What is HomeKit? | The Basics of Building a Smart Home With Apple's HomeKit

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching! If you have any HomeKit questions, drop them below or hit me up on Instagram @ShaneCreates and I'll do my best to help!

[@1drummer172]

Thank you for the information you provide on this channel. I recently purchased a new construction home came equipped with a Ring Doorbell, myQ capable garage door, ecobee thermostat, Zwave capable entry light, and Zwave capable front door bolt lock. The entry light and front door lock are connected to a Wink hub, which is currently connected to my router via Ethernet to high speed router w/ 5Ghz and 2.4Ghz wifi and 1Gig Internet bandwidth. I have an iPhone SE (watchOS 7.2), Apple Watch Series 3 Cellular (iOS 14.3), and Apple TV (Model A1842, tvOS 14.3), iCloud subscription. Is it possible to integrate this entire setup in HomeKit? Thank you!

[@1drummer172]

Thank you! Unsubscribed.

[@leepatrick4586]

Thanks n I just start with mi hud devices ver. 2 but I can’t understand how to install the light bulbs to HomeKit app, is that any video I can see it n leaning how to install .... many thanks

[@sudhar1998]

homepod mini does not have bluetooth tho, I wonder how it has thread support?

[@polocash11]

I have the new Apple TV 4k. I have Nst Hello doorbell. I try to login into Nest with A-TV, but it says wrong password. I have logged in to phone app and verified this is the correct password. I do notice I am logging in through Google. What is wrong? What do I need?

[@davidputt4638]

Couldn't agree more! Homekit is so underrated by so many KZbinrs.

[@fredslayton]

If only my Dad could have known about this before he passed....all the times he had to yell about lights and thermostat, he could have just pulled out his phone.

[@johnz6957]

Until he see how much it is actually buy one bulb lol

[@sandiegojoey1]

Thank you! So many tech content producers assume most people have a basic understanding of the tech gadget or topic they’re featuring. I’m a 58 year old who just decided to get up to speed with all things tech. I’m learning ChatGPT, LiDAR technology, Smart Homes and everything under the smart home umbrella. Thanks to the KZbin and TikTok algorithm I’m being fed a constant diet of all things tech, that’s how you showed up. Thank you!

[@debbiebowen5991]

I've been struggling through... trying to teach myself the ins and outs. This was a great video. I still need more. I will be watching. Thanks!

[@ShaneCreates]

You got this! Thanks for watching!

[@jamesgrant7814]

Just started getting into smart home tech. For me the HomePod mini has been a great entry point. These vids are great keep them coming.

[@ShaneCreates]

Awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@WayneNaylor25]

This is one of the best HomeKit videos I have watched. Shane explains things very clearly and his examples are spot on. Thank you!!

[@ShaneCreates]

Thank you so much! 🙏

[@obiegarcia7754]

I’m glad you’ve made a channel devoted to HomeKit. Big apple fan and my wife and I will be purchasing our first home and I’m looking at making it a smart home for some major convenience! Thanks!! Love the channel👌🏽 Keep up the good work

[@ShaneCreates]

Thank you for the support! Congrats on your first home. I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun making it a smart home!

[@pastorurisnowpeak5407]

I have a couple of guys whose videos I love to watch, but...they don’t come close to yours. Thank you! Your video started with the basics, was very easy to understand and follow, and made me realize that, by follow it, I will be able to, finally, create the automations I want with the products (Apple) that I already have. Thank you!

[@ShaneCreates]

That's awesome, thanks for the kind words! I'm glad the videos are helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@sasumy96]

I’m doing my research on homekit for my first home! Thankkk you for the very insightful video 👍👍👍 You’ve got a new subscriber!

[@ShaneCreates]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching and subscribing!

[@madjersamuel6357]

Just found your channel man, you should have 1M already! Love your videos!

[@Pinefenario]

One reason for me to choose homekit is that it also works if the internet is down. Apart from what you mentioned. Nice video by the way.

[@arifrealestatesolutions-ar3746]

Thank you Shane for the HomeKit video. Great presentation.

