3 Reasons to Use HomeBridge with HomeKit + How to setup HomeBridge on a Synology NAS

[@ShaneCreates]

Let’s connect! ✅ INSTA - instagram.com/shanecreates ✅ TWITTER - twitter.com/shanecreates ✅ Website - shanewhatley.com

[@ReyG_HKSH]

Great video Shane, thanks for recommending my Raspberry Pi HomeBridge video in the description, much appreciated!

[@alexnathan1203]

Yes newbie here thinking of setting up HomeKit thank you for your valuable info

[@timothypaul4956]

How cool Shane - I didn't even know I could load HomeBridge on my Synology NAS. Got it installed and now can use my alarm sensors for other automations - this is great !!!! I should add - you saved me a ton of money because I was going to scrap my current alarm and look for one that was HomeKit ready like the abode...

[@ShaneCreates]

Hey that's great Timothy! I'm all about saving some money! Glad this was helpful.

[@malromeo]

Where have you been all my life! Great videos to guide me to a better smart home.

[@TimDowell]

Shane, thanks to your video, I just set up homebridge on my Synology. I plan on using it with our new Roomba and with timed switches. Thank for your great content!

[@ShaneCreates]

That's awesome! Thanks for watching Tim!

[@EmilEngelmanIII]

Thanks for the Tip!! I did not know you could install Homebridge on sysnology. I was going to buy a PI, but thanks to you I save myself some money!!

[@ShaneCreates]

Glad I could help! Thanks for watching!

[@scottbogner6208]

Thanks!! Starting to explore home bridge for my house and HomeKit!! Just the channel I was looking for!

[@ShaneCreates]

Glad to have you!

[@klemsaba]

Great video! I paid for, downloaded and installed HOOBS on my RasberryPi. I actually find Homebridge easier to use than HOOBS. Dummy switches are awesome for automations! I also use Homebridge for running my Harmony Remote Hub and connecting my TPLINK KASA switches.

[@steverae68]

Yeah native HB all the way - Hoobs is nice for beginners, we all have to start somewhere right :)

[@ShaneCreates]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing!

[@TimWat12345]

Thank you for this video! You just gave me the confidence to try Homebridge! I was going to buy the HOOBS, but I'll give this a try first! I love that you walked through an actual install!

[@GYATEZ]

Shane, you have arrived with this channel, I'm so impressed how you've figured it out and grown it. You have engaging content that keeps me interested, you link to other videos to get other viewers, you have sponsors, and links that support your channel. I'm inspired, keep it going I could see 100k+ subs.

[@ShaneCreates]

You are too kind. Thank you for the support! 🙏🏻

[@jamess-jr]

Getting ready to jump in. Now to decide if I want to install on my Synology NAS or my PC.

[@dennisTHEmenac3]

I had no idea there was a software package to run homebridge on a synology nas!! I can finally free up my pi for other projects. I was also inspired by a previous video of yours to finally make the jump to Plex to host my movies. Ended up buying a syn nas as well. I hate using this word but, the synergy is amazing. Anytime you can consolidate resources and continue to build upon is always a win. As always, thanks for your work

[@ShaneCreates]

Agreed! Glad you are in joying the Synology. It’s been great for a number of things for me. And now it can run homebridge...another win! Thanks for watching!

[@julienvallette8071]

Hi Shane ! Thanx for this new video which is perfect for people who are still wondering if Homebrige might bring something for them. Regarding me, I’ve installed homebridge because (among other things) I wanted to enable/unable things based on the type of the day (workday, vacation, holiday). For that, I’m using Calendar, Hue and ZP (for Sonos) : - Calendar : check my special iCloud Calendar created specially for this need that I’ve called « Family Planning » and shows events as doors sensors (open/close) - Hue : expose my Hue routines (schedules for wake up and go to sleep) as switches - ZP (ZonePlayer for Sonos) : expose my wake up alarm in my master bedroom with music as a switch also For configuration of the Calendar plugin, you have to name the sensors based on the name of the events you’ll create in your iCloud calendar (ex for me : Julien Vacation, Florence Vacation, Girls Vacation, Absent for vacation and Holiday). Thanx to all that I can now use automation to (for example with my girls) : - when the door sensor « Girls Vacation » triggers then - turn off girls « wake up » hue scenes - turn off girls « go to bed for school » scenes - turn on girls « go to bed during vacation » scene It’s the same thing for my wife and I with a little difference. Since we don’t always have vacation exactly at the same time, when one of us is on vacation, lights and music scenarios are off (so the one not working won’t be awake by lights or music). So, just by keeping my « Family Planning » calendar up to date, i don’t need to worry about turning on or off lights and music alarm scenarios. Homebridge helps me doing it automatically ! With this trick, I really feel like my house is getting smarter than ever ! Have a great day !

