5 ways to use ZigBee Devices with Apple HomeKit

5 ways to use ZigBee Devices with Apple HomeKit

Do you want to show up your ZigBee smart devices in Apple Home App? Or want to control them using Siri? Yes! It’s possible. Let’s look at 4 ways to add your ZigBee devices to HomeKit.

How to connect ZigBee with HomeKit

Are you thinking of create amazing home automation systems by combining HomeKit with Zigbee? There’re 4 awesome ways to do so.

  1. Enomek [Recommended App Solution]
  2. Zemismart ZigBee Hub [Recommended Device Solution]
  3. HOOBS
  4. HomeBridge

In general, HomeKit and Zigbee are incompatible technologies. There is no official way to do so. But, you can integrate HomeKit and Zigbee in several ways.

Here are some possible ways and the best way to add your ZigBee products to your Apple HomeKit.

Enomek [Recommended App Solution]

Enomek offers a convenient solution for Apple users who want to integrate their ZigBee device with Apple HomeKit. This seamless integration allows users to control their Zigbee devices using Siri voice commands or Apple Home App.

With just a few taps, you can start enjoying the convenience and control of HomeKit. Download Enomek – HomeKit enabler via the button below and enjoy the ZigBee HomeKit integration.

Step guide for Enomek App Installation

Why Choose Enomek?

  1. A user-friendly tool to effortlessly connect ZigBee to Apple HomeKit.
  2. Overcomes the limitations of the Homebridge solution.
  3. Ensures a straightforward installation experience.
  4. Solutions for various ecosystems and operating systems.
  5. Offers a premium service that requires a one-time investment.
  6. Can control Zigbee devices using Siri voice commands and the Apple Home app.
  7. HomeKit Notifications for Zigbee devices

Athom ZigBee HomeKit Bridge [Recommended Device Solution]

The ATHOM HomeKit Homebridge Hub offers an excellent solution for integrating ZigBee devices into Apple HomeKit. This hub comes pre-flashed with a specially compiled server. It stands out as a cost-effective affordable way to add ZigBee devices to HomeKit.

Why choose Athom Bridge?

  1. Budget-Friendly
  2. Straightforward
  3. Plug-and-Play
  4. Unlimited Homebridge plugins
  5. Tiny design

HOOB Solution

HOOBS is a “Homebridge out of the box and offers a user-friendly option for those looking for a hassle-free smart home bridging solution. It provides a seamless experience and makes it easier for users to set up their smart home ecosystem.

  1. Compact device
  2. Dedicated smart home bridge
  3. Seamless connectivity for over 2,000 accessories
  4. Supports integration with any of these platforms (Google Home, Amazon Alexa, or Apple HomeKit)

GET HOOBS NOW

PRE-ORDER HOOBS PRO

Homebridge Solution

HomeBridge is a software solution that allows you to connect non-HomeKit devices to HomeKit. It is a server built on Node.js. Also, it allows you to connect unsupported smart devices to HomeKit seamlessly.  

Check out How to add ZigBee devices to HomeKit using Homebridge

Zemismart ZigBee Home Kit Bridge

The Zemismart ZigBee HomeKit Bridge is a versatile hub. It allows you to control Tuya ZigBee devices in the Home app. This ZigBee Home Kit hub utilizes Zigbee 3.0 technology to communicate with its sub-devices, similar to popular brands like Aqara and Philips Hue. This Zigbee HomeKit Gateway connects to your network using an included Ethernet port for seamless integration.

  1. Supports Tuya standards ZigBee devices.
  2. Can control using Apple Home App and Tuya App.
  3. Easily control the curtain, light, sensor, and switch in HomeKit.

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You can add any smart home devices to Apple HomeKit using the above methods. If you want to getting to know more about ZigBee Apple Home, you can dig further.

What can you do with ZigBee HomeKit integration?

With Zigbee Apple integration, you have the convenience of controlling your Zigbee devices directly from the Home app on your Apple device and Siri voice control.

  • Control at your fingertips: Easily turn on or off lights, switches, and compatible devices with just a tap on your Home App.
  • Effortless scene setup: Set up scenes to control multiple devices simultaneously. For example, you can create a "Movie Night" scene that dims the lights, closes the blinds, and turns on the TV with Siri command.
  • Automated convenience: Create custom automation based on specific events or conditions.
  • Voice-controlled simplicity: Use Siri to control your Zigbee devices through voice commands.

