If you see a 'Software Update Required' or a 'Home Hub Required' error message on your iPhone or iPad

If either of these error messages appear in the Home app while you're adding an accessory, update the software on your active home hub. Or set up a home hub.

If you see a "Software Update Required" error message

Update your active home hub. You can check which device is your active home hub in the Home app. Tap or click the More button, select Home Settings, then select Home Hubs & Bridges.

*iPad is not supported as a home hub on the latest version of Apple Home. iPad (5th generation and later), iPad mini (5th generation and later), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), and all iPad Pro models support the latest version of iPadOS.

If you see a "Home Hub Required" error message

Set up a home hub. If you already set up a home hub, follow these steps. After each step, try to add your accessory again.

  1. Turn your active home hub off then on. You can check which device is your active home hub in the Home app. Tap or click the More button, select Home Settings, then select Home Hubs & Bridges.

  2. Try adding the accessory using an iPhone or iPad that's signed in to the Apple Account that was used to set up your home in the Home app.

  3. If your active home hub is an Apple TV that's connected to the internet with an Ethernet cable, connect your Apple TV to Wi-Fi instead. Connect it to the same Wi-Fi network that your iOS device is on.

  4. Check that your Wi-Fi is connected and there is no interference.

  5. Reset the network settings on the device that has the error message.

  6. If you use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) or other third-party security software, learn what to do.

Get more help

If you still need help setting up your accessory, contact Apple Support.

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