[@RobertTorres27]

Just found your channel (thanks for once, KZbin algorithm) and it's great! Informative without being longwinded, and the production value (particularly the editing) is impressive. Keep the vids coming!

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks very much for the kind words! It’s always nice when the algorithm works like it’s supposed to lol.

[@Floormat212]

Great video. I’ve watched a lot of these but this was one of the best I’ve seen.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Mat!

[@cyrilstephen5646]

Man thank you so much for this video. I am very new to smart homes and I needed this tutorial to wrap my head around concepts such as automation and scenes. I've watched other videos but nothing really takes you through a flow of adding a device, adding a new scene and creating a new automation from scratch. Really appreciate this video man🙏

[@ShaneCreates]

Hey thanks for watching. I'm glad it was helpful!

[@Bivs_setup]

Thankyou for the 101 video on Homekit. Looking to establish my first smart home with Homekit. Great initial insights. Many thanks 😊

[@ShaneCreates]

I’m glad it helped Angelo. Thanks for watching!

[@qball1022]

Welcome back! Hope you and your family had a great holiday season. Great video, looking forward to more.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thank you!!

[@WTSPC]

Thanks Shane this is brilliant and I really appreciate the way you have explained it. Paul UK

[@chrismcelroy5193]

Installed a HomeKit Yale secure front door lock yesterday. Love it so far. Looking forward to tomorrow’s video 👍🏻

[@ShaneCreates]

Awesome! Thanks for stopping by!

[@Kikaskleekaihuskiesinminiature]

Thank you so much Shane!! I have been obsessed with your channel and binge watching all of your videos!! We are a Apple family and I am excited to make our home SMART with HomeKit!!

[@ShaneCreates]

That's awesome! Thanks for watching. Good luck with your smart home! 😃

[@tambulee]

Glad I found this channel. Just moved over to the iPhone and now I want to automate the home as much as possible.

[@ShaneCreates]

Happy to have you! Thanks for checking gout the channel!

[@millbean13]

Finally. A video of the basics. Just what I was looking for.

[@ShaneCreates]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Polkster13]

Looking forward to more videos on Automations. Maybe you can get others to send you how they are using automations and you can compile a video of the most interesting automations received. If you get a bunch of automations, maybe do a series of videos to cover them all.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@mycustompaintedlife502]

Automations in shortcuts can be fun, but they can be a pain to set up. I had to watch a ton of videos to figure out how to use it & still don’t feel that I have a solid understanding of how to get shortcuts to work seamlessly. I feel like Apple’s UX team didn’t do a whole lot of UserTesting here.

[@brianh2787]

Great video! I'm getting into the smart home and this was very helpful.

[@MsDesignDiva]

This is fantastic and seeing all the things home kit and home automation can do makes me realize just how helpful this sort of thing would be to someone with a disability, the ability to just say to Siri that you have a migrane and have Siri automatically (because you've set it up that way) dim the lights, close the blinds, that's brilliant. or just do that from a single button on your phone.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching. Yes, I agree.... MANY benefits of a having a smart home for people with disabilities.

[@ScottRedstone]

Nicely done. Clearly planned and rehearsed. You may have saved me several thousand $s. Was going to upgrade apartment Lutron system. Would have needed all new light switches and sockets. And 2 table top controllers.

[@my3sneezes]

This was fantastic. Excellent, simple laid out so easy for newbies like me!

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching. I’m glad it was helpful!

[@tombe1412]

Thanks, Shane. This was very helpful. I watched most of your videos by now, but now at least I see the big picture. I own some Hue smart bulbs and didn’t really understand the possibilities those offer. This video will essentially help me build a more extensive smart home. Keep up your interesting work! Best wishes for a new and better year. Stay safe!

[@ShaneCreates]

Thank you Tom! I'm glad you found it helpful. Good luck building your smart home and thanks for all the support!

[@michaelpenn8176]

Great information!! Thank you for all the advice.

[@ryanmenezes3227]

One of best KZbin videos I’ve watched!! Very well structured

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Ryan!

[@mfanizzi66]

Thank you for such a great explanation for a newbie like me.

