How to add Tuya Devices to Apple HomeKit [Step by Step Guide]

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. And, yeah! It is good to know that Tuya devices can be controlled locally. But we need to use an open-source Software solutions or Hardware-based solutions for that. Ever wondered how to add Tuya Devices to Apple HomeKit. Let's see how.

Shortcuts:

• What Can You Do With Tuya-HomeKit Integration
• How to integrate Tuya Smart devices into HomeKit?
• Step by Step guide to adding Tuya Devices to Apple HomeKit using Homebridge
• Step by Step guide to adding Tuya Devices to Apple HomeKit using HOOBS
• Step by Step guide to adding Tuya Devices to Apple HomeKit using Raspberry Pi
• Configure on Tuya IoT platform
• Where to buy the best Tuya smart home products?

What Can You Do With Tuya-HomeKit Integration

With integration with Apple HomeKit

• 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

How to add Tuya Devices to Apple HomeKit

Although Tuya doesn’t natively support HomeKit, it can be integrated into Apple HomeKit by using several ways.

All you need to control your Tuya devices into Apple HomeKit

• Tuya user Account
• Tuya Developer Account
• Tuya Smart Device

Thanks to the HomeKit developer community for their solutions that can integrate Tuya smart devices to Apple HomeKit. Following are two main solutions to doing it.

01. Software Based Solutions →

02. Hardware Based Solutions →

Solutions to add Tuya to Apple HomeKit

Let me break down some of the possible ways of adding Tuya products to your Apple HomeKit. So, you can connect any smart home device to HomeKit using HomeBridge now.

Software Solution

Enomek - HomeKit Enabler

Enomek is the best solutions for those who want to add their non-HomeKit compatible devices to HomeKit. Say goodbye to complicated setups and enjoy easy integration with Apple HomeKit in just a few taps. Download your HomeKit enabler via the button below.

Homebridge

This third-party software application can integrate with your home automation system to offer HomeKit integration for your smart home devices that don’t directly support Apple HomeKit. It is also a bridge between HomeKit and the third-party application.

Instead, check out Homebridge Guide to know more about Homebridge.

Install Homebridge on your PC

As the first solution, you can install Homebridge on your computer (macOS, Windows 10, Linux, and Docker). But, it is necessary to have your computer running 24/7. 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 →

Hardware Solution

1. HOOBS

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.

[Recommonded Solution] - Why we choose?

• Plug-and-play Hub
• Open source
• Requires no coding
• Easy-to-use device
• Over 2000+ device plugins

Get HOOBS all in one for $255.88

2. Raspberry Pi

Raspberry Pi is a popular single-board computer with a low price tag. If you're going to run your Raspberry Pi over WiFi, you'll need to connect it to your home network. Additionally, you'll need a microSD card with at least 4GB of capacity and admin tools on a separate operating system (Windows, Mac, Linux) from the Raspberry Pi (Note: To flash Homebridge into the microSD card).

Raspberry Pi is the cheapest way to add Ring devices to HomeKit.

Get Raspberry Pi for $148.94

Smart HomeKit Switch Solution

If you're looking for HomeKit integration for switches that do not directly support Apple HomeKit. here is the good news for HomeKit users. Also, you can control your Tuya HomeKit switches using the Home app and Siri on Apple devices such as iPhones and iPads.

Features

• Remote control
• Voice control
• Schedule
• Timer
• HomeKit Integration
• Smart linkage

Wi-Fi HomeKit General Solution

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 you device to work with HomeKit, you can use Tuya convert to HomeKit.

Step by Step guide to adding Tuya devices to Apple Homekit using Homebridge

Before that make sure you have linked devices with your Tuya App. See how to configure on Tuya IoT platform. Let's see how to integrate Tuya HomeKit Bridge.

1. Install Homebridge on Mac/PC
2. Install Tuya Plugin
3. Edit the configuration file
4. Run the plugin
5. Control devices on HomeKit

Follow our step guide to integrate your Tuya devices easily to your Apple HomeKit.

