START OR IMPROVE YOUR SMART HOME with Apple Homekit

[@benfishburn7969]

I've watched a bunch of Homekit overview videos and yours is the best combination of easy to understand, and thorough without getting bogged down. Thanks!

[@qbaqban]

Best homekit video!

[@Dr_Cole]

Great to see you back, TBL. Your approach is always super clear. As something all of us have to deal with at various times when building and managing a SmartHome, I’d love to see two videos in this arena: (1) maintaining your HK (things to do on a regular basis to avoid problems) and (2) troubleshooting guidance (how to track down the cause of an errant device or automation). Thanks for the consideration.

[@TheBradLloyd]

Thank you for the feedback! I love your ideas. I'm planning on a "HomeKit spring cleaning" video this spring and your ideas should fit into it nicely.

[@InteriorRecollection]

This was so comprehensive it was excellent! You touched on a lot of things that I had to dig for on Reddit to understand.

[@TheBradLloyd]

Thanks! I’m glad you found this helpful! Thanks for watching and sharing your feedback.

[@georgee3401]

Excellent video. Very useful and comprehensive information for those of us new to all of this. Many thanks!

[@TheBradLloyd]

Thanks George! I’m happy that you found this useful. Thanks for taking a minute to share your feedback. It can be overwhelming!

[@Bikepacking]

Has this change much do you plan to do a 2023 version thanks

[@markk6592]

Great video, sent a link to a friend who is just setting his first HomeKit automations. For 2022 I'd like to see some more tutorials on setting automations with rules, such as having lights not come on when motion is sensed if they're already on or another accessory is on. I would especially like to see some examples using the Eve app. Props for the OLP shirt.

[@TheBradLloyd]

Hi Mark, thanks for sharing the video with your friend - hope it helps! I appreciate the suggestions as well and will work on fitting that into a future video!

[@suleman_hussain]

Loved this video 👍

[@TheBradLloyd]

Thanks Suleman! Appreciate your support!

[@robertshaw5023]

I agree

[@CraigMullins1]

With door lock have you seen any high security ones? Almost all of them them are so cheap and easy to break into. like kicking in the door they fail...

[@TheBradLloyd]

The one I have is the Weiser Premise smart lock and it is a deadbolt. I don’t have any security concerns though I have to say that I haven’t tried kicking in the door… 😆 I hope to test the Schlage lock soon, it does say in the description that it comes with the highest available security grade (Commercial Grade 1, residential Grade AAA). Hope that helps!

[@CraigMullins1]

@@TheBradLloyd that does thanx!

[@daryl3701]

I will be coming back to this video pretty often lol thanks for the info on this didn't know about the nanoleaf lights tbh

[@TheBradLloyd]

Thanks For watching Daryl!

[@thomaslogonran2403]

would like to see a way more detail on how to add and remove and change things in home kit, like I made a change to two deffent light and know I cant figure out how to re set the change to start all over.

[@TheBradLloyd]

Thanks for your feedback Thomas! There are so many things to customize which is great but it can be a challenge to troubleshoot. One place to start could be to go to the home app and long press the light you want to change and click the settings wheel in the bottom right corner. In here you can see what scenes and automations your light is part of, you can view and edit them, see which room this light is in and you can make changes here. You can also scroll right to the bottom to remove the accessory if you want to completely remove and re-add it. Before you re add it to HomeKit, typically you have to reset the device. The reset process is slightly different by manufacturer so I’d just Search on Google and the steps usually come right up. You may be having another issue but thought this might help point you in the right direction.

[@stephbigue]

Learned so much. Thank you 🙏

[@TheBradLloyd]

Thanks for your comment. So happy to hear you found this helpful!

[@DennisTuckersAwesome]

Great video!!! Thank you

[@Polkster13]

Great video. Very thorough and you covered everything people need to think about when getting started. I would add that the most important thing to do is "do your research" and don't do compulsive buys and don't try to go cheap. Both of these will cause major buyer's remorse.

[@TheBradLloyd]

Thanks Frederick! I couldn’t agree more to do your research and don’t rush… so many amazing creators all have different perspectives based on your needs. Appreciate your support.

[@cmacmenow]

So helpful and insightful. Thanks for sharing. I have subscribed.

[@TheBradLloyd]

Thanks for the sub!

[@anthonywall1228]

When is enough enough? I love HomeKit. But now I'm looking to add any and everything to my setup. I have HomePod minis in every room, I have eve smart plugs on all of my sockets. I have lutron switches on all of my lights, plus Yale smart locks. When do I STOP?