[@ShaneCreates]

Glad to help. Thanks for watching!

[@andmand]

Thank you man. Your channel is so helpful. Great energy and no bs.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thank you! 🙏🏻

[@vegasplayer7387]

Thank you for this! I’m looking to start using HomeKit and this was a great intro!

[@ShaneCreates]

I'm glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@VeniVediVista]

Your videos are AMAZING, thank you for providing this video in this quality helped a lot.

[@ShaneCreates]

Glad it’s helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@findJLF]

Fantastic overview and intro to HomekIt - well done.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thank you!

[@htischbirek]

Hey, great info video! I’m wondering what you use as a smart screen you had on the wall to utilize the HomeKit app? Thanks!

[@Ingerich248]

Very helpful! Thanks from Berlin

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching!

[@danielgomes4754]

V nice information. I have started with some smart switches and plugs and they are different manufacturers. Was looking on information to put them all under one app.

[@bigg_50_jonn]

I agree with what most are saying ... I'm loving your videos, they are very informative ... you have shined a lot of light on many questions I had in my head ... you give me hope on automating the few things I'd like to do

[@ShaneCreates]

Thank you! I'm glad the videos are helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@jaynm26]

Thank you for teaching me how all this stuff works Shane. I subscribed.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for the sub!

[@jojox4459]

Wonderful explanation of HomeKit basics. Immediately started following..

[@ShaneCreates]

Thank you!

[@youtubeus3rname]

This is EXACTLY what I needed. Thank you!

[@ShaneCreates]

You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@gopinaththayyil9550]

Well briefed about HomeKit …..thanks lot .

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching!

[@joshuabenton3785]

what a legendary video! Thank you!

[@shubhamsen4863]

Hi Shane, I really love watching your videos on Apple Ecosystem and Automations.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching!

[@hernanrodriguez5003]

Great video. Thanks for share all the information.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching!

[@Desalt511voider]

Really informative for a first time homebuyer, thanks for making this I learned a ton!

[@ShaneCreates]

I’m glad it was helpful, thanks for watching. And congrats on your first home!

[@viniciusajesus]

I saw you playing with the Yeelight Bedside Lamp and reminded to ask you: why the colours (mostly whites) are so different when you set up from Home app then Yeelight app or MiHome app, seems like Home app can’t reach brightest colours, even though the lamp answers faster to Home app 🤷🏻‍♂️ Love your channel, I’m learning a lot!

[@gregorysawyer9556]

Shane, this is a great video. It's very helpful, you included a lot of basic information in a relatively short amount of time. I look forward to watching your remaining videos on the subject. Thank you very much. My HomeKit structure needs a complete redesign. I didn't really know what I was doing or how it would evolve when I initially set it up.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Gregory!

[@katsoutofthebox]

Great video! I wish my automations worked like that. I tried so many things and my phone just doesn't seem to notice when I leave home because the things just won't turn off when I leave. So annoying!

[@samibakhour8612]

Outstanding video with great explanations and useful tips. I purchased my new house 🏡 and I am looking forward to make it a smart one with Apple HomeKit. Thanks again for sharing, looking forward to connect with you Shane.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching and congrats on the new house! Good luck with your smart home journey!

[@gurk2k]

Good explanation, now I understand much more!

[@ShaneCreates]

Great to hear!

[@jacqueshollands5630]

Best introductory video I've seen on the topic. I'm wanting to delve into the world of Home Automation., but to date it has been very confusing and even overwhelming with all the options out there. I'd like to understand how to use an Apple TV as a hub

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Jacques, glad it was helpful. To use an Apple TV as a hub, you just need to sign into iCloud with the same Apple ID that you use on your iPhone. I believe it will then be automatic but you can check in the settings that it's connected as a home hub. Here's a short article with some more info about using your Apple TV as a hub: www.macrumors.com/how-to/set-up-apple-tv-as-home-hub-homekit/

[@jacqueshollands5630]

@@ShaneCreates thank you kindly

[@CRANEREVIEWS]

You should check out Home Assistant before you start ordering things! ;)

[@malonecustomdesigns]

We've been running a Smartthings based smart home for 6 years now....but I am deep into the Apple ecosystem now.....this video and your video about using NFC tags have got me ready to switch to Homekit! lol The only problem is that most all of my current devices will not work with Homekit. I really want to move with the Thread accessories!!