[@ShaneCreates]

Hey thanks for sharing that Julien! That is pretty clever, I really like that. I may have to look into that calendar integration. Great stuff and nice job!

[@julienvallette8071]

@@ShaneCreates If you have any question on the « how to », don’t hesitated. It will be with great pleasure. You’ve taught me so much, it’s the least I can do for you !

[@joecb4401]

Shane, your videos are exceptionally informative and very much appreciated. In fact, watching some of your videos, has driven me to look at a different series of devices and solutions for home automation. Sadly, I've been given a number of devices that aren't HomeKit compatible, so when I watched your HomeBridge video's, I was intrigued. Sadly however, I've had next to zero luck getting it to work with devices I'd view as common such as Blink Cameras and MyQ Garage door openers. Yet, I was able to get my Samsung TV working with some of the basic features. Anyway, keep the great video's coming and I'll keep enjoying them.

[@ShaneCreates]

Hey Joe, thank you for the kind words. I appreciate the support! Good luck with your HomeKit setup!

[@ky314]

MyQ hub natively integrates with HomeKit

[@joecb4401]

@@ky314 yes, I read that however I don’t have the Hub, the garage door opener is the only MyQ supported device I have so for me, it wasn’t worth it. I will say though, the opener with MyQ has been working for nearly a year once I found HomeBridge for my Synology NAS. In fact, I set it up for several friends and we all share access to each others garages. My HomeBridge is supporting MyQ, Ring and one set of plugs, all devices that were given to me and I didn’t want to be rude and turn them away or not use them 😁. If you’re using the Hub, can you share what other benefits there are, please?

[@ky314]

@@joecb4401 I have a problem with HomeKit taking actions based on MyQ garage door opening. It doesn’t fire! I have a HOOBs on the way, so I’m hoping that using Homebridge for MyQ will be more reliable than with their HomeKit hub.

[@joecb4401]

@@ky314 gotcha! I am all over the map with my Smart Home devices, so I fully understand. I am using Aqara door sensors, Lutron Caseta switches (for my garage lights) and a Eufy Camera inside the garage. I can offer that all but the MyQ, work great directly in Homekit. I can also share that my Automation (lights on), works perfectly, whether I open the big garage door or the entry from the house to the Garage. My initial issues with HomeBridge, had more to do with the system I installed it on, I fully believe. I was running it - or trying to - on an SBC (Rock64) and I don't think the ported version ever really worked well. As soon as I installed HomeBridge inside of a Docker Container on my NAS, it was perfect for everything I needed. Now, there is a standalone package for HomeBride on Synology so I no longer need to run it in a Container either. I will share though, it doesn't work for everything. My Blink Camera's, while functional with HomeBridge, don't really offer much in the way functionality, they merely offer screenshots and even those aren't great. Best of luck, I hope that HooBs helps you out.

[@howardyermish]

Sadly my Synology isn't one where I could run Homebridge, so I opted for HOOBS which has been rock solid. I'm also a fan of the Dummy switches for automation. You can get pretty complicated with those switches if you need it. Homebridge was definitely a way to get my ceiling fan and track lighting in my office into HomeKit, as well as control of a portable air conditioner through Sensibo.

[@ShaneCreates]

Nice! It’s great to be able to integrate stuff we may have already invested in. Too bad you couldn’t use your synology, but hoobs is great too!

[@JonnyGee95]

I'm the same, it's annoying that the DS418Play can't run it

[@msglp]

Shane, you’ve done it again! Great, concise video. Thanks buddy!

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching Michael!

[@enriquelinares9218]

homebridge is SO useful, idk what i would do without it. hahaha

[@vskal]

I have Homebridge on a QNAP NAS container. I have managed to intergrate various accessories in a single platform (Yeelights, Mi Lights, Shellies, Roborock, LG TV's and an Aqara Hub). All works fine ! It did take quite a lot of reading, especially with MQTT but the overall experience is satisfying. A good way to spend lockdown hours.

[@ShaneCreates]

That's awesome!

[@kimyip4833]

I have Ring cameras setup In HomeKit via Homebridge. I can view live and setup automations but when I receive notifications it’s only text, there is no picture thumbnails? My Eufy cameras in HomeKit all have picture thumbnail notifications, is there a setting or anything I’m doing incorrect? Hoping you can help!

[@Gordidon]

I am using Homebridge for my Roomba and have two virtual switches for the going out and back home automation.

[@randalldesignd9857]

well I am now! very interesting.. I love Sonos, so I can't wait to see how I can automate. thanks mang!