[@InVeritos]

Another excellent and informative video!

[@TheBradLloyd]

Thank you!

[@nmr2930]

Mr Lloyd Great information!!

[@TheBradLloyd]

Thanks so much! 😉

[@amandakane6211]

Could you do a video on how you used the plugs to connect your fireplace?

[@TheBradLloyd]

Thanks for watching Amanda! You’re in luck, I posted a video a while ago on this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGPNg6Ghgct5jrs

[@chunwong1807]

may you please let me know where to buy the homepod stand?

[@TheBradLloyd]

Absolutely! They are great! Check out these HPM TriPods from Balolo! www.balolo.de/?ref=9incxpey27 Get 10% off with Code: BRADLLOYD

[@roba168]

With the new 4K Apple TV having thread is the HomePod mini still the best item to start with?

[@TheBradLloyd]

Hi Rob, I've heard that the Thread antenna on the HP mini is stronger than the Apple TV, but I doubt it makes much of a difference.

[@roba168]

@@TheBradLloyd I’ve seen a bunch of your videos on the Nanoleaf lightbulbs do they have a motion sensor like the Phillips hue kights?

[@GreeniusGenius]

@@roba168 No, but it wouldn’t matter, since you’d need a HomeKit hub anyways, so you could just get a HomeKit motion sensor like the Eve one anyways…

[@grizzlypaws461]

The new Schlage lock is WiFi or Thread connected isn’t it?

[@TheBradLloyd]

It’s WiFi. Thread would be 😎.

[@paulopereira9645]

it's great to finally see a fellow Canadian on here. I was wondering if you knew how to add Blink Cameras to the HomeKit app? I have everything working through the blink app or Fire Stick. I have Apple TV 4, soon will be getting the homepod. but still having trouble getting everything to come together in HomeKit. so far just using manufacture apps.

[@DennisTuckersAwesome]

For the motion sensors in the bathroom, what is your settings to have them turn off?

[@yannikhay999]

Great video and I suscribed. I have one question so far, I wonder why my Home app doesn't have the same Home Screen as yours. I don't have the status at the top. And I cannot find how to set it. Thank you in advance.

[@robertshaw5023]

Hi Brad, I have a multi building property with 4 buildings about 40feet apart. Will Matter work for the buildings or are they too far apart? Do I need a hub for each building? Any tips to run this property in a good smart home way? I should add that I have run ethernet underground to each out building so each building has a strong wifi signal.

[@AsianUnknown13]

My Nanoleaf light strips keep disconnecting from the app and/or Apple Home, and it's difficult to get them reconnected. I'm done with them.

[@cheese99999]

Very informative…I’m starting from scratch. Should I wait for Matter before purchasing Lutron Caseta switches? Also, your toilet paper roll is loaded incorrectly

[@TheBradLloyd]

Hi Colby, Lutron Caseta is a great choice. I don’t see any benefit to waiting for Matter. They will continue to work with HomeKit regardless of Matter.

[@cheese99999]

@@TheBradLloyd Thanks! I appreciate your reply :)

[@cantrdr]

Which LED light strip diffuser do you use? Is “Amazon Choice” Thmoother the way to go? Guess its just a piece of aluminum!

[@TheChrist8110]

Do you know any retailer in Canada for the Eve blind?

[@TheBradLloyd]

Coming soon to selectblinds.ca!

[@Nakylen]

Awesome video! I’m having to start over on my HomeKit home journey I had a house fire an lost all my smart products, from my dyson v7 catching fire. What where the name of those led strips that could do multiple colors at once?

[@TheBradLloyd]

Thanks for watching. I am so sorry to hear about your fire, hope everyone is ok. The light strip is called the Onvis Kameleon K1 light strip.

[@islandsnow]

Where did you get that homepod mini stand. The 3 legged one

[@TheBradLloyd]

Great question, I put the link in the description with my affiliate code… Check out these HPM TriPods from Balolo! www.balolo.de/?ref=9incxpey27 Get 10% off with Code: BRADLLOYD

[@AntonKrall]

What do you do when you dont have a neutral wire and would like to install a smart switch?

[@TheBradLloyd]

Hi Anton, you could have an electrician rewire the circuit (I would imagine this is very expensive), or you can purchase a non-neutral wire switch. Both Lutron Caseta and Aqara have options!

[@daryldominguez3429]

Hello brad, i am new to following you and your channel. I am also new to smart home. I have a homepod mini which controls my lights. Having problem cause it doesnt run my shortcuts on my iphone. It says it doesnt know who is talking and when I say my name it says it cant do it. Have done reseting the homepod, reinstalling homepod and shortcuts, reseting network on the iphone but to no avail. Is it a common problem? Any solutions? Thanks in Advance

[@rayzhou]

great thoughtful video, have you been able to try out the new belkin semi with thread?