[@LRyanVids]

Clear explanation of the basics of HK! Great job. Question: what model is the device seen on the wall running the home app (early in the vid)?

[@MattRushmer-Risby]

Hi Shane! Great channel and content! I’m glued!!!! Have you ever reviewed SONOFF products? Especially the Presence Sensor? They obviously a cheaper accessory and know you get what you pay for but being more at the budget end is this something you have reviewed in the past for newbies starting out with HK?

[@tarnesh88]

Can you do a video on setting up a new smart home from start to finish with HomeKit?

[@curtispazarjr4985]

Great review!!!!!

[@joelwilson1729]

Thanks Shane, great overview. I’m looking for an RF bridge to work with my HomePod mini…. I have 433 hz window blinds and TV up down I want to control. Thanks.

[@GreeniusGenius]

You’ll probably want a Raspberry Pi of some sort, and want to run Homebridge on it, and then you’ll want to link it up with a Broadlink RM4 Pro. I have no experience with this, but I’m pretty sure there’s no native to HomeKit alternative. I believe it also has an IR blaster, so you could probably use that for your TV too.

[@dennypowell3902]

Sadly I bought 24 Door/Window Sensors. I installed the first on my three outside doors. Only one of them would actually work.The sensor and magnetic are lligned up per the instructions. I also have a Cove alarm system on the same doors. The molding around the two doors that don't work aren't anything crazy and are within the limits per the instructions. As a result I am retiring sensors, switching and a hub to Amazon as this company is not was is what is claimed. I'm a very tech person so my experience will not only kill me from using the product but also your channel.

[@druvak]

Excellent video! 👌

[@ShaneCreates]

Thank you very much!

[@devious8_ninety]

dope video. i'm very interested in homekit routers... (and homekit tvs 👀)

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks! Stay tuned. We’ll discuss routers more in the near future.

[@Mauzwauz1978]

Great video Shane. You made me making my house smart now ;). Keep it up!

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Dennis!

[@mannypineda3310]

Thanks Shane your video is very helpful. Quick question how to set up homekit icon in the control center? Thank you!

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching! It should show Home info automatically in control center. You can also add the home icon by going to your iPhone Settings > Control Center.

[@mpatterson9126]

Very informative. I learned some new things. Thanks

[@ShaneCreates]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@LosFerrer]

Great great summary. Congrats. It’s gonna help a lot of beginners.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Daniel, I hope so.

[@ab221983]

and youtube made it again, another good channel advice.....

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching!

[@terencewu228]

very good explain

[@VishalPatel-uc2js]

Great video helped me alot. What is the model of the screen on the wall

[@ShaneCreates]

I'm just using a base model iPad mounted on the wall there.

[@DMosesRN]

My home builder (Lennar) made a deal with amazon to make this a smart home. The question is how do I change everything over to be apple based. Please do a conversion for dummies video :) . Make it super simple for a senior citizen :)

[@ShaneCreates]

Hey Diana. Unfortunately, there is no real "easy" answer for this. Since there still is not smart home "standard," you'll have to look at each smart home device you have individually and determine if it supports HomeKit. Some devices may support Alexa, Google Assistant, and/or HomeKit. If your devices do support HomeKit, you can add it to your HomeKit home, as seen in this video. There is also a method to integrate devices that DO NOT natively support HomeKit, but that requires something called HomeBridge or Hoobs, and starts to get a little more complicated. And even then, you still have to look at each smart device individually and try to find a plugin for integration. I have done some videos on HomeBridge and Hoobs (check my channel playlists), but again, that may be more than you are willing to tinker with right now. Hope this helps.

[@jodieschau9508]

Great video! I learned a lot

[@ShaneCreates]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for watching!