01. Install Homebridge on Mac/PC

If you want to install Homebridge on Mac/PC, you can find our how to add any Smart Home Device to HomeKit article to know the step guide. So, you can easily install Homebridge on your computer.

02. Install Tuya plugin

Once installed the Homebridge, you need to install the Tuya plugin.

Step 01: First, open the Terminal on your PC or open the Homebridge UI

Step 02: Next, you can install the Tuya Homebridge plugin as given below.

Install the Tuya plugin using your terminal:

npm install homebridge-tuya-platform

It takes little time to install the Tuya plugin and after installation check whether the installation is successful.

Install Tuya plugin using Homebridge UI:

Step 01: Open Homebridge in your web browser using: http://homebridge

Step 02: Click on the plugin in the menu bar

Step 03: Search in the search field for Homebridge Tuya as shown in the image

03. Edit the configuration file

Now, you have installed the Tuya plugin. Then, you need to edit the configuration file before you run the plugin.

Step 01: As the first step of editing the configuration file, you need to navigate to the directory using:

homebridge-tuya-platform/config

Step 02: Next, edit the configuration file (config.json) as shown in the below image

Step 03: After then, you can specify values for options

• Username and Password: In here, you can use the username and password of the Tuya Smart or Smart Life app.
• AccessId and AccessKey: You can user Access ID and Access Secret of your cloud project. To select the cloud project you have to go to the Tuya IoT platform. (Go to the IoT platform > Click Project Overview > Now, you can find Access ID and Access Secret)

• Lang: You can keep the default value.
• endpoint: As the endpoint, you can select the availability zone of your cloud project. (Available to the region of your Tuya Smart or Smart Life app account)
• projectType: As the projectType you can select the development method you choose (Note: When creating a project you choose custom development or Smart home PaaS. So, you can choose it as the project type)
• AppSchema: You can get the mobile app you used to link your devices on the IoT platform such as tuyaSmart or smart life
• CountryCode: When selecting the country code, you have to select the code of the country you select on logging in to the Tuya Smart or Smart Life app

04. Run the plugin

Step 1: Before running the plugin, you need to navigate to the directory homebridge-tuya-platform using: cd ..

Step 2: Next, you can run the plugin using:

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

05. Bridge to HomeKit

Step 1: Now, open the Home app on your Apple device

Step 2: After then, scan the QR code of the Homebridge UI to pair with Homebridge or you can enter the 8 digit PIN code. (Note: Find the PiN code in the configuration file)

06. Control devices on HomeKit

After all, you can be able to control all your Tuya devices with the HomeKit dashboard.

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. Configuration of the Tuya Plugin
5. Add Tuya accessory in Apple Home

01. Connect HOOBS to your Home Network

Step 01: Connect the HOOBS Hub to an electric socket

Step 02: Connect an Ethernet port to the router (Ethernet port at the back of the HOOBS Hub)

02. Connect the HOOBS wirelessly to your Wi-Fi network.

Step 1: 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).

Step 02: Once completed, you have to create an admin account. (Note: Enter your name, username, and password of your choice)

03. Install the Tuya Plugin for HOOBS

Step 1: Log in to your newly created HOOBS account

Step 2: Go to the Home window

Step 3: Click on the plugin icon and Type “Tuya Lan”

Step 04: Install the plugin using homebridge-tuya-lan

04. Configuration of the Tuya Plugin

Step 01: Visit the HOOBS Tuya Plugin page

Step 02: Copy the code provided under the subheading “Configurations”

Step 03: Go Back to the Tuya Lan plugin installation plugin

Step 04: Click on the option “Installed Plugins”

05. Add Tuya accessory in Apple Home

Step 01: Open Apple Home on your Apple device

Step 02: Click on add accessory

Step 03: Choose “I do not have a code or cannot scan”

Step 04: Then, it’ll appear on-screen, and enter the eight-digit setup code to add them to Apple Home.