[@TheBradLloyd]

Thank you Ray. What do you mean by Belkin Semi? I have tried the wemo stage and smart plug with thread, is that what you are referring to? Thanks!

[@rayzhou]

@@TheBradLloyd sorry autocorrected wemo to semi haha, that's what i meant!

[@TheBradLloyd]

@@rayzhou I’ve had a terrible time with both the WeMo Stage and Smart Plug. It’s been ridiculous… I expected more since it was thread. Just my personal experience though.

[@SteveMerten]

Hi Brad, I really appreciate your videos. I’m building a new house and want it to be smart from the start. We are an Apple family in Australia. I am having trouble deciding on what smart switch system to go with. Our local electrician is suggesting an Australian based Bluetooth system named Pixie, but I would prefer something more HomeKit friendly and ideally thread/Matter future-proofed. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks agin for your great videos, Steve

[@TheBradLloyd]

Hi Steve, my recommendation is always Lutron Caseta. It works with HomeKit (and should work with Matter eventually as well). Super fast, reliable, and keeps your switches off Wifi! I would personally stay away from bluetooth at this point. Good luck!

[@Bob-rz8rz]

An “average” size home in Canada is 3500 square feet?

[@Nick19837]

Thanks for the great video. Maybe you can answer a question I haven't been able to figure out. I have a Starilng Hub running a Nest thermostat on Homekit. Can I use Ecobee room temperature sensors together with the Nest? Even though my Nest isn't native, I would prefer to outfit the home with native sensors.

[@TheBradLloyd]

Hi Nick, that is a good question and to be honest I'm not sure. The Ecobee room sensors connect to HomeKit via the Ecobee thermostat, I don't think you can simply pair a room sensor to HomeKit. Perhaps there is a work around, but not that I'm aware of. You could use try doing something with other room sensors like from Aqara or Eve Room if that helps.

[@Nick19837]

@@TheBradLloyd Thank you for the reply. With Eve Room, could I set an automation to turn on the central AC if the master bedroom goes above a certain temperature?

[@TheBradLloyd]

@@Nick19837 Totally. As long as your AC is in HomeKit (which it sounds like it is).

[@orangeblue789]

Hey Eisenstein.. it’s “MEROSS”not “Maris”..lol. Hard to find the damn lights by the wrong name. But I do love your channel. I’ve learned a lot.

[@deepinurmom8159]

Dope video

[@AnthonyAllioo]

I switched from echo/Alexa and man HomeKit is pretty bad. The only reason why it’s decent is the ecosystem. I’m a Apple guy too so I ended up selling all of my echo products and got a Apple TV and a few Homepod Minis and it’s always a issue with connecting them all or just to play music on a single speaker. It says it’s not connected to the internet when it clearly is or shows “no response” on the home app. I hope it gets better though. Looking forward to matter.

[@thomaslogonran2403]

yea I agree, I can't figure out how to get my mini from having music, playing like I will tell Siri to set an alarm at 4 in the morning and I will hit the stop on the mini, and next it will start playing Christmas music.

[@magnus33john]

One thing did throw me for a loop apple and privacy. Apple track record on privacy is spotty at best with refusing to unlock phones to being almost always the first hacked devices at defcon. Rule of thumb do not depend on a manufacture to protect your privacy do so yourself or your asking for trouble.

[@abhilashdasari6501]

U spelt ‘reliable’ wrong at around 3:10 when talking about the pros and cons of thread

[@TheBradLloyd]

Good catch, Thanks for watching the video closely enough to notice this! 😉

[@Davidsama]

I wouldn't recommend LIFX. Even thought they have way brighter colors than Hue but they are unreliable. I have 11 LIFX bulbs and only 4 respond and the rest re-unreachable by the app and HomeKit app. I've contacted LIFX and several occasions due to the light bulbs wouldn't be able to reconnect or re-add to the app. They shifted the blame and said the problem was my WIFI and offer very little help by asking me to call my router manufacture. So I'm phasing LIFX out. Now I have 26 Hue bulbs and they are very reliable. One or two bulbs do get unreachable every now-and-then but they reconnect soon after.

[@ftsmith351]

Google has a much bigger ecosystem

[@stevesilas9427]

Apparently this video is geared to apple users

[@TheBradLloyd]

Hi Steve, yes, this is for Apple HomeKit users.