[@knoteasy25]

@ShaneCreates Hey love your work. I am trying to automate my apartment that I sometimes Airbnb. I want it so that HomeKit will turn off A/Cs via Sensibo remote when Aqara sensors detect doors and windows to rooms are left open. I think I succeeded. However if guests turn on the A/Cs when the sensors were already open to begin with it doesn’t seem to work. I would prefer to have it so that If the sensors are open they A/Cs will not turn on, and then if they are opened while the A/Cs are on they will turn off with a delay. I’d love if you could do a video on this, I’m sure so many other people will find it useful as well. Thanks

[@akalilbit08]

This was kind of overwhelming 😅 but I’m gonna subscribe anyway. Seems to be simply put

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for subscribing! If you want to build a smart home with Apple HomeKit, you are in the right place. I'll do my best to answer questions and make it easy to follow. 😃

[@Polkster13]

I'm looking forward to you reviewing the Netatmo HomeKit Doorbell.

[@DCT21]

I am a beginner at this. Great video.How can I keep in touch so I can pick your brain on setting up my smart bedroom?

[@benchesnut5720]

Shane, Thank you for the vids. Very well edited and gets to the point quickly. Fascinated with the automation possibilities. Is there a way for me and my wife to have separate automation alerts that wouldn’t notify our kids? i.e. safe access.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Ben! Home App notifications are configured by device. So notifications can be different for each user if you want.

[@drummerKev]

Good day Shane, I have to use Bluetooth because of our router limitations from Frontier. Anyway, can you have multiple Apple home pod mini’s throughout the house for more reliable Bluetooth connection? Thank you for your time and your video!

[@lahmyaj]

Great video mate. Subscribed 👍🏻

[@ShaneCreates]

Thank you! 🙏

[@yourx123]

Best Homekit video ever, subscribed!! I am new to homekit & smart home system, wish to set up apple tv+ projector+ sonos sound system+ aqara system as smart bridge. Hopefully you can help to clarify some simple questions below, because im kinda lost at same point xp. 1. Can i directly voice command ("Hey Siri") nearby Apple TV to control smart light, without having my sound system on/ without using remote control. 2. What will happen if my house have multiple apple products which able to receive voice command ("Hey Siri") 3. If Apple TV as hub, but my family member using android phone, should i put an ipad at the entrance/center of house as control panel? Also, can you help to check whether my logic to build a smart home system is correct: a. Choose a Home Hub b. Choose a bridge hub system that able to pair with Home Hub c. Choose hardware/device can pair with b. or can directly synced to a. So the installation, sync operation will be c. > b. > a. Thanks in advace!

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for the kind words. 1. To use Hey Siri to control lights, you need to use an Apple device: HomePod, iPhone, Apple Watch, etc. The Apple TV remote will work, but without using the remote, Hey Siri won't work unless you use one of the other devices mentioned. 2. Apple does a pretty good job (not perfect, but good) at using the most appropriate device when Hey Siri is triggered. For example, HomePods take priority over everything else. 3. That's an option if you think they would use it. They may be more likely to use Siri on a HomePods. Additionally, I try to provide manual control for smart devices so family can still control things manually (smart light switches, smart buttons, etc.) Your logic seems okay. Start with a HomeKit hub. From there anything that supports homekit can be added. Many smart devices don't require any additional hub at all (wifi devices, thread devices, for example). And some devices do require an additional hub (Phillips Hue lights, Aqara sensors, etc) so considering which, if any of those you want to buy into is a consideration. Here is a video about starting from scratch that may be helpful if you haven't already seen it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3qWg3enndOdf7c Hope this helps! -Shane

[@MrGatya2]