[@cheapme1850]

I have MyQ for my garage door opener and Ring security, neither of which are directly compatible with HomeKit. MyQ requires a separate proprietary hub that runs about $70, to run it with HomeKit so going the Raspberry Pi route with Homebridge was basically a no brained. It was fun and easy to put the kit together, installing the software was very straight for and easy to set up. So far I’ve had absolutely no problems and an very satisfied I went this route.

[@ShaneCreates]

Nice! Thanks for sharing. I used the MyQ plugin for a while also. Worked great and saved form having to get that extra hub too.

[@ckpendleton]

Used Homebridge to integrate, Nest Thermostats, Ring Doorbell and Cameras, a Nest Camera, Harmony Hub, Hue compatible light switches (Lutron Caseta), and my ADT alarm system... They all work with HomeKit now. Worth the learning curve to get them going - not too steep. A little patience and Reddit go a long way. [Edit] P.S. Using Raspberry Pi 4 to run HB

[@ShaneCreates]

Very nice setup! Thanks for sharing! I especially like how yo integrated your ADT alarm system. Very cool!

[@Silverwing_99]

Outstanding, liked & subscribed

[@davidstaller8247]

I have homebridge running on my iMac, I got my nest cameras to work, very easy install. But cannot get nest thermostat to work. Can you point to a step by step site to configure this?

[@TechTechMoreTech]

Great explanation Shane!

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Karlo!

[@gogorichie]

Another great video!! I just moved over to IOS from android where I was running Samsung smartthings HomeBridge has been awesome to bridge my existing smartthings setup and the Homekit world

[@ShaneCreates]

Very cool! Welcome to team Apple! Thanks for watching!

[@WheelsMG]

I got Homebridge in a search to make our MyQ Garage doors easier to operate than their own APP (which is slow.) Now we use "When I arrive Home" to open my side garage door!

[@futurepaver2039]

Thanks for the video. I personally use HASS's HomeKit integration. This is mainly used for my TP Link Kasa plugs, Feit Electric bulbs that work with Tuya's Smart Life platform, and my Broadlink IR accessories (alternative to Logitech Harmony). Funny thing is Feit Electric sells HomeKit only bulbs, but we used to use Alexa as our primary assistant

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching! I've thought about trying out a Broadlink IR hub in homebridge but I really don't use many IR devices. I think a lot of people do though.

[@waylinnelson]

Thanks for this video!

[@aaronharvey6406]

I’m moving to using Homebridge with my Ring and Insteon devices. I didn’t know you can install it on a NAS. i so happen to have a Synology NAS. Thanks.

[@killerlion6]

Definitely! Thanks for sharing this info. Now I don't have to struggle choosing (from nothing) automatic window blinds. Hopefully there are some non-homekit ones available where I live

[@inelonwetrust9169]

Great video, very helpful

[@rexhua4833]

Great recommendation with instructions. Nice!

[@ShaneCreates]

Thank you!

[@gswhite]

Brilliant video. Really enjoyed your content. Let’s hope that ‘Matter’ gets released soon then we will have an industry standard way of communicating with IoT devices irrespective of eco system.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Gary! Let's hope so! 🤞

[@micklewis3197]

I'm thinking HomeBridge with an 8 POE camera /NVR. Not seeing any NVRs with HomeKit out there. Thanks for the Vid!

[@pcr442]

Hey Shane. I installed Homebridge on my Synology NAS so I could get these cheap "Works with Siri" WIZ bulbs going with Home Kit. WOW! It works. Not only that, I got my gen 2 NEST thermostats working as well. So far so good. I'll say Homebridge isn't for the faint of heart, but with a little courage and I suppose my minor in computer programming from the early 90's, I was able to do it. Hopefully it will be set it and forget it for a while. Thank you for the video and thanks for saving me some cash. Nicely done. Keep up the great work.

[@ShaneCreates]

That's great! I'm glad the video was helpful and thanks for the kind words. Yes, Homebridge is very much "set it and forget it" for the most part for me. But it's great having it on the NAS to easily log in and make any updates or changes if I ever need to.

[@dennislester9395]

I've had Hoobs for a while. Maybe I didn't set it up right. Lately I've noticed I can't run my Hue lights in HomeKit. I've given up on Insteon, which is why I think I got Hoobs. I tried to re-set my Hoobs terminal but it was more complicated than I had the patients for.

[@techytime6197]

Nice video shane!

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks!

[@RetrobeeJordans]

Thanks for this!

[@chrisrock4768]

Great Video! Thx 🙋🏻‍♂️

[@ShaneCreates]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching!

