HomeKit integration: use dummy switches on a external HomeKit hub with HA

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First of all, i want to thank the developers of HA for making such a great effort.

This is my first post and coming from HomeSeer I’ve to say that it’s a real game changer.

That said, I’m looking for a way to use dummy switches in the Apple Home app with my Apple TV and Apple HomePod on my vacation adress. My HA is running at home and I’m using the HomeKit integration for the communication between both HA and Apple Home. I’ve setup my Apple Home at home successfully with external access.

The idea is to make some automations based on my dummy switches on my vacation adress. I’ve two Apple devices which i bring with me on vacation as a hub and i also have a private VPN so I’ve direct access to my HA at home.

I’ve added a second home in the Apple Home app as Hotel, I’ve made some switches in HA and added those switches to my second home: Hotel. Unfortunately those switches aren’t responding in the Apple Home app.

I think HA is only communicating with the Apple Home app when both are on the same local network, regardless of my direct connection through my private VPN?

Any help is welcome,

Michael de Charon

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A lot of stuff that HomeKit does relies on flat IP subnets for mDNS (ie: Bonjour), and will not cross subnet, router, or VPN boundaries.

Are you leaving an Apple HomeKit gateway device such as an Apple TV, Homepod [mini], or iPad running at home when you are away???

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I’ve multiple Apple TVs and HomePods at home but they are in a different home and rooms

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Ah Vreihen,

I think I know what you mean.

I can use an old 1080p Apple TV that I connect to my Hotel home and leave it at home and bring my other Apple TV with me on vacation. That way my old Apple TV at home is the integration between my HA and Apple Home app.

Right now I’m on vacation so I can’t test your solution. But this maybe the answer for me.

Thank you for your help!

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