Set up your HomePod, HomePod mini, Apple TV or iPad as a home hub
You need a home hub to control your HomeKit and Matter accessories while you’re away from home, share control of your accessories with others and automate your accessories to do what you want, when you want.
Thread-based accessories require a Thread-enabled home hub, such as Apple TV 4K, HomePod (2nd generation), HomePod mini, or a compatible third-party Thread border router for you to run automations, receive notifications and control accessories while away.
Set up HomePod mini or HomePod as a home hub
When you set up HomePod mini and HomePod,* they become home hubs automatically. Just make sure you’ve signed in to iCloud on your iPhone or iPad with the Apple Account that you used to set up your HomeKit and Matter accessories in the Home app.
Set up Apple TV as a home hub
Apple TV* automatically becomes a home hub when you add it to HomeKit.
Open Settings on Apple TV.
Select Users and Accounts. Make sure your name is selected under Default User and that you’ve signed in to iCloud with the Apple Account that you used to set up your HomeKit and Matter accessories in the Home app.
Go back to Apple TV Settings, then select AirPlay and HomeKit.
Scroll down and select Room, then choose a room or add a new room.
If your home hub isn't working as expected
Check that your HomePod, HomePod mini, Apple TV or iPad is up to date.
Make sure that the user signed in to iCloud on your iPhone, iPad or Apple TV is the primary Home app user and not an invited user.
Turn on iCloud Keychain and two-factor authentication for your Apple Account.
Check that the device you set up as a home hub is in your home, connected to your home Wi-Fi network and turned on.
Do more with the Home app
After you’ve set up a home hub, you can create custom home automations in the Home app or personal automations in the Shortcuts app.
Use the Home app to manage and securely control your accessories on your iPhone, iPad or Mac.
* HomePod mini, HomePod, and Apple TV aren't available in all countries or regions.
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