[@oldNavyJZ]

I'm running it in Docker on my DS2019+. It is soooo freaking awesome. If Apple breaks it, in my case I will just give up on Homekit. Given their track record, I would expect this to be the case since they like to EOL software, features, and compatibility on a whim.

[@smerdonw]

I got Homebridge up and running on a Raspberry Pi 3 to try to get some of the devices which do not support HomeKit. Setup was painless and I got it running in no time. I successfully setup my Blank cameras, however the performance is unusable. I couldn’t setup my Leviton dimmers, which I originally use on Wink and then on Smartthings as they were too old. I could have setup my Smartthings to get them to work, but that is just too many layers. Lastly, I tried but could not find a Homebridge plug-in for my Shark vacuum but, alas none existed.

[@emmgeevideo]

A few times you said “Homebridge or HOOPS” as if they were different things. Correct me if I’m wrong, but HOOPS is an appliance that allows a person to use Homebridge more easily because they don’t have to buy a Raspberry Pi or use a NAS. Either way you’re using Homebridge. Also you said your first choice would be devices that support HomeKit natively, but I think that begs the question of how good Homebridge is at doing the bridging job. Of course the quality of the plugins are the wildcard, but assuming there is a good Homebridge plugin, what’s the difference in practical terms between the two? Is the best Homebridge doorbell, for example, still inferior to using a lesser capable doorbell with native HomeKit?

[@ShaneCreates]

Well, essentially yes they accomplish the same thing and run the same plugins. But I think Hoobs has been doing more to become it's own thing and is actually running it's own software these days. Regarding native homekit vs homebridge accessories, I always opt for native primarily because of security. For example, a doorbell camera via homebridge will still be touching base with the camera manufacturer's servers (not only making is less secure, but possibly slower) whereas a native homekit camera connects and processes locally (and has passes Apple's HomeKit certification)./

[@chrisfb6930]

Definitely going to install HombBridge on the DS. Curious to see how well this works and if it just ends up being a black hole for time, but would like to have some of the devices we have into HomeKit. One I was thinking off is actually a tv that says it supports HomeKit (LG tv) but you can only turn it off, not on. Since I can turn it on with Alexa that works for now, but I’d really like to switch to HomeKit long term so this could be a good way to get that older stuff over. I’ll check out the Roomba example but looking for other examples that you may have done showing the steps. Thanks as always, useful videos!

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Chris! I also have a HomeKit enabled LG tv. It's probably one of the least reliable homekit products I have, just regarding the homekit functionality. I have heard of some people using a homebridge plugin to get better functionality out of the LG, but I haven't tried it yet personally.

[@chrisfb6930]

@@ShaneCreates Yup! Think you are spot on. About a month later and haven’t gotten squat out of the LG, but have made some progress in other areas. BTW, do you know if sharing of HomeKit will allow the sharing of bridges? So, for example, I share my Home with my wife, but she’s not seeing the HomeBridge bridge. Wondered if you had done something similar and what the results were? Thanks!

[@jimmybondy1140]

Hi Sahne ! Find the Mistske on my Synology! Fixes! I added the QCR into my HomeKit. BUT i can t see ist in the room. I find it in BRIDGES wir the notice of no certification. And now? Stay healthy!

[@billsaunders9042]

Hi Shane Any tips to get a smart life fireplace remote to send status and temp data to HomeKit via homebridge? Device is connected and functions but shows “no response” in home even though control does work. I’d also be interested if you have the correct format to alow cameraffmpg to access a video stream from an old Swann nvr480 ip camera? Thanks! Great vids!

[@coletc]

I have a homebridge. I want to get a doorbell. I’m thinking Ring is so much better than any other doorbell that I might buy Ring and use my homebridge. If I go ring/homebridge route, and do not deal with the ring app at all, what feature s am I missing out on? What will be disppointing?

[@myHomeKithome]

I may or may not have a Ring video doorbell that could use some Homebrdge love. I definitely need to look into this... or the logitech circle view video doorbell.

[@ShaneCreates]

Native HK when possible. If not, that’s what homebridge is for! 😉

[@eranieles]

hey, how is it going, quick question. do I need a home hub like an Apple TV or home pod, iPad... to use my accessories and to run the homebridge (of course using a pi or another compatible device)?, or the home bridge will be the hub?, if you can clarify to me, please.

[@TheUnofficialMaker]

do i need a smartthings hub also? Like to hear more about virtual switch too

[@copkid]

Been using Homebridge for a few years. I have my Ring and Wyze cams set up, my Roomba, Samsung TV and MyQ Garage Door opener set up in it.

[@ShaneCreates]

Nice!

