The smart way to bring HomeKit support to everything from Nest to Sonos
Apple HomeKit is an excellent platform for voice control and automation, but it has limitations in hardware support. Key brands like Nest, Ring, and Sonos either have no or limited compatibility, and others like Arlo fall short.
This is where Homebridge comes in.
Homebridge is a lightweight NodeJS server that emulates the iOS HomeKit API, allowing unsupported devices to appear in the Home app. It’s open-source and not affiliated with Apple, so be aware that you’re using it at your own risk.
It can be a touch fiddly to install and run, but this guide will walk you through the process, from installation to configuring devices and getting your smart home integrated with HomeKit.
n, but here we’ll take you through the initial installation. We’ll show you how to configure the system and how to add devices and get you up and running.
Which computer can I run Homebridge on?
Homebridge runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Raspberry Pi. The computer needs to be on 24/7, so a low-power Raspberry Pi is often the best choice.
Alternatively, you can install Homebridge on a desktop machine if you’re testing or don’t have a Pi.
For a Raspberry Pi, refer to the official Homebridge Raspberry Pi installation guide for the initial setup, then head to the Homebridge GitHub page for installation instructions.
For other systems (Windows/macOS/Linux), you’ll need the latest version of Node.js, which you can download here.
After installing Node.js, update both Node.js and NPM package manager, especially on Raspberry Pi, as it often runs an outdated version by default.
Update your Raspberry Pi with the following commands:
sudo apt update sudo apt full-upgrade
Next, we need to tell the Pi to get the latest version of Node.js, which we do by adding the current repository with this command:
curl -sL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_18.x | sudo -E bash -
sudo apt install -y nodejs npm
Installing Homebridge
Once you’ve got Node.js and NPM installed, use these commands to install Homebridge:
sudo npm install -g --unsafe-perm homebridge
For the config UI (web interface), run:
sudo npm install -g --unsafe-perm homebridge-config-ui-x
Next, install Homebridge as a service so it starts automatically:
sudo hb-service install --user homebridge
After installation, Homebridge will display a QR code for adding it to HomeKit and provide the IP address for accessing the web interface (usually something like http://192.168.0.61:8581). The default username/password for the interface is normally admin/admin.
Make sure to give your Homebridge computer a static IP address via your router’s DHCP reservation settings to avoid network issues.
When you log in, you’ll see all of the information about your server, including the QR code to add it to Apple Home.
Configuring Homebridge
When you use the installation method above, Homebridge will install with a default configuration file, so you no longer need to create one. And, using the web interface updates the Config file automatically, so you no longer need to edit it by hand.
Still, it’s handy to know what should be in the file, just in case. What follows is how to manually set up the server, but you can skip down to the Adding Homebridge plugins section below for the easy route. As well as the instructions below, you can find the Config file in the web interface, by clicking Config.
With Brackets, you can create a new file from the File > New menu. Go to Save, and then you need to give the file the right name and put it in the right directory.
For Windows, you need to type the following directory name into the save dialog box:
c:users\.homebridge.
For Mac users, in the save dialog box press Apple+Shift+G, then type:
~/.homebridge.
For both, enter the name of the file as config.json.
With Brackets, your config.json file is always available when you open the application, so for future updates you can select the file, enter the text that you need, and click Save.
You can now start to add the information that you need. First, you need a basic configuration, such as this one:
{
"bridge": {
"name": "Homebridge",
"username": "CC:22:3D:E3:CE:30",
"port": 51826,
"pin": "031-45-154"
},
"description": "My Homebridge server.",
"ports": {
"start": 52100,
"end": 52150,
"comment": "This section is used to control the range of ports that separate accessories should bind to."
}
}
You can change the username and pin, but you must keep the formatting and length the same.
Adding Homebridge plugins
From the web interface, you can manage your Homebridge plugins, which give you control over devices that don’t normally have Homebridge support.
To add a new plugin, click Plugins and search for the one you want. You’ll often get multiple choices, but pick the one that says ‘Verified’ and click the Install link.
You’ll get a pop-up window that shows you the progress of the installation. When a plug-in completes, you’ll get a new window with configuration options. In many cases, as with Ring, all you need to do is log into your account and supported devices are seen.
Once linked, you can click on the Settings button to view options and the Optional Configuration. With Ring, for example, Doorbells can appear as buttons that can trigger events; this probably isn’t very useful, so you can just hide them from view.
Some plugins are more complicated to configure and require extra steps, such as SmartThings. After installing this plugin, you’ll see a long list of required fields that you need to enter, but very little help.
If you get anything confusing, it’s worth checking the official Homebridge website for Plugin installation instructions: search for the Plugin you want and then read the instructions.
SmartThings, for example, requires some work to be done in SmartThings itself, as the Homebridge SmartThings installation instructions explain.
In this case, ignore the instructions on using the SmartThings Classic app (this has been discontinued), but use the new SmartThings app, and you’ll find the Homebridge app under Smart Apps: you need to select which devices will be available to HomeKit by following the on-screen instructions, and you’ll find the details you need to configure the Plugin under the Render the platform data option.
Verdict: Aeotec SmartThings Hub review
This gives you a configuration file that you can copy and paste into the Homebridge configuration file. However, you can just copy and paste the information out of this file straight into the fields on the Plugins page in the Homebridge web interface.
You can continue to add plug-ins in the same way, building up all of your connected devices.
Adding Homebridge to your phone
With your configuration working, open up the Home app on your iOS device. Then select ‘+’ and select Add accessory. Tap Don’t have a Code or Can’t Scan, then select your Homebridge computer on the next page.
You’ll be told that this is an Uncertified Accessory, but select Add Anyway. Manually enter the HomeKit setup code (the main PIN in your configuration file). Now, your Homebridge devices will be found and added to Home, but don’t be surprised if there are more than you think.
For example, with Nest Thermostats, you get a switch that turns Eco mode on or off, the main thermostat control, and a switch that sets if you’re at home or not.
All of the devices you add will appear while your Homebridge server is running.
Once your devices are in HomeKit, they’ll appear by default in the room where you added the hub. You can move devices into any room and control them just like any other HomeKit device.
You can also use them in HomeKit Automations and Scenes, mixing and matching with native HomeKit devices.
Homebridge HomeKit FAQs
Yes, Homebridge can run on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Raspberry Pi. However, Raspberry Pi is recommended due to its low power consumption and ability to run continuously.
No, thanks to the Homebridge web interface (Homebridge Config UI X), managing plugins and configuring devices is user-friendly and doesn’t require programming skills. However, some manual setup may be needed for advanced configurations
Yes, Homebridge is safe to use as long as you stick to verified plugins. Always update Homebridge and its plugins to the latest versions to ensure security and stability.
There are over 2,000 Homebridge plugins supporting thousands of different smart accessories from the likes of Hue, Sonos, Ring, Nest, TP-Link and more.
Yes, Homebridge is completely free to use. It’s open-source software, which means it’s developed and maintained by a community of contributors. You can download and install it at no cost, but keep in mind that while the software itself is free, you might incur costs for the hardware (such as a Raspberry Pi) and any accessories or devices you want to integrate with HomeKit
