Dumb questions –
Currently using Apple Homekit, with HomeKit devices, but starting to learn about HomeAssistant.
…or is it either use HoneKit or HiomeAssistant, but not both ?
You can access it both ways, but only pair it once. I connect everything to HA and then expose the things I want to HomeKit via the integration. It creates a bridge for HomeKit through which you can access the accessories in HA. So, yes to #1, but no to #2.
Building on that, if you have HomeKit accessories or devices, you will use the controller to make your HA look like a HomeKit hub. You will then pair with that. To also control said accessory or device via the Apple Home app, you’d expose it again with the integration.
It might sound convoluted, but this way all the management sits in one place and the Apple Home app (and other similar apps) merely acts as another user interface.
Many Thanks (!) for the note. Still a little fuzzy for me… To make sure then, if I pair all my HK devices to HA, I can then also control tehm via HK ? LIke if I have automations in HK I can make them work ? …or, like if I am away from home I can use HK to control lights (for example) ?
Indeed! It just becomes another entity you can interact with on the HA side.
The HomeKit controller creates a hub that “works with HomeKit” accessories will connect with as an alternative to pairing it with an Apple home hub directly (e.g. a HomePod or AppleTV).
The HomeKit Integration is the reverse: You have some accessories that you can’t directly interact with via the Home app, so you can expose them from HA by making HA look like a bridge to HomeKit.
(No problem with the direct mention. When you hit the reply button on a post (the one with the arrow) instead of the general reply button at the bottom (the blue button), that person will get a notification. Same when you quote a specific part of a message.)
Many thanks again for the note. I think I understand better now; I can do anything the same while in my home with either HA or HK.
Can I assume that to be able to control home devices while away from home, like I can do with HK, I would need to subscribe to Nabu Casa ?
You’ll be able to do a lot more in HA, but the Home app access is sometimes useful (for me).
Not for HomeKit access, but to access HA, yes. Because your HomeHub and HA would typically be on the same network, if you’re planning on accessing accessories only via the Home app remotely, it’s not needed to have HA remotely accessible. To me it’s useful so I’m an HA subscriber. You’ll need some kind of remote HA access e.g. for location tracking.
…ahh, OK. Sounds like Ieven though the devices are paired with HA, I do not loose any of the HomeKit functionality, even if I am accessing HK from away from home. Thank you for al lthe help ! I will work my way to getting set up on HA, Cheers!
You’re welcome.
Check the controller docs for accessory compatibility and support. I think there are things here and there that aren’t fully supported, but nothing I personally use (sensors, switches, covers, cameras, and more). One cool thing of the controller is that if you have a separate camera and motion sensor, or a sensor with a battery, you can link those for HomeKit to see them as a unit — if you wanted to make Homeakit automations, but also just to combine them visually.
Thanks again. Right now I only have Leviton Decora HomeKit switches and plugs, but plan on adding some Shelly devices, and two Hikvision IP cams. I see that there are integrations for both Shelly and Hikvision, and hope there is support for the Leviton Decora bits. I’ve tried to stay with only Wi-fi devices. Cheers!