SwitchBot now supports HomeKit! (and Matter!)

[@ShaneCreates]

Purchase the SwitchBot Hub 2 geni.us/Hub2 ► Get 15% Off thru May 10, 2023 with Code: SJ15HUB2 Trend Micro Premium Security Suite bit.ly/3nu6wn3 Get 10% off with Code: SHANE10 Follow me on online! ► Instagram - instagram.com/shanecreates ► Twitter - twitter.com/shanecreates ► TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@shanecreates ► Website: shanewhatley.com​

[@m.j.r.technologyreveiws1075]

To make the Hub itself useful is nice, but would still prefer to see more actual Matter end devices.

[@SteveBarajas]

Excellent video. I just add this hub to HomeKit and was struggling to add the bot. But your video showed me where the secondary devices and boom I was able to add the bot to HomeKit. It works great!

[@MSDaytona]

Got my HUB 2 yesterday ( replacement for the HUB mini I used so far ). Faced two problems: only after 4-5 attempts I was able to include the hub into HomeKit. Onboarding process needs improvement ( because of beta ? ). Integrating my Switchbot Curtain was no problem but not my Tiltblinds. Both gadgets I had solar integrated via the HubMini and Hoops without a problem. Now I am facing the problem that the Tiltblinds are not responding anymore. Very likely to far away from the Hub. But as I mentioned: in the "old" set-up it was now problem.

[@myHomeKithome]

Super glad to hear that the first generation curtain motors will be exposed to HomeKit over Matter. Sort of bummed about the limited device capacity and the fact that the buttons only coontrol SwitchBot Devices.

[@Dan-xj9vd]

Hey Shane, I got my Hub2 today and it doesn't display the Matter logo on the box and I had to firmware upgrade to Matter (beta) to get my new device connected to Homekit. Thank you for your video. It was straight forward with your tips!

[@benoitcloutier8803]

Was hoping to be able to control my bots with HomeKit…

[@austinfisher6668]

This is really cool I’m gonna buy one these. I’m glad to see that there’s new product that has a temperature and humidity sensor

[@mattcorey3145]

Ahhh, they don't expose the buttons to Matter? That would have made it a killer device for me (even without any other SwitchBot devices!)

[@ShaneCreates]

Yea I was really hoping for that as well. I suppose it could always be added through a firmware update one day. I’ll keep my fingers crossed.

[@yamiyuki1112]

yeah I got one and thought that they would expose those button to matter...

[@inelonwetrust9169]

Wow, been a long time coming. I may need to expand my switchbot products. Thanks for another great breakdown.

[@garanceadrosehn9691]

Pretty tempting. I've ordered one to see how well it'll work.

[@dasupabandit]

Hey Shane I have a question. I set up my curtain 3 with the hub to HomeKit. My only issue is that you cannot do slowdrift open/close on HomeKit, only through switchbots app, is there a way to use slow drift via HomeKit? Thanks!

[@Huntyourface]

If I use this to control a ceiling, will I be able to see the fan and control on off and speed through Apple home app?

[@Dampney_]

Does the hub have to face a certain direction for the IR blaster to work?

[@hf8547]

what’s the point of matter if you can’t fully utilise the device on all platforms? I.e IR blaster, light sensor, buttons etc? If all manufacturers go down this route, matter will become a confusing mess.

[@ShaneCreates]

I think it's going to be like this for a while. Matter is a very new standard and we are in a transitional period.

[@emanuelblancamoya2693]

This is the video I was looking for! Thanks!!!!!!!!!!

[@uniqueflh2941]

Great overview Shane! My Mini Hub 2 is set to arrive this week, but I won't be able to set it up until next weekend. I'm super interested to see how my 3 existing Tilts will incorporate...as my current integration via a HomeBridge plug-in is, essentially, useless. Good on you to mention the Matter Device limits that we have at his time. My plan, if all this works properly, is to have a total of 10 Tilts...but they'll be configured as 5 'Groups'...so this should work as long as they're operationally stable. Thanks again for all you content. Good stuff.

[@uniqueflh2941]

Oh. I do think it would have been cool if the Mini Hub 2 display could have included a 'Clock Mode'.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Brad! It’s really cool to have the tilts natively in HomeKit. I’ll be doing something similar as you with a bunch of them in a few groups. Oh clock that would be cool. Maybe a firmware update could bring additional displays options one day?

[@dhut1832]

Do you know how it would work with 2 hubs? I currently have the hub mini and at times I seem to have connection issues because I have the curtain bots on both sides of the house. I just bought 2 of the new hubs and planning to use both so that I can move one closer to each side.

[@isa7667]

Nice! Is IR control expose to matter?

[@moonbow889]

Can I still on the LGTV or aircon when outside the home?

