We have all been there. After automating all of your home’s lighting, upgrading your thermostat, and deploying smart plugs across the house, there’s always that one device that has to sit out because it relies on an old-school infrared remote.
If that sounds like you, you’ll be happy to know that thanks to recent hardware and software releases, you’re able to finally add your IR device to the Apple Home app without resorting to running a Homebridge or Home Assistant server. Whether it is an electric fireplace, air conditioner, or fan, we’ll show you how.
What You’ll Need
Image Credit:SwitchBot
Since older IR devices lack direct Home app integration, adding them to your smart home requires more than just a scan of a pairing code. While the process isn’t too complicated, you will need an additional piece of hardware and a third-party app to make the magic happen.
To start, you’ll need a Home app-compatible hub, bridge, or gateway with IR capabilities. Available options include the SwitchBot Hub 2, the Aqara M2 Smart Hub, the Aqara Camera Hub G3, and the Nature Remo Nano.
This guide will cover the steps for the SwitchBot Hub 2 and the Aqara Camera Hub G3—which is similar to the M2 Smart Hub. Unfortunately, the Nature Remo Nano is exclusive to the Japanese market so we are unable to provide steps for that specific hub.
Next, you’ll need to download and set up your hub of choice via the accompanying vendor app, then add it to the Home app. In some cases—like with the SwitchBot Hub 2—you’ll need to enable Matter connectivity before adding it to Apple Home.
Finally, you’ll need to ensure that all your devices are up-to-date. This means downloading and installing the latest software release for iOS on your iPhone and Apple Home Hub and applying any firmware updates for your IR hub.
How to Add an IR Device to Apple Home With the SwitchBot Hub 2
Screenshot/Photo by Christopher Close – No attribution required
Before adding your IR devices via the SwitchBot Hub 2, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, SwitchBot’s IR/Home app implementation does not work with learning functions—you’ll need to choose your IR device from a list of vendors and model templates.
Second, the SwitchBot Hub 2 connects to the Apple Home app via Matter. If you haven’t done so already, you’ll need to add yourMatter smart home sevice to Apple HomeKitbefore proceeding.
Last, adding your IR device consists of two parts: adding your IR device to the SwitchBot app and exposing it to Matter/Apple Home. To add your IR device to SwitchBot:
With your IR device in the SwitchBot app, you can now expose it to the Apple Home app via Matter:
Once complete, your IR device will appear as a tile in the Home app just like all your HomeKit and Matter accessories. Just tap it to toggle your IR action or add it to Home app Scenes, Automation, or Groups.
How to Add an IR Device to Apple Home With the Aqara Camera Hub G3
Adding an IR device from an Aqara Camera Hub G3 to Apple Home consists of three main parts: adding the device, creating a scene, and making the scene available to Apple Home. Devices added via Aqara will appear just likescenes you create within the Apple Home app. To add your IR device:
With your IR device added, it is now time to create a scene within the Aqara Home app:
The final puzzle piece is making your Aqara scene available to the Apple Home app.
After a few moments, your Aqara scene will now be available in the Apple Home app. Due to limitations with IR devices, your scene will only appear in the Scenes area on the Home tab in the Apple Home app using this method. Simply tap it to toggle the action on your IR device.
Make Your Old Devices Smart With the Apple Home App
Now, with just a tap in the Home app or a shout to Siri, you can finally bring your older IR devices to life without fumbling with a remote. It’s a quick and easy process that makes more devices smarter.