Majority of Zigbee smart home devices don’t work with Apple HomeKit. But some ZigBee devices like Philips Hue Lights work with HomeKit.

Keep the following points in mind when adding ZigBee devices to HomeKit:

  • Check their HomeKit compatibility before making a purchase. (Ensure that ZigBee products can connect seamlessly with your Apple ecosystem)
  • ZigBee devices may require different firmware updates to work with HomeKit. (It is essential to check for any required firmware updates for your ZigBee devices and promptly install them as necessary)
  • ZigBee devices may not be as responsive as Wi-Fi devices. This is primarily due to the utilization of a lower-power radio frequency in ZigBee technology.

Some of the benefits of using ZigBee Siri:

  • More ZigBee devices are available than HomeKit Devices. So, you can choose more variety of options and control them using Apple Home App and Siri
  • More affordable than HomeKit devices
  • Easy to set up and use with Apple HomeKit

You can create a truly smart home with ZigBee HomeKit device. If you want to know how to add any devices to HomeKit, check here.

Add ZigBee devices to HomeKit using Homebridge

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to add ZigBee devices to Apple HomeKit using HomeBridge:

  1. Install HomeBridge on your Mac or PC.
  2. Install the ZigBee plugin for HomeBridge.
  3. Edit the configuration file and add the following lines:
    
      "platforms": [   
      {     
      "platform": "zigbee2mqtt",     
      "name": "Zigbee2MQTT",     
      "port": 1883,     
      "base_topic": "zigbee2mqtt",     
      "serial": "/dev/ttyUSB0",     
      "discovery": true   
      } ] 
  4. Save the configuration file and restart HomeBridge.
  5. Put your ZigBee devices into pairing mode.
  6. HomeBridge will automatically discover your ZigBee devices. You can now control your ZigBee devices from the Apple Home app.

Congratulations! Your ZigBee devices are now successfully added to Apple HomeKit through the HomeBridge integration. You can control and manage them using the Home app, Siri, or any other HomeKit-compatible devices within your smart home ecosystem.

ZigBee HomeBridge Plugins

There are several popular Homebridge plugins available for integrating Zigbee devices into HomeKit. These plugins provide many ways to interact with and control Zigbee devices, including:

Homebridge ZigBee2MQTT

You can connect your Homebridge server to a Zigbee2MQTT adapter with the Homebridge-Zigbee2MQTT plugin. An MQTT broker can be used to control Zigbee devices thanks to the Zigbee2MQTT open-source project.

Homebridge-Hue

The Homebridge-Hue plugin is designed to seamlessly connect your Philips Hue bridge to your Homebridge server. Philips Hue is a popular Zigbee lighting system renowned for its extensive range of compatible devices.

Homebridge-deCONZ

You can connect a deCONZ gateway to your Homebridge server using the Homebridge-deCONZ plugin. DeCONZ is an open source project that gives you access to a web interface to control Zigbee gadgets. If you are looking for an MQTT broker replacement, this plugin is a fantastic option.

Click here to know about How to add any ecobee devices to Apple HomeKit.

ZigBee devices that work with Apple HomeKit

  • Bulbs from Philips Hue: Philips Hue is a well-known ZigBee lighting system that offers different bulbs with different lighting effects like dimming, colour changing and scheduling.
  • IKEA TRÅDFRI Bulbs: IKEA TRÅDFRI is an affordable ZigBee lighting system that offers bulbs like Philips Hue. They provide a cost-effective option for integrating smart lighting into your HomeKit setup.
  • Logitech Pop Button: The Logitech Pop Button is a compact wireless button designed for controlling HomeKit devices. With this button, you can easily control lights, adjust volume, or trigger specific scenes.
  • Aqara Motion Sensor: is a motion sensor that supports ZigBee and can trigger HomeKit automation. When motion is detected, for example, lighting can be turned on automatically.
  • Sonoff ZigBee Smart Plug: You can control any connected device using Sonoff ZigBee Smart Plug. Thanks to HomeKit connectivity you can use voice commands to operate lights, fans, and other plugged-in appliances. Here are some specific examples of Zigbee devices that you can use with HomeKit.
  • Aqara X Opple Zigbee 3.0 - Aqara x OPPLE ZigBee 3.0 HomeKit Version Wireless Smart Switch Work With HomeKit From Eco-system. Aqara ZigBee Alexa has features such as no wiring required, Support APP Homekit, Small and portable, Magnetic design, and more.
  • IKEA Dirigera Hub: Dirigera Hub Zigbee is IKEA's new Matter ready hub for Zigbee users. Dirigera Zigbee is easy to set up and use. Also, Matter support coming in a couple of months through a software update. You can use it as ZigBee Tread Matter device.
  • SILVERCREST® Gateway Zigbee Smart Home Apple HomeKit - It is for smart home lamps, motion detectors, adapter plugs and much more. Silvercrest Smart Home HomeKit integration is a more powerful integration.