[@DennisWarner]

I just set HomeBridge up the int her day. Most of the “smart” stuff I have is Alexa and HomeKit compatible (I planned it that way) I use Home Bridge for my EZVIZ cameras (I’m slowly replacing these with Eufys) I wish they had a plug-in to control the Amazon Smart Oven.

[@Daddysports79]

I’m considering going with EUFY for cameras and their alarm system; has the setup been easy with HomeBridge?

[@ShaneCreates]

Most Eufy cameras support HomeKit natively. No need for HomeBridge with native support.

[@DennisWarner]

@@Daddysports79 homebridge not needed for Eufy and the security system isn’t that great. The cameras are really good though.

[@Daddysports79]

@@DennisWarner awesome, thanks

[@robsontenorio2]

Exported devices from homebridge are available to trigger some initial automations ? Like switch state change?

[@theteenagegardener]

Hi there! I know this is a very late question, but can Homebridge be installed on other NAS devices? We have a QNAP NAS.

[@kylehazachode]

Homebridge brought life back to my Parrot Flower Power soil sensors. Parrot discontinued the sensors and made the app unusable when they took their servers offline. After weeks of trying to get Homebridge plug-ins to work with them, finally got it done. Had to downgrade to High Sierra to get everything working

[@ShaneCreates]

Wow that's awesome!

[@peterbystrom6799]

I use a virtual switch to automate security system when last person leave home and first person comes home. I also use the Ewelink plugin for my SonOff stuff that I bought using Google Home before switching to Homekit.

[@ShaneCreates]

Nice! That's a good idea to use the virtual switch with location to automate the security system. I don't have SonOff but I know many do and will probably appreciate that plugin tip. Thanks for sharing Peter!

[@Josh-od6oc]

I keep getting the message that says cannot connect when using via QuickConnect. Do you know how to let that thru?

[@saugustineosabi]

Which camera do you use outdoors ? I am just not pleased with Eufycam 2 pro night video and the afternoon hit and miss, The Logitech circle view doorbell is great. Aqara G2H indoors is great. I need outdoor security cameras for homekit. Thanks

[@ShaneCreates]

I have Logitech Circle View and EufyCams outdoors. If you are not happy with EufyCam, I'd probably recommend the Circle View. Especially if you are happy with the doorbell. I think the Circle View is a great HK camera for outside that supports HomeKit Secure Video.

[@saugustineosabi]

@@ShaneCreates Thank you so much. Eufycam video in homekit is so short, just a couple of seconds. It is just a flash when you try play the footage. Do you constantly have to go to the Eufy App for video footage or do you have a way to make the video longer? Thanks

[@Homekitgeek]

Great vid as always Shane! I love that you mentioned the potential security and certifications that come along with Homebridge! Totally fine with people doing what they want, but definitely agree they should walk in with open eyes. Unfortunately, I’m also in the camp where my Synology is too old to run Homebridge. Might be time for an upgrade!

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Chris! I knew you’d appreciate that part lol. Definitely true tho. I’ve been loving my Synology. It’s great for so a number of different things.

[@Homekitgeek]

I felt seen with that one. :P. yeah I’ve had a synology for close to ten years and it’s been amazing. Drives have failed and replaced. No data loss (knock on wood) and it’s been updated throughout to increase the value I get from it. One of my fav devices for sure!

[@RyanTSmithAttorney]

Any idea how to get a Schlage Encode connected to HomeKit?

[@Tdog500]

Great video. Any way to get Z-Wave plugins for HomeBridge? I cannot seem to track one down.

[@ShaneCreates]

Some people have used SmartThings with homebridge.

[@pedropaulo7922]

Happy Sunday 🍻

[@ShaneCreates]

Happy Sunday! 🍻

[@elyazamiaziz4725]

Hey dude, Can help me with this frustrating issue. I latest Hoobs box and latest update. I have 30 shelly. I can only turn some of them on and will absolutely can’t turn them off. Help please

[@jimmybondy1140]

Looks nice.. but i not the Message to Install l Node 20 ? Where ? and how ?

[@jasonfarrell5609]

How would you connect Z wave to your Synology NAS? Would I run it connecting back through smartthings?

[@rkingslandjr83]

thanks for this video! I wish I could use homebridge but I don’t own a computer. Strictly iPad and iPhone for internet devices. Hoobs might be my only option?

[@ShaneCreates]

Might be able to still setup homebridge on a Raspberry Pi. Might be more challenging without a computer to use but that would be similar to using Hoobs.

[@lthomas63]

Would this work on a QNAP as well?

[@Soljie1969]

at the spa doesn't work anymore . When i try to install enemy Nas it's saying wrong format . I downloaded the latest spk.

