How do I use HomeKit with my eero network?

What is HomeKit? 

HomeKit (Apple Home) is Apple's smart home platform that lets you control compatible devices through your Apple products. When you use eero as a HomeKit-enabled router, you can add an extra layer of security to protect your network from vulnerable smart home devices.

How is HomeKit different from HomeKit Secure Router?

HomeKit is Apple's smart home ecosystem for controlling compatible accessories. HomeKit Secure Router is a security feature that controls which services and devices your HomeKit accessories can communicate with on your wifi network and the internet.

Note: HomeKit and HomeKit accessories can still be used on any eero network regardless if a HomeKit Secure Router is present on the network.

How does HomeKit Secure Router work with eero?

When HomeKit Secure Router is enabled, eero will firewall each of your supported HomeKit-enabled accessories, preventing them from communicating with other wifi devices connected to your home network, and from unauthorized services on the internet. HomeKit accessories are automatically given permissions based only on what they need:

• Restrict to Home: Most secure. Your device can interact only with HomeKit through your Apple devices. The device won't connect to the Internet or any local devices so any third-party services, like firmware updates, might be blocked.
• Automatic: Default security. The router allows the accessory to connect to an automatically updated list of manufacturer approved Internet services and local devices.
• No Restriction: Least secure. This setting bypasses the secure router and allows your device to interact with any device in your network or Internet- based service.

Requirements:

• A supported eero (see list below)
• iPhone or iPad running iOS 14+
• Home Hub running iOS 13.2+ (HomePod, Apple TV 4K, or Apple TV HD)
• Network set to Automatic (not Bridge Mode)

Supported eero models:

• eero (Gen 1)
• eero Pro
• eero
• eero 6
• eero Pro 6

Note: Your iPhone or iPad must be connected to your eero network before you can activate HomeKit Secure Router.

How do I activate HomeKit Secure Router?

1. Open the eero App, and tap Settings in the bottom-right corner
2. Tap Advanced networking
3. Under Integrations, tap Apple HomeKit
4. Tap the Set up HomeKit button
5. Read through the text on the page, then tap Setup HomeKit
6. You'll see a popup: "eero Would Like to Access Your Home Data." Tap Allow

How do I access HomeKit Secure Router?

eero App:

1. Open the eero App, and tap Settings in the bottom-right corner
2. Tap Advanced networking
3. Under Integrations, tap Apple HomeKit

From this screen, you may view the eeros set up with HomeKit.

iOS Home app:

1. Tap the (more options icon), then select Home Settings
2. If you have multiple homes, choose the home where you put your router
3. Scroll down and tap Wi-Fi Network & Routers, then tap an accessory to change the level of connection security:

• Restrict to Home: Most secure. Your accessory can interact only with HomeKit through your Apple devices. The accessory won't connect to the internet or any local devices so any third-party services, like firmware updates, might be blocked.
• Automatic: Default security. Your accessory can communicate with HomeKit and connections recommended by its manufacturer.
• No Restriction: Least secure. This setting bypasses the secure router and allows your accessory to interact with any device in your network or internet-based service.

How do I change HomeKit security settings?

Control how much protection your router gives your HomeKit accessories. To change security settings in the Home app:

1. Tap the (more options icon), then select Home Settings
2. If you have multiple homes, choose the home where you put your router
3. Scroll down, and tap Wi-Fi Network & Routers. Then tap an accessory to change the level of connection security to Restrict to Home, Automatic, or No Restriction

How do I disable HomeKit Secure Router?

1. Open the eero App, and tap Settings in the bottom-right corner
2. Tap Advanced networking
3. Under Integrations, tap Apple HomeKit
4. Tap the Disable HomeKit button
5. You’ll see a pop-up letting you know "You're about to disable HomeKit. This is permanent and cannot be undone"
6. Tap Disable. The next screen will notify you HomeKit has been disabled
7. Tap Okay to exit

Helpful External Links

• Apple HomeKit Setup and Use
• Set up your HomePod or Apple TV as a home hub
• Use routers secured with HomeKit

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use HomeKit without HomeKit Secure Router?

Yes, HomeKit Secure Router isn't a requirement to use the HomeKit ecosystem or accessories on your network.

What if I don't have a Home Hub?

If you don't have a Home Hub device, you can't add your eero to HomeKit.

What if I have a HomeHub, but I don't have HomeKit accessories?

You'll be able to add your eero to HomeKit, but you won't be able to apply HomeKit Security to any accessories.

What if I see "We can't find your home"?

This means we can't find your eeros in HomeKit. This can happen if you open the eero app on a different device or if you sign into a different iCloud account. This can also happen if you remove your eeros from the Home app. You can try logging back into the iCloud account that you initially used to add eero to HomeKit. You can also use the Reset HomeKit button on this screen to reset the HomeKit pairing and re-add your eeros to Home.