If you're interested in the Matter devices, you can find out how to add any ZigBee Matter Device to any Smart Home Ecosystem.

ZigBee HomeKit Gateways

There're many Zigbee HomeKit Gateways available on the market now. We have listed a few HomeKit Gateways that you can control your ZigBee devices with Apple homeKit.

HomeKit ZigBee Hub Gateway

Senckit HomeKit ZigBee Hub Gateway is a double purpose gateway. It can be used as a ZigBee Hub to connect with Tuya/Smart Life app or also as a ZigBee HomeKit Hub. it comes with some awesome features such as App Remote Control, Create a Smart Scene, Sharing and Grouping, Easy to set up, and more.

Moes Smart ZigBee Hub

Moes Zigbee Hub works with Apple HomeKit. You can control this Moes ZigBee HomeKit Hub using the Apple Home App and Siri voice control. Not only Apple HomeKit support, but it's also compatible with Alexa and Google Home.

Tuya HomeKit ZigBee Gateway

Tuya HomeKit ZigBee Gateway is one of the best HomeKit bridges that is compatible with Apple Home, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa. It is made of high quality abs plastic and stainless steel.

Tuya Zigbee 3.0 Gateway

Tuya Zigbee 3.0 Gateway supports Tuya, Smart Life, and Home App. It can connect up to 128 devices. With this, you can control a wide range of Zigbee devices like ZigBee Sensor, Water Sensor, Temperature and Humidity Sensor, Smart Plugs and etc.

ZigBee Apple TV

Apple TV has the ability to work as an Apple HomeKit Hub. So, it lets iPhone or iPad users control their smart devices which use Zigbee or Z-Wave.   Apple TV can be used to control home light,  ambient light, Smart cameras, or doorbells, as it has a mesh networking processor that Helps with this feature.

Conclusion

As mentioned above, you can use your Zigbee devices with HomeKit using simple third-party solutions. The best method for integrating ZigBee devices to HomeKit depends on your needs and preferences.

The Athom Bridge is a great choice if you're looking for something simple and reasonably priced. If you are looking for a more flexible and user-friendly application solution, then Enomek might be a better option.

FAQs about ZigBee Home Kit integration

1 Can I use homepod mini as the zigbee gateway?

You cannot use Apple HomePod ZigBee as the ZigBee Gateway. You'll nee IKEA Gateway or third-party bridge solution for that.

2 What is Aqara x Opple Zigbee 3 Light Switch?

This Aqara Opple ZigBee 3 smart switch works with HomeKit, Mi Home, and Aqara. It is a great choice of button configurations and the best removable switch for remote functionality. Also, it works with Any Aqara hub via Aqara app.

3 Which Zigbee hub works with HomeKit?

Aqara Hub M2 is the best Zigbee Hub for HomeKit.

4 Can I use Homepod Mini as the ZigBee Gateway?

The short answer is no. You cannot use the HomePod Mini as a ZigBee Hub. Therefore, HomePod Mini Zigbee Hub integration is not possible. But, you can use a different Zigbee hub.

5 Does Zigbee work with Aqara hub?

Yes. Aqara Hubs uses ZigBee protocol to communicate locally. So, you can use Hub Aqara Zigbee 3.0 and other Aqara Hubs with ZigBee.

6 What is Zemismart ZigBee Hub?

Hub Zigbee Tuya Zemismart is one of the best HomeKit Hubs. It can control Tuya Zigbee device in the Apple Home APP. It allows Siri to control via the Apple Home App. And also, it allows Alexa / Google Home Control via Tuya APP

7 Can Raspberry Pi use Zigbee?

No, it uses Wi-Fi. You can plug in the Zigbee or Z-Wave USB stick using the home automation software and can create Raspberry Pi Zigbee HomeKit. Does Sonoff Zigbee Bridge work with HomeKit? No. But you can create Sonoff Zigbee Bridge HomeKit integration with Enomek.

8 Does Sonoff Zigbee Bridge work with HomeKit?

No. But you can create Sonoff Zigbee Bridge HomeKit integration with Enomek.