Step 05: 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.

Get HOOBS all in one for $241.99

How to add Tuya devices to Apple HomeKit using Raspberry Pi

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.

Get Raspberry Pi for $148.94

Step 01: Download and install the newest version of Raspberry Pi Image

Step 02: Open the Raspberry Pi Imager Application

Step 03: Click choose OS

Step 04: Scroll down and select the “other specific purpose OS” category

Step 05: Select Homebridge, then choose the latest Homebridge image

Step 6: Click Choose Storage and select your SD card

Step 7: 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

Step 01:  Power on your device (without an Ethernet cable attached)

Step 02: Scan for a new Wi-Fi network (Use your mobile phone)

Step 03: Connect to the hotspot named Homebridge WiFi Setup

Step 04: 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.

Step 01: Log in to your router

Step 02: find the “connected devices” or “dhcp client’ page:

You can use your iPhone to access http://homebridge.local (Note: once you login homebridge using the default username and password find the IP address under System Information)

Step 03: Then, you need to download the Fing app for iOS or Android to scan your network

Step 04: Once finished booting the IP address will be displayed on the attached screen, if you plug a monitor into your Raspberry Pi

4. Connect to HomeKit

Step 01: Open the Home app on your Apple device

Step 02: Tap the Home tab and plus (+)

Step 03: Tap Add Accessory, then scan the QR code

If you add accessories for the first time, you may get a message saying Additional Setup is required. So then, when you add a plugin, it appears in the Home App without any permission.

Easy ways to integrate your Tuya device with Apple HomeKit

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

Step 1: Go back to the Tuya IoT Platform page, and now go to the created cloud development project (Cloud, Development, Create Cloud Project).

Step 2: After then, you have to fill in the details and click create button

Link account

Step 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.

Step 2: Before linking your account, again go to the Cloud Development, and then Devices in Tuya IoT platform.

Step 3: Next, Select the Link Tuya App Account tab, and then you want to click Add App Account button on the right.

Step 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. Now you can scan the code.

Step 5: 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

Step 1: Go to devices in the IoT platform from the Development screen and select the created device

Step 2: Next you want to copy the device ID, and select the correct data center from the drop-down

Get device permission

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

Step 1: Go to the My Services from the cloud menu and then click it.

Step 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

Step 1: Now, got to the Cloud and then API explorer

Step 2: After then, go to Smart Home Management System, and go under device management, you can scroll down to get device details

Step 3: Now, Copy and Paste the device ID and submit the request, after all, you can see your local key.

Step 4: Copy your local key along with the device ID for entering into our HomeBridge

Configuring the Tuya device

Step 1: Back to HomeBridge and select device type

Step 2: Give a name to your device, and then give Tuya ID

Step 3: Copy and paste the Tuya key into the local key

Step 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,

Step 5: Restart the HomeBridge and allow it to load all of its plugins

Step 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 Tuya devices with HomeKit. 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 HomeKit. Configuration is different from the first way.

How to configure the Tuya development plugin - Steps

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

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).

Step 3: To get other information, you can go to iOT.Tuya.com. And now you want to go to the cloud development tab

Step 4: Then, create a new project (fill and create), And authorize to follow API services device log and notification,

Step 5: Next, You want to go to the Devices tab, and then link Tuya app account as in previous methods.

Step 4: 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

Step 5: Now, you can see the devices that you have installed. Then, you can go to overview.

Step 6: We need the access id for this plugin, so, you want to go to IoT Tuya Platform and go to the overview

Step 7: Then you can see the Activation key, copy this key, and paste it here.

Step 8: Select the platform as Tuya smart. And click on save. Once it is saved, you want to click on restart bridge

Step 9: 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.

If you're more into Ring Devices myQ Devices and Sonoff you can also find How to add Ring Devices with Apple HomeKit and How to add Sonoff Devices with Apple HomeKit articles here.