[@jacko1leg]

I have enerj smart touch light switch running in Google home, how can I add this on the HomeKit I have raspberry pi running Homebridge

[@fallout4live918]

Hey Shane! Love your videos. I've tried to research if PoE Cameras (NonWiFi or Bluetooth) can be added to HomeKit? Part of why I ask is that I am ungrading my Home Network to a serious level. Not sure if that is possible so I might need to rethink my whole approach of Tri-Band routers, 60 port switch, 24PoE Connections, etc. Thanks for your help!

[@ShaneCreates]

It can be done through HomeBridge or HOOBS, but not natively. Look into the Camera ffmpeg plugin for HomeBrige.

[@fallout4live918]

@@ShaneCreates Kudos I ordered HOOBS a few days ago. I’m still a noob with Homekit, but was in the custom audio & video field more than a decade ago so I’m playing catch up! Niles, Control4, Nivea, etc. I’ll dive more into HomeBridge watching your vids! Thanks 👍

[@jameshelms5510]

Excellent video! Should I use Hoobs and HomeBridge for my Kwikset Premis? Premis is supposed to work with HomeKit, but I can’t seem to get it to work through the HomePod mini. It only works with Bluetooth.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks James! I doubt homebridge will make your Kwikset work better. Possibly a range issue? Bluetooth devices don't have great range so you must be within bluetooth range of your homekit hub to work reliably.

[@jameshelms5510]

@@ShaneCreates my main concern is getting it to function remotely. It would work through HomeKit and AppleTV but I’m trying to use the HomePod mini now.

[@yagomz99]

Hey Shane, which is the app you showed when you were talking about adding the roomba?

[@ShaneCreates]

That’s the Home+ 5 app

[@camaronruss9476]

Can I use a chromebook to do the raspberry pi?

[@marktgreene]

Trying to manage my Roomba with HomeKit, I bought Hoobs and have spent a couple of hours trying to get it to work. I have failed. So, I’m looking for another alternative. This video makes it sound like HomeBridge is just more of the same. True? Should I just keep struggling with Hoobs? Is there a better alternative?

[@TananBaboo]

I think Hoobs and Homebridge is basically the same thing?

[@marktgreene]

@@TananBaboo Hoobs is hardware with the HomeBridge software built in - I think.

[@ShaneCreates]

They are basically the same thing. They both run the same homebridge plugins.

[@iuvdolachew1]

Hi! Great video! If I’m going to use Xiaomi, Aqara and other brands smart devices for HomeKit (using hoobs of course), do I need Aqara or Xiaomi hub for this or my apple tv can be a hub? Thanks

[@ShaneCreates]

You will still generally still need the hubs.

[@MrDasken]

Hello. Must i have docker installed to install and run homebridge on my Synology?

[@plien2063]

Hi Shane, this is Holland 🇱🇺. I like your video’s! Can I run Homebridge or Home Assisant from a DS120j? If not which one do you recomend? I don’t use much devices yet..😃

[@ShaneCreates]

You can use Homebridge from any Synology that you can run Docker on. Here is a list www.synology.com/en-us/dsm/packages/Docker

[@DanZimmerli]

Great job Shane! I use homebridge on a pi to do a bunch of things. Most recently I set up scripts to automate logging into my MacBook and Mac Mini when I start my work day. I use several plugins but the one that helps me with the login thing is called shell switch and I had to code my own scripts that SSH into the computers and run some commands. Another one I really like is the OnStar plug-in so I can say hey Siri I’m going somewhere and she opens the garage door and starts my Malibu. Keep up the great videos!

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching Dan! Wow that’s pretty awesome, thanks for sharing! Both of those are really cool...especially starting the car with Siri! Nice job!

[@dannybroddy]

Good video, I was wondering what your percentage of smart home devices are native HomeKit vs Homebridge? The majority of my smart home is HomeKit with items I would love to add to HomeKit via HOOBS. Those items are Ring doorbell pro, and spotlight cam as well as nest smoke alarms and my SwitchBot curtain.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Danny. Probably 95% of my smart home products have native HomeKit support. As mentioned, I started from the very beginning with HomeKit in mind. Homebridge has been great to fill the gaps for me when there just aren't any products on the market that support homekit, like Roomba or Switchbot for example. I also really like homebridge to get more functionality out of homekit, like virtual switches or timers.

[@DavidWicks1000]

Hay Shane another great video, what model of Synology NAS are you running or do you know which models support Homebridge?

