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. Athom ZigBee HomeKit Bridge [Recommended Device Solution]
  3. HOOBS
  4. HomeBridge
  5. Zemismart ZigBee Hub

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?

  • A user-friendly tool to effortlessly connect ZigBee to Apple HomeKit
  • Overcomes the limitations of the Homebridge solution
  • Provides detailed step-by-step guides
  • Ensures a straightforward installation experience
  • Solutions for various ecosystems and operating systems
  • Offers a premium service that requires a one-time investment
  • Can control Zigbee devices using Siri voice commands and the Apple Home app
  • 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.

The ATHOM HomeKit Homebridge Hub is an ideal choice:

  • Budget-Friendly
  • Straightforward
  • Plug-and-Play
  • Unlimited Homebridge plugins
  • Tiny design
PURCHASE NOW
Note: Please note that it may take 2 to 4 weeks for delivery as your ATOM Hub ships from China. Additionally, you have 24 hours from the time of your initial purchase to request a refund for your purchase.

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.

  • Compact device
  • Dedicated smart home bridge
  • Seamless connectivity for over 2,000 accessories
  • 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 HomeKit Bridge

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

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

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 HomeKit 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 Apple 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 HomeKit:

  • 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:

Step 01: Install HomeBridge on your Mac or PC.

Step 02: Install the ZigBee plugin for HomeBridge.

Step 03: Edit the configuration file and add the following lines:


  "platforms": [   
  {     
  "platform": "zigbee2mqtt",     
  "name": "Zigbee2MQTT",     
  "port": 1883,     
  "base_topic": "zigbee2mqtt",     
  "serial": "/dev/ttyUSB0",     
  "discovery": true   
  } ]

Step 4: Save the configuration file and restart HomeBridge.

Step 5: Put your ZigBee devices into pairing mode.

Step 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.

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:

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.

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