[@countyboy2874]

Shane I just picked up the Hub 2 to work with my Curtain 2. When setting an automation to open & close the curtains at a specific time everyday, do you prefer the Automations in HomeKit or SwitchBot? Thanks!

[@desylf]

Thank you for the video, Can the switch bot2 be used to connect kasa light to be controlled by Siri with apple home?

[@PBXBear]

Exciting, but when will the SwitchBot Bot support Matter?!?!??!?! ;-)

[@Byte_J]

I just got one and it works well. The question now is - what should I do with the original hub?

[@ShaneCreates]

Good question. You could use it as an additional IR blaster if you needed one somewhere. Other than that… 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@29goshawk]

Great videos and inspiration. As newbie this HomeKit eco system is frustrating as heck at times....well most of the time LOL. Have switchbot curtain and blind tilts. Absolutely love them and how they seamlessly migrate to HomeKit. But there is huge limitation.....only add 8 devices? I love hub 2 because can can old IR device and control it and migrate it to HomeKit but have to remove window devices which .....well sucks. You know of any update to remove the 8 device limitation? Or other options to control and migrate IR devices.....like lasko fans?

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching. You can group your SwitchBot Blind Tilts together in the SwitchBot app before adding them to Matter. This would expose each group to Matter as a single device and could possibly free up some of those spots. This works if you control multiple blinds together. Another option to integrate IR devices is one of the Aqara hubs that support IR. Aqara has an option allowing you to export scenes from the Aqara app to HomeKit. So your Aqara app scenes, controlling the IR devices, could be exported to HomeKit as a scene you can use there.

[@AndreasLow]

Does SwitchBot button presser appear on  Home app via the Hub 2?

[@wilty5]

It would be nice to be able to change the colors on the switchbot hub 2

[@Idkkdude]

Can this hub show my ir devices added by learning to homekit?

[@ManuelOrtizDFWRealtor]

Mine works great the first two weeks after install but as soon as my HomePod mini got upgraded, all Swichbot devices stoped working. 🥴I will contact their support Monday morning as I can’t find anything anywhere on Internet that works to fix it.

[@ManuelOrtizDFWRealtor]

Update. After turn the HomePod mini off and on twice, it was able to reconnect the SwitchBot devices. 😊 thanks.

[@domagojjazidzija5439]

Hi Shane. I have one question for you. I think that you are the biggest expert regarding homekit. I have few homepods in my house and also few speakers with airplay 2. And I also have apple music with karaoke option. Can I pair microphone with my iphone or ipad so homepod speakers can play both - my voice and music from apple music app. If anyone can help me… Thanks in advance Regards

[@faengelm]

Great review. At 2:08, what is the purpose of NFC?. Reader? Tag?

[@tdrg_]

It’s probably for their own tags… they sell some

[@ShaneCreates]

Yes, it's to configure the switchbot NFC tags with the device.

[@faengelm]

@@ShaneCreates So this hub can read and write tags? I understand the use case of holding my phone near a tag to activate an action on the phone. Is SwitchBot's use case that someone would hold a device with an attached tag to activate a SwitchBot action after it had been written?

[@tdrg_]

I would assume it’s for putting your phone close to the tag to trigger the action. However you don’t need the hub to read and write tags; your iPhone does that by default

[@ericlung5086]

If I am new to HomeKit and I am looking forward to purchase some Aqara devices. I live in Hong Kong and I can purchase these Aqara devices locally or from China. I learned that I can save some money if I purchase form China. If I buy devices locally, I need to use the international server(correct me if I am wrong) and if I buy in China, I need to use the China server. So, if my “only” concern is the reaction speed/performance of the Aqara devices. Given that I live in Hong Kong, shall I purchase locally or in China inorder to get the best speed/performance or there is no differences at all of which server I use? Thx

[@Flightsimmovies]

can I use the button on the hub to turn on ac ?

[@martyparshall4368]

Shane not seeing my door sensors now since upgrading to SB hub 2 , I use homebridge for this did you have to re-setup anything w homebridge after moving from Switchbot mini to hub2 for homebridge?

[@cindykenward]

I ordered the hub 2. Do I have to remove my hub mini first?

[@Sitruk99]

What does it do when movies have black bars top and bottom?

[@charliebravo8114]

I noted that at time 3:06 - 3:07 you attempted to change the Room but there was no response from the app after a couple clicks. Is that a problem? Were you able to successfully access that feature and change the room where the devices is located?

[@ShaneCreates]

The reason that didn’t work for me is because I actually don’t have any rooms setup in the SwitchBot app. I use Apple Home to organize and automate everything for the most part so I never bothered to setup/organize rooms in the SwitchBot app.