Hello Shane! Great video! Was looking into homekit and found your video. I personally don't use apple stuff, was just curious what all the fuss was about homekit :) . Just to share a few of my thoughts: Thread doesn't seem a lot different from zigbee to me. You still need a "hub" except now its built into the homepod. If you use something like hubitat or Home assistant with a dongle, I don't think that's an issue. Thread and zigbee both use the 2.4GHz frequency, so I don't see that big of a difference in the protocol. Wifi IoT has improved a lot lately. I deploy Aruba Wifi and they have a lot of features targeting IoT clutter. If you buy a router for a home with a lot of IoT, then you should buy one that's wifi6 certified. They have features like OFDMA, which will give devices timeframes depending on their need to send data. So wifi temperature sensor traffic doesn't take up as much timeslot on your network as a computer. They also have Target Wake Time, which means that wifi battery accessories will have longer lifespans, since they will be awake only when they need to generate traffic. Regarding your closet automation, I had the same idea with our pantry. But my advice is to place a motion detector inside. My wife and daughter kept on leaving the door open for just so much that the contact sensor wouldn't touch, meaning that the pantry light kept on going. The motion sensor is there so that if there is no motion for 5 minutes, the lights turn off regardless of the contact sensor. Of course you can also do time based automation to turn off lights after 5 minutes, but if you are inside the closet/pantry for more than 5 minutes, then you don't want the lights to turn off on you. :)

[@kofiagyare]

Very smart idea re: pantry and motion detection! 👍🏾

[@stephenstewart7972]

Are there any good HomeKit bridges that will let me add my z-wave locks, thermostat, and smart plugs?

[@MacAudio74]

Nice one Shane! +1 subbed.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for the sub!

[@MacAudio74]

You welcome Shane! I’m super interested in the HomeKit concept’s. Wouldn’t mind supplying homes with these amazing products.

[@pep98]

Thank you for a great video. I have a question? I bought a power outletsocket from Eve. Do i need to connect that to a homepod mini to get a thread network? Or how else can i make a thread network? Buy some kind of a HUB?

[@pep98]

Thank you so much for answering.........

[@ticktock11y]

Hey Shane, Great info for an Apple Home newbie. I have used many smart home devices in the past but am looking at the Kasa KS200 smart switch which is Apple Home compatible. If I understood your video correctly, I don't need a HomeKit hub to have Siri control it if I am at home. Is that correct? The video implies that I would only need the hub if I want to control it from somewhere else. IOW, if my phone is on my home WiFi, then Siri will work. Do I have that right?

[@BrianRosett]

Great video. What do you think about putting your closet door sensors on the inside the door so you don't see them when the door is closed.

[@BrianRosett]

also- is there a multi button switch that you recommend that one can install that can control HomeKit scenes?

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Brian! I think that's a great idea. That's what I've done in a few places. Works great.

[@ShaneCreates]

Sure. I really like the Flic buttons. A little pricey and they do require a hub. Video on those here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpKmqISsZbKgha8 I also like Aqara buttons (also require a hub) which are great if you already have Aqara stuff. In addition, Wemo just announced a new button called the Stage that supports Thread. Should be a good option, but I haven't tried that one out yet.

[@MagnussenDK]

Hey great channel, lots of good advice on HomeKit. I’m completely new to Home Kit as I just switched to an iPhone. I have some smart home devices, primarily lights, and I’m trying out some automations via Home Kit, they are very simple, but so far I like them. But at the moment they only work for me, as my wife is using a Samsung. Can I add her to my Home in Home Kit, and trigger automations based on her getting home, as they do for me?

[@jinks3]

Great introductory video to HomeKit. How does a visitor turn on a HomeKit light?

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks! That's one reason why I like smart light switches. You can use homekit to control and automate, but still use the light switch on the wall. In addition, HomePods are a great way to control accessories. So even guests can use Siri on the HomePods to turn lights on or off.

[@henkko7343]

Thanks for a great vid. Do you have any idea if the Asus Zenwifi XT8 mesh wifi system is compatible with HomeKit and HomeKit accesories?

[@ShaneCreates]

Any router will work with your homekit products. Some routers are better than others and some have certain features/settings that might need to be changed. But that shouldn't matter. Here is my video on routers: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6jXdKSBopKohrc

[@aquarius4953]

Hum beer fridge ! What a great idea !

[@rubenayala1222]

Shane whatley I just found your channel I like it. You gout some great content. I was wondering if you like a mesh network or AP’s?

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Ruben. I usually recommend using a good mesh wifi system

[@rubenayala1222]

I have a large 3200 sq ft home. I’m using a net gear Orbi mesh network. I have one router and two satellites. Any good ideas for placement? I have heard the upstairs ones put close to the floor and the downstairs one close to the ceiling. What’s your thoughts.