Where to buy the best Tuya smart home products?

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

You may get the Zigbee RGBW LED Driver for LED Strip Lights from Amazon for $69. Click the image below.

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

You may get the Smart Motion Sensor from Amazon for $19.98. Click the image below.

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

You may get the Smart WiFi Temperature Humidity Monitor from Amazon for $24.98. Click the image below.

5. Tuya Smart Life Security Camera

Features:

• 1080P Full HD with Superior Night Vision & Every Angle Covered
• 2 Way Audio & 2 Way storage
• Motion Tracking & Push Alert

You may get the Tuya Smart Life Security Camera from Amazon for $35.99. Click the image below.

06. 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

Apart from that, you wish to know how to add myQ devices to Apple HomeKit , you can find more about myQ HomeKit.

FAQs about Tuya HomeKit

01. Does Tuya Natively Support HomeKit?

We all know Tuya doesn’t support HomKit natively. Tuya is a third-party manufacturer. So, it is hard to get approval for the “works with HomeKit” label because of the specific set of guidelines of Apple. But we can expect “Works with HomeKit” label in the future.

02. What is local Tuya?

You can handle Tuya devices locally without an internet connection. Home Assistant can handle devices based on Tuya locally through a custom integration. By using push updates rather than polling, this custom integration updates device status more quickly.

03. Can Tuya work with HomeKit?

This app is not compatible with Apple HomeKit. You can download Tuya Smart App on your iPhone or iPad, then control the device via Tuya Smart App.

04. How do I set up local Tuya in my Home Assistant?

You do not need a HOOBS hub or HomeBridge to add and configure Tuya to your home assistant. You can add it directly from Configurations->Integrations->Add Integration->Tuya.

05. What can you do with Tuya HomeKit integration?

• Tuya offers a variety of networking hardware modules, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and ZigBee modules, which are now available to you with Homekit.
• With Tuya integrated with Homekit, you gain significant cloud advantages. This company offers a huge, highly encrypted cloud service that is incredibly fast. It can also be accessed from over 200 countries around the world.
• Tuya, when integrated with your Homekit, can potentially bring out the app developer within you. Tuya allows you to create an application for yourself without any coding skills required.
• Tuya can be integrated with Homekit to cover all the necessary categories of smart home appliances including lighting, electrical equipment, security products, primary, and even small appliances.

06. Does Tuya use Zigbee?

Yes. Tuya Smart devices use Wi-Fi as well as Zigbee. So, you can buy not only Tuya WiFi products but also ZigBee 3.0 smart products. They are compatible with the ZigBee gateway hub. Do remember, you can customize your systems as you wish. It is depending on your individual needs and security requirements. Also, you can use Tuya Zigbee Apple HomeKit devices using Tuya Homebridge.

07. Can you connect smart life to HomeKit?

You can control Smart Life devices on Apple’s HomeKit using open-source software. And you can add Homebridge to HomeKit via the Home app on iOS. Get ready for automation on your Tuya smart life apple Homekit.  

08. Is Tuya and smart life the same?

Yes. Both Tuya Smart App and Smart Life App are official Tuya App. But there is only one difference between these two apps. Tuya Smart App uses the Tuya logo and elements, But the Smart Life App doesn’t use the Tuya logo and elements.

09. How do I connect to Tuya Smart?

All you need is HOOBS hub or any third-party software or simple hardware solution to connect your Tuya Smart to HomeKit.

10. Is Tuya Smart safe?

Yes. You can trust the Tuya Smart as it is one of the most secure smart home systems  (Strict adherence to Data privacy rules and regulations and a highly encrypted user interface).

11. How do I add Tuya to Home Assistant?

You can add Tuya to Home Assistant simple as one, two , three. Go to the Configurations->Integrations->Add Integration->Tuya

12. Does Smartlife work with HomeKit?
The answer is yes. You can control your Smart Life smart products with your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.