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks David! You just need a docker compatible Synology NAS. I have a DS920+. Here’s a compatability list: www.synology.com/en-global/dsm/packages/Docker

[@rpmcmurfee]

Shane, love your HomeKit / Homebridge / HOOBs stuff. I had been using HomeBridge on a Windows Surface Tablet in Hyper-V. I have since upgraded to RPi4 and love how stable it is! I use it for all of my Chamberlain Garage Door Openers and Light Switches, Ring Doorbell and other things, since I have only been at the Smart Home stuff for a year or two so far. HomeBridge has replaced my former IFTTT connections to control the same devices. Most impressively, have been able to integrate my Alexa speakers into HomeBridge / Homekit, so it all works whether I use Siri or Alexa commands! Currently looking into what additional connectivity I should include (Home Assistant?)?

[@ShaneCreates]

Very Cool! Thanks for watching! Many people speak highly of Home Assistant. I think it's a good platform if you like to tinker. I look at it almost as a platform replacement... like something to replace HomeKit, in a way. I use HomeKit for all of my automations, logic, etc. Home Assistant is another platform that would allow for all that.

[@aaronharvey6406]

Hey, do you have something for Homebridge and DSM 7.0? Thanks.

[@RadicDotkey]

Can I pass my homekit smart plugs through Homebridge, so my Iphone does not have to act as a hub and I can still control my smart plugs with harmony remote for example when my iphone's wifi is off?

[@ShaneCreates]

That is what your HomeKit Hub is for (Apple TV, HomePod, or iPad). Your HomeKit Hub does all the processing when you are not at home or on your wifi network.

[@deralte680]

The Timer topic is actually a painpoint when it comes to Window sensor automations. Siri shortcuts are often not working if the timer is longer them 2 minutes. Also I like to use shelly relays for roller shutter, which have not HK-Support.

[@ShaneCreates]

Yea I’ve experienced the same thing. Shortcuts that run timers or wait longer than a few seconds have been problematic in my experience as well. No other good option that I’ve found except for homebridge or hoobs.

[@deralte680]

@@ShaneCreates did you try it with dummy switches with delay? I think it is possible to configure a personal delay (automatically toggle). Maybe this could work. I have no homebridge yet, but I think its almost a must have to get stabil automations.

[@ShaneCreates]

Oh yea it definitely works with dummy switches. You can create a switch to turn off after however long you want (basically a timer) and build automations around it.

[@Mr.S_1]

Is it possible to make the Eufy Doorbell running in HomeKit when using HomeBridge? Does it do the same ‘things’ like a native HomeKit Doorbell?

[@ShaneCreates]

I found this plugin. It seems fairly new. I don't have any personal experience with it so I can't say if it works or how well... www.npmjs.com/package/ho…

[@mlmhakan]

Hi Shane thanks for great videos, if i have 2 homes do i need 2 homekit hubs and 2 hoobs?

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching! You would probably need a separate instance of Homebridge for each home.

[@the-bu3lb]

If I buy a raspi do I need to buy a computer screen or can I hook up to the pi and then use a app to see what I’m installing?

[@kumabmx7981]

Look up "raspberry pi ssh" . You basically use a terminal like putty or MobaXterm and control it from another computer. There are plenty of tutorials on the internet.

[@bushidoblack7025]

im new to all of this, I have a synology nas and I was wondering if I installed hoobs on my synology would this still work? synology says it doesn't support ring or nest so if I install hoobs or homebridge I should be good? also will I need a ring/nest subscription for this? I was hoping I can keep all the streams saved locally on my synology.

[@ShaneCreates]

I don't believe there is any way to save Ring recordings directly to your Synology. Some other cameras support this, but I don't think Ring does. It all just depends on what you want to do. Currently, the only way to access save recordings from Ring, is to subscribe to their plan. You can then access saved clips in the Ring app. Hoobs or Homebridge on your Synology would allow you to integrate your Ring camera into HomeKit. However, this will only give you the live feed within the Apple Home app. For recorded clips, you would still need to use the Ring app and have the subscription.

[@mac-y.n.v.-me7043]

I would like to try Hoobs

[@GeMBoyYT]

Problem that there are not that many cool products with native AHK support. Even those vacuum cleaners. Homebridge is must-have IMO

[@marcianov3576]

I just bought a Samsung fridge with the built in speaker and tablet, any idea if this will allow me to use sort of an AirPlay 2 kinda effect with the speaker on the fridge? This is my only accessory that doesn’t work with HomeKit haha

[@ShaneCreates]

I'm not sure about that specifically. I imagine it might be possible if the speaker is connected to wifi and there is a home bridge plugin out there. Maybe via smart things to homebridge? It will probably take some investigating. Find out the specs of the speaker and then look through the available homebridge plugins online.