[@mendyk954]

Still trying to figure out why is there so many hubs, like for each company, so if I understand correctly the hub connects all there products to my Homekit?

[@no-budhee6657]

The point of matter is to let you use whatever hub you want as everything will be connected by the same standard. However, companies so far have required you to continue purchasing their hub. Hopefully that changes soon and hopefully we won’t need to install an app from each company for every device we use. I think the main reason is that the devices aren’t individually supporting matter but their hubs are.

[@ShaneCreates]

Yea, often when "hubs" get Matter support, it's to bring existing child devices to support Matter. And usually these hub devices require the manufacturer's app to configure Matter & child devices.

[@mendyk954]

@@ShaneCreates thank you for the reply

[@mendyk954]

@@no-budhee6657 Thank you for the reply

[@dwightsbeetfarms3611]

I couldn’t find any info on the lock support. Can it really add the lock to Apple Home?

[@ShaneCreates]

No. As mentioned in the video, only the SwitchBot Curtains and Blind Tilts can be updated to support Matter at this time. Other Switchbot devices will be updated in time.

[@BadgerBob]

Good review. I have a few switchbot devices, including 6 bots. I will get one when it supports the bots, but to be honest it it was not for the bots I would be moving away from switchbot in general. Their use of bluetooth lets them down.

[@cloudcitydigital]

Shane can I run a single SwitchBot Bot on my HomeKit setup, with NO SwitchBot Hub? I just want it as simple as possible.

[@ShaneCreates]

No, you need the hub in order to use it in HomeKit.

[@yashgupta8633]

The SwitchBot hub 2 did not come with a HomeKit setup code or QR code. How do you add it to Apple home?

[@ShaneCreates]

Please refer to 7:09. You need to scan the Matter QR code in the Home app after you put the hub in pairing mode.

[@swedendive]

Will it work with Philips Hue?

[@ingostubner8659]

hey man can't figure out if the bluetooth on switchbot mesh to each other. so if I have a hub and 2 temp sensors but one is within range and the second one is within range of the first does this work?

[@scottliu4987]

I assumed it already support switchbot bot and bought them (why not?), and I just found out it is still not supported : )

[@awedaei]

The question is are you able to see the LG TV on HomeKit?. I am planning to use it with my AC subject AC control is exposed to HomeKit as climate control

[@ShaneCreates]

No, unfortunately the IR devices are not exposed to HomeKit. You can use them with Siri Shortcuts though, but that’s it. Around 9:40 you can see what all is brought into HomeKit from the hub.

[@bavafan2236]

have people actually gotten this to work? i can't find anyway to get a switchbot button press to happen through Apple Home

[@martyparshall4368]

Shane did purchase this from another link you provided arrives today so excited there. However only Switchbot devices I currently have are door sensors w I connect to HomeKit via old hub on homebridge. Will the hub2 enable me to get away from homebridge need? Love the sensors because they have open close but also Motion so in Switchbot can tell if leaving or arriving which is cool, just hoping to get to use more of this in HomeKit at some point hopefully!! Homebridge works but automations are SO Slow!!

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for the support Marty. So far, the only devices this hub will bring into homekit are the SwitchBot Curtain and Blind Tilt. Switchbot it working to roll out Matter support to the rest of their bluetooth lineup, but it will likely take time. I assume the Homebridge automations are slow, especially with sensors, because they are bluetooth (already a slower protocol), plus the added step of homebridge.

[@kash2money]

Does the hub expose its IR remotes to be used from the home app? Or voice commands?

[@ShaneCreates]

No it does not expose IR devices to HomeKit. You can use voice commands though via Siri Shortcuts.

[@jimmybondy1140]

Ahoi … so if I use it … all of my old SwitchBot Tools will be in Apple Home?? 🙏

[@ShaneCreates]

Currently just the SwitchBot Curtains and Blind Tilts can support Matter/HomeKit. More products will in time.

[@martyparshall4368]

Shane remember this video but came back to it from your SB lock pro video. Wondering if you or others utilize the BT door sensors and have added to HomeKit via Hub2 Matter. I’m asking as I can’t seem to be able to “see” my door sensors “in a room” I can on,y see the status via the climate items in HomeKit. I want an easier way to see if doors or open or close on the. Ain screen vs having to navigate through multiple clicks. Any ideas how to accomplish this? I also would love an example if anyone has some automations around if the SB Motion sensor in the door sensor know someone has “entered or left” through a door. Just can’t seem to be able to figure that out so I can trigger either inside or outside devices as people enter or leave. Thx as always!!

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching. You can see your door sensors in the status section at the top of each room in the Home app. Sensors do not show up as tiles, like other controllable accessories. For your motion automation, it's going to be a little tricky. A simple motion sensor won't be able to tell if you are coming or going. It will only detect motion (it doesn't know the direction) so you won't be able to trigger lights inside OR outside based on direction.

