee Hub.
- Connected to the Hub: I plugged the hub into my router via Ethernet and powered it on. Then I added the hub and paired my Zigbee devices using the Tuya smart app.
- Added to HomeKit: The hub provided a HomeKit QR code in the Tuya app. All paired Zigbee devices automatically appeared in HomeKit.
- Organized in Home App: I assigned devices to rooms and created scenes via Siri.
Pros and Cons of Tuya Hub
What I Loved
- Native Feel
- Stability
- Siri Integration
Challenges
- Limited to Zigbee
- Device Compatibility
- Initial Cost
The Tuya Zigbee Hub is fantastic if you primarily use Zigbee Tuya devices and want a hardware solution that feels native to HomeKit.
What Can You Do with Apple HomeKit Tuya Integration
- 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
- Covers all important categories of smart home devices
Tuya Matter Integration
Tuya’s latest smart home devices will support the Matter protocol. The Tuya Tread Matter integration will allow you to connect all your Matter-compatible Tuya devices to any smart home ecosystem (Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThing).
Read also: How to Use Ring with Apple HomeKit
Editor’s Pick
After considering all these methods, I would choose Enomek as my main choice. It’s reliable and easy to use. Also, it doesn’t take long to get started. Having Tuya Apple HomeKit integration has made my life easier. I wish you smooth automation!
FAQs about Tuya Apple HomeKit
1 Can Tuya work with HomeKit?
Tuya is not compatible with Apple HomeKit. You can control Tuya devices using the Tuya App.
2 Can Zigbee work with Tuya?
Tuya isn't compatible with ZigBee by default. But you can add ZigBee devices to HomeKit using the Tuya ZigBee hub.
3 Is Home Assistant compatible with Tuya?
Yes, except for the lock and remote platform, all Home Assistant platforms are supported by Tuya integration.
4 How to add Tuya Smart Camera to HomeKit?
To add a Tuya Smart Camera to HomeKit, download the Enomek or other third-party solutions and follow the step-by-step guides.