[@almarma]

As somebody wanting to jump into the smart home devices I find this world extremely confusing. I mean, I already bought a couple of ikea switches and lamps because I saw they can work with or without a hub so I could start simple and after being happy with it wanted to get some more ikea devices but they have nothing available right now, so trying to see how could I mix brands and devices I ended up in your channel and I don’t see the light yet. I found the Aqara brand thanks to your videos to be a very interesting brand but I’m not sure yet if I can mix an Aqara hub with ikea bulbs or not, or how. I find this market is yet very confusing and complex. Maybe I should wait until the new protocol you mention in another video starts to see the light (pun intended).

[@ShaneCreates]

If you are just getting started, I wouldn't worry about homebridge yet. No need. If you have chosen HomeKit as your smart home platform of choice, just get products with the "works with HomeKit" logo on them. Anything that supports HomeKit can be used in the Home app that comes installed on your iPhone or iPad. That's how you can mix brands and devices. Anything that supports HomeKit can be used, and will work together, in the Home app. Hope this helps. Also, check out my "HomeKit 101 getting started" playlist as a good place to start.

[@almarma]

@@ShaneCreates thank you very much Shane! Yes, I want HomeKit as my base platform, specially after I found your channel. You can explain things very clear and give solid advice, so thank you for that :) and congratulation for your channel, I already subscribed!

[@andrealm10]

Yes!

[@steverae68]

Hi Shane, good video - I’ve been using homebridge with HomeKit for a few years now on a rp3+. Have it configured to run as a service and auto-restart and do all that cool stuff, the difference with having a native install of HB on a pi is that your po, can be used for other things too, I mainly use mine to expose my HikVision DVR with all motion detection alerts directly in HomeKit along with all my cheap Zigbee devices - basically everything that is smart is connnected through homebridge to HomeKit - I even has a broadlink rm mini to control devices that are only IR or RF controlled from within homebridge - the possibilities are endless

[@ShaneCreates]

Very cool, thanks for sharing! I’ve heard of some people doing some pretty awesome things with homebridge and IR controllers. Good stuff!

[@pr1me_78]

@@ShaneCreates I run mine in a Docker container in my synology and used it with my harmony hub to control all my IR devices as well. Created switches with my harmony activities and then used them for my siri shortcuts. Now every time I want to watch something on plex, netflix, prime video etc. just have to select it on my widget and it does everything from switching inputs on the tv to automatically opening the remote app for the specific apple tv. I love it man!!

[@steverae68]

@@pr1me_78 absolutely, the whole IR thing is a total game changer - you can even use those super cheap RF sockets that come with those little remotes and control them via HomeKit …. Even in other rooms as RF passes through walls - same with those cheap RF lights - home automation on a budget lol Running as a service on my Pi means the pi is also used as a vpn, a web proxy and I have full access to its gui interface via VNC remotely if needed too HB is a total game changer - the more people that learn about it, the bigger it will grow and develop

[@Ayode1121]

Great content as usual ! I was wondering : the topic here is about Homebridge alone, without Hoobs. A few years ago you made a previous video about Hoobs. Is there actually any reason "not" to use Hoobs with Homebridge ? Does it bring any kind of limitation ? Since both can be flashed (Homebridge or Hoobs) for free on a Rasp-pi, I guess it is not about price ? I am seriously considering getting a Ras-Pi-4 with Hoobs (or not ?) to monitor and hopefully regulate Atlantic radiators through the Atlantic smarthome system (Cozytouch) that is not natively supported through Homekit. Keep going !

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks David! No, hoobs is still great in my opinion. At this point, they are basically the same thing, especially if you are going the DIY setup route. The UI on hoobs is probably slightly better. Initially, that was the big differentiator, but Homebridge has improved on that quite a bit.

[@fbr4801]

Hi Shane, Would you still recommend homebridge or hoobs , or is it better to wait for MATTER?

[@ShaneCreates]

Yea, I think if you have a need for it, sure I'd recommend it. The thing with Matter is... no one really knows exactly how that's going to play out or look like yet. So you could be waiting for a long time, depending on what you are trying to accomplish. But you can get Homebridge or HOOBS installed at a pretty low cost if you do it on a Raspberry Pi (or Synology like I did if you already have one). It could give you some added functionality for HomeKit while we wait to see what unfolds with Matter.

[@AZUTRAC]

Do you think I’ll be able to implement all this through a Linux virtual machine within my windows pc? How well would that work?

[@john_thorpe]

Would this work if you have your IOT devices on one VLAN and your NAS on another?? I have a UDM from Ubiquiti and have my IOT devices on one VLAN, my game/video streamers on another and my computers & NAS devices on a third. So will this work, or does the NAS with the homebridge need to be on the same network??

[@ShaneCreates]

That's a good question. It's probably best for the NAS to be on the same network as your homekit hub.