[@timmy8784]

Great video Shane! Did you have any issue with setting the blinds to close up or down?

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching! Good question. The switchbot app allows you to easily close them up or down with no issues. So far, I have not found a way to close them up in HomeKit.

[@timmy8784]

@@ShaneCreates Ahh thanks that’s what I was afraid of! Guess I’ll have to wait until that gets figured out. Thanks!

[@timmy8784]

@@ShaneCreates hey Shane! Any update on the ability to choose close up or down with this? I’d like to get this hub and switch out of homebridge but closing up is a deal breaker for me. Thanks!

[@clemgr]

Curious about the IR functions, can these be added to HomeKit for controls or automations or are they only accessible via Switch Hub? I have a dumb built in enteric fireplace with IR and Bluetooth controls I’d love to connect to HomeKit. Is it simple to pair IR devices?

[@ShaneCreates]

It is simple to pair the IR devices to the hub, but they will not get exposed to HomeKit. You can however use them with Siri Shortcuts.

[@clemmeunier6937]

Thanks @@ShaneCreates appreciate your reply and your channel. Best smart home channel period! Might give this a try.

[@elfensky]

How does it expose IR to HomeKit? Can you make buttons that chain together commands?

[@ShaneCreates]

It does not expose the IR devices to HomeKit. Siri Shortcuts yes, but not HomeKit.

[@elfensky]

@@ShaneCreates Can you access IR through Siri Shortcuts then, or do you have to open the app for anything IR-related? My goal is to be able to control my Airco with Siri.

[@ShaneCreates]

@@elfensky yes you can setup Siri Shortcuts for the IR functions

[@elfensky]

@@ShaneCreates thanks!

[@zc7396]

Is the IR blaster exposed to HomeKit ??

[@ShaneCreates]

No

[@LaNostraInfanziaIn30Secondi]

Hi Shane, I wanted to know if the SwitchBot switch is compatible with Matter?!

[@ShaneCreates]

Currently the only SB accessories that are compatible with matter are the Curtains, Blind Tilts, and Lock.

[@nikfam86]

The IR commands aren’t exposed to homekit??

[@ShaneCreates]

No. Siri Shortcuts only

[@ottoernst6707]

I really hope they introduce thread I’ll pass on another WiFi device if I don’t need it.

[@Silverwing_99]

Many thanks for another fantastic and very informative video Shane. This is most welcomed news, however. Until they add matter and more importantly HomeKit integration to their locks and bots this would be another dud hun for me

[@kennethkoa5386]

Does it work with wifi 6 router? Old one doesn’t

[@ShaneCreates]

It should work with any router using 2.4 GHz network. The old one too.

[@Joseph-ko2kl]

hate me some Apple. Love me some Shane though. Nice info. Thanks!

[@ShaneCreates]

That's like loving peanut butter and hating jelly! 🤣😅 But thank you! That might be one of the best compliments I could get!

[@Joseph-ko2kl]

@@ShaneCreates 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@majorgear1021]

It’s been a few months…does it work with the switchbot bot?

[@ShaneCreates]

The bot still does not support Matter.

[@majorgear1021]

@@ShaneCreates Thanks. I installed Homebridge today and got it working that way.

[@fmanda]

Who is this hatless man, and what has he done with Shane?? 😂

[@AdrienHartmann]

@shanecreates why don’t you say Alexa ? And you write it ?

[@blakewillard7922]

It would trigger people’s Alexa devices that are listening to this video without headphones on. 😊 He also doesn’t say the word “Hey” in front of Google as to not trigger people’s Google Assistant devices.

[@florinirimia2011]

Only 8 devices exposed into HomeKit in beta matter…

[@mallen2738]

I don’t care what kind of iOS you have, every one of them is still liable to get hacked

[@TravisColinColeman]

SHane, you talk and talk about Switch Bot and HomeKit being together -- HOW do you connect it, not what you can do after you connect. That is the easy oart The hard part is not being able to conect Switch Bot to HomeKIt. YOu do not explain that -- only after the fact one is connected.

[@ShaneCreates]

At 7:10 I show where/how to generate the matter QR/numerical code. Add a new device in HomeKit (just like adding any new device in HomeKit) and use that matter code.

[@mrsaxy-music]

This new hub is useless for HomeKit since it does not support the bots.

[@ShaneCreates]

It was recently updated to support the Bot now as well.

[@williamfeng6706]

Im just waiting so they add an IR and RF version all together.... i don't think it's that hard... I;ve seen other companies do that, just not with homekit support

[@rhomboman]

why can't we have more companies like Lutron...