If you can’t add a smart home accessory to the Home app

Find out what to do if you don’t have the Add Accessory option or if you have another issue adding an accessory in the Home app.

Check requirements and recommendations

If you don’t have the Add Accessory option

If an alert says the accessory has already been added

If an alert says “Unable to add to home”

If an alert says the network is incompatible

If an alert says an accessory is not supported

If you can’t add a Matter accessory

Check requirements and recommendations

• You need an iPhone or iPad to add accessories to the Home app. You can’t add accessories with a Mac.

• Update your iPhone or iPad.

• Turn on Bluetooth in the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.

• Check the accessory manual to see if the accessory needs additional hardware, software updates or additional setup in the manufacturer's app.

• Make sure your accessory works with Apple Home, HomeKit or Matter.

• Make sure your iPhone or iPad, previously added accessories and home hubs are on the same Wi-Fi network.

If you don’t have the Add Accessory option

Ask the Home Owner to edit your permissions in the Home app. Tap or click the More button, then select Home Settings to access a list of shared home users. The list includes the Home Owner, Residents and Guests.

To allow a Resident to add accessories, the Home Owner must tap or click the Resident from the list, then turn on Add and Edit Accessories.

If an alert states that the accessory has already been added

If an alert states that the accessory has already been added to your home, or the accessory was previously used in another home, you may need to reset the accessory. Check the accessory manual, contact the manufacturer or visit the manufacturer’s website to find out more.

If an alert says “Unable to add to home”

1. Make sure the accessory is turned on.

2. Bring the accessory closer to the router for the setup process.

3. Unplug any third-party bridges and all home hubs (HomePod, HomePod mini and Apple TV), then plug them back into a power source.

4. Reset the accessory. If you need any more help, check the accessory manual, contact the manufacturer or visit the manufacturer’s website to find out more.

If an alert states that the network is incompatible

Check that your iPhone or iPad is connected to a Wi-Fi network that supports the 2.4GHz standard. Some accessories aren't compatible with 5.0GHz networks.

If an alert says an accessory is not supported

The accessory may need a firmware update. Download the manufacturer’s app for the accessory and install the latest firmware. Check the accessory manual, contact the manufacturer or visit the manufacturer’s website for more help.

If you can’t add a Matter accessory

Set up a home hub. If you have an iPhone using iOS 18 or later, you can add Matter accessories to and control Matter accessories from the Home app without a home hub. However, a home hub is recommended for the best experience.