If you have guests at home or simply want other family members to be able to control your HomeKit-compatible connected devices , this is for you. We'll tell you everything you need to know to do it securely, making it easier for them to use the devices or even restricting their access.
Why give permission to control HomeKit devices
Every single solution currently available for controlling the connected home has its own advantages and disadvantages. There isn't one option that's inherently better than another; ultimately, it all depends on factors such as the user's operating system, existing services, and devices.
However, it is true that some solutions are a little easier to manage than others and that does not mean that they are less secure. It is simply that they are conceived differently. In the case of Apple, the main handicap (advantage for some) is the closed ecosystem approach where only users of its products can use it.
This, as we say, can be an added value for some or quite the opposite. Because if the person who lives with you or is a guest does not have a Mac, iPhone or iPad, they will not be able to access control of the connected devices as they cannot use the Home application. So either there is a HomePod that everyone can use or nothing.
Let's assume that this is not the case and that everyone has an iOS, iPadOS, or macOS device to access the HomeKit ecosystem. Why is it interesting to allow them control? Well, very simple, the greater the home automation, the more advantages and if you want them to take advantage of all of them, you have to give them the option of being able to control them.
Also because a trusted relative could be in charge of solving small inconveniences or even being aware of possible alerts that could generate sensors installed to detect smoke, water, etc.
How to share your home connected by HomeKit
We already know that the first essential requirement is to have an Apple device with the Home application installed. The second is that they are on the latest version of the system, because if this is not the case, the invitation that will allow them to take control may not reach them.
So, once everyone has the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS updated, the next step is for everyone to be signed in to iCloud on their devices. Once that's done, make sure everyone has Home enabled in Settings > Profile > iCloud.
Now you only have to send the invitations so that other users can make use of the connected home that you have created. To do this, follow these steps:
- Open the Home app
- Touch the icon of a small house located in the upper left corner
- Now select House Configuration
- On the new screen, where it indicates People, click on the option to invite people
- Enter their Apple ID and they will receive an invitation to control your home
Once you have accepted the invitation, that user will be able to access your connected home. Although there are a series of extra adjustments that you can make. For starters you can give or not permission to add or edit new accessories. Also if you want to allow remote control of accessories. That is, when you are away from home.
And logically as the main manager of the house, if you want to delete a specific user so that they no longer have control, you only have to select them and click on the delete option. Done, it will be out and will not be able to do anything that you had previously allowed it to do.
Set up remote access to HomeKit devices
So that both other users and yourself can control the connected home from outside the home, without having to be connected to the local network, you will need to configure a home control center. That means that you will have to use one of the Apple devices that allow this function and that are none other than one of the HomePods, the Apple TV or an iPad.
Although most users possibly have an iPad than a HomePod or even an Apple TV, in order to be used as a home automation control center, these last two are more interesting than the tablet. Because they are prepared to be plugged in all day. Anyway, select the one that is most comfortable for you or you just have.
Once that's done, setting it up as an Apple HomeKit hub is very simple:
- On Apple TV and HomePod, once you have configured them and logged in with your Apple ID, they are automatically configured as a home automation center
- If it's an iPad, the only step next to signing in with iCloud is to sign in with the homeowner's primary account created in the Home app. Then turn on Home again in iCloud settings
Ready, everything would be configured so that both you and the people you have invited to control your home automation can do it while connected to the local WiFi network or from any other point where you have an internet connection.
Tips for taking advantage of the connected home among several users
Finally, and despite this being something that also applies to any other type of teamwork or sharing, it is important that you are all aware of the changes applied. Especially if you have permissions to edit existing devices or add new ones. Because if someone creates an automation or routine, it is good that the rest know which one and why. This way, problems are avoided, such as deleting the same setting or repeating names or orders that could cause problems in use.