[@KevinTucker11]

Shane, new sub here. This is great stuff and very helpful. Thanks!

[@ShaneCreates]

Hey Kevin, thanks for watching and subscribing!

[@MrJoeLeez]

Hi Shane, great video and explanation. Thank you for your dedication in apple HomeKit. I would like yo ask a question: I’m using aqara switches and aqara m2 hub + HomePod mini. I have about 15-20 smart switches all around the house. Will this affect the speed of the wifi/internet? Or it will not because everything performs locally in the HomePod mini?

[@rvrabel9082]

Shane, I’m an Apple Fanboy, but a relative novice using HomeKit accessories. First, I must say “Your videos are FANTASTIC!” Now, for a “simple” question: I have a walk-in closet in our master bedroom. It has a standard wall switch outside the closet to turn on/off the light inside. I want a simple way to turn that light on/off when I go in the closet. What’s the easiest/least expensive way to do that...? Contact sensor with a Wi-Fi/Thread bulb? Would the wall switch still work then or would it have to be disabled...? Thanks.../Ray, Happily retired in San Diego 😎🌴⛱😎

[@ShaneCreates]

Thank you! A couple of options... you could use a motion sensor or a door sensor (assuming you close/open the door each time). You can also use a smart bulb or a smart light switch. If you use a smart bulb, then you will not want to use the wall switch anymore. If you flip the wall switch to off, it will kill the connection to the smart bulb. There are wall switch covers that you can buy to prevent people from using them or, like I said, you can use a smart wall switch and keep the existing light bulbs. You might also want to check out this video, if you haven't already, if you are just getting started: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3qWg3enndOdf7c That video has some good tips to consider before you get too deep into your smart home setup. Let me know if you have any more questions. Thanks for watching!

[@rvrabel9082]

@@ShaneCreates Shane, That was helpful. Regarding a motion sensor: Since there is no power inside the closet other than the ceiling light, are there motion sensors that I could use in conjunction with a smart wall switch to activate the closet light? Or, do you think a door sensor in conjunction with a smart wall switch would be easier/cheaper/better? Are there door sensor that would tolerate “almost closed” (i.e., a small crack in the door opening) versus totally closed. Thanks again.../Ray in San Diego 😎🌴⛱😎

[@puddytatpurr]

Thank you! I found that very informative! I think I'd like to set up something that turns lights on when I come home at night, alert me if my doors are opened (I live alone and would like the extra security) and ALL THE LIGHTBULBS!!!! It's going to be a slow process switching everything over though because it's all quite costly

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching! Glad it was helpful. It's definitely a process. Part of the fun (at least for me) is building and expanding your smart home gradually over time! Good luck with your setup!

[@nirgluzman1343]

Thanks for the great video!

[@yannikhay999]

Hi Shane, very instructive. But why don't I see the Status in HomeKit? I see my favourite Scenes and accessories but I don't have a status. Thank you.

[@yannikhay999]

The status section at the top. I keep looking but cannot figure out why I don't have it. Thanks

[@ShaneCreates]

The status of what? Certain sensors? Your "favorites" tab will only show relevant things. For example, if a door is open. It won't show if the door is closed. The individual room tabs however, should show the status of all sensors regardless of their current state.

[@yannikhay999]

@@ShaneCreates Thank you for the quick response. It is the status section in my Home application. I guess now it's called the HomeKit. Yes I didn't see anything in my status section except for this morning. I see the update of my HomePods and the HomePod mini in the status section. And now I understand that things are showing in there only when necessary. The rest of the time it's not showing anything. So I was wondering why I didn't see anything in there before. Have a great day!

[@me_light_lab]

Do you know Noon smart lighting system? Isn’t it necessary for Homekit user?

[@mannafarms6052]

Have you tried using Netimo weather stations in Homekit?

[@LSZ1318]

Great video, but it would have been helpful to include a section on Z-Wave integration. After years of people buying Z-Wave smart switches, It's by far the most common type of protocol in homes. It's not even close. Perhaps another video?