Yes, your Apple HomeKit could work without an internet connection, but only for some devices.
The problem with getting an Apple HomeKit without internet is that you cannot fully enjoy the benefits of the system—most devices paired with HomeKit need Wi-Fi to work.
As such, it is better to only use Apple HomeKit if you have strong Wi-Fi throughout your house.
With it, you can purchase several smart devices and control them no matter where you are.
Today, we will answer some of the most common questions about the Apple HomeKit in relation to its connectivity.
What devices can be used as HomeKit hub?
A hub is a local server, so you can use your phone or tablet as a control hub.
For the Apple HomeKit, the best hub, of course, is the device they manufactured for this purpose.
The hub is like a control room that allows you to access a management interface.
Here are some options:
- HomePod
- HomePod Mini
- iPad
To make these things work, you need an account in iCloud, and then sync the hub to it.
Once you are signed in, you can connect your smart devices to the hub and control them from it.
Does HomeKit use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth?
Apple HomeKit uses both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth—it depends on how you want to set it up and what your smart device supports as a connection.
Most lightbulbs today can also be paired with Bluetooth.
You do not need an internet connection for some devices, but then the experience is a lot better if you do connect your Apple HomeKit via Wi-Fi.
Integrating Apple HomeKit with smart devices is confusing. Most smart devices today are sold with their own app.
Because of this, people who buy these products end up with a lot of apps to control.
It is really annoying. However, you can find a way to connect these smart appliances directly to Apple HomeKit.
Some products come with directions to connect the smart app’s device and then do the integration with Apple HomeKit later.
Some support Bluetooth via the HomeKit, and some do not.
Keep in mind that there is no international standard for these smart devices.
So always read reviews before you buy them. Do not assume that just because an appliance is smart that it can connect to HomeKit.
As for Apple HomeKit, it can use Wii and Bluetooth simultaneously.
However, it cannot connect via other signals like Z-wave.
Do HomeKit Devices Need to Be On the Same network?
Yes, they should be on the same network. There is a way to go around this problem, but it is complicated.
You must use mDNS forwarding if you want to use different networks.
HomeKit devices work at their best if you connect them to the same network, which is called in the industry a subnet.
The same network is what several Apple HomeKit devices use to communicate with each other.
Let us say you have two internet service providers—one is in the office, and one is for the home.
What you can do is create two different HomePod systems or hubs.
However, this will not create a seamless home you can control because there is no connection between these two HomeKit systems.
Does the Apple HomeKit work on a guest network? No, it does not.
The exception is if you have a Wi-Fi router that has some programming allowing advanced usage for a guest network.
Can I Use HomeKit Without Apple TV?
Yes, you can. Most people think that you need Apple TV to make the HomeKit work.
However, this is not entirely true. You can set up your Apple HomeKit with your iPad.
You can use the HomeKit the easy way. For example, you can control your lightbulbs away from home with only your iPhone.
But then, as you add more smart appliances, the entire process and network become more complicated.
If you do not have an Apple TV, you can use your HomePod or HomePod Mini as your hub.
When you set up your HomePod system for the first time, it actually becomes the default control hub for your smart home.
To make this work, however, you need to sign into your iCloud account to make it work.
In addition, you can also set up your iPad as your home hub.
To make it work, just go to your iPad settings and then tap iCloud.
From here, you can turn on HOME. Then, just choose the setting that says Use this iPad as a Home Hub.
Can You Control Apple HomeKit Remotely?
Yes, you can do this remotely. The key is to have Apple TV or any HomeHub like the HomePod.
To control the HomeKit remotely, you must go to the settings of your iCloud, and then tap on Show All. Then, turn on HOME.
Keep in mind that your device—the iPhone or iPad—must be signed into the same iCloud as your HomeKit.
If you are keeping a different account between the two, you cannot control the Home Kit remotely.
To ensure that you have a seamless experience in the Apple universe, we suggest that you keep only one account.
Why is HomeKit difficult to use sometimes?
That is because Apple uses HAP or HomeKit Accessory Protocol. It is Apple’s proprietary protocol.
What it does is enable smart appliances to connect with it.
Once the HAP and the appliance are connected, they can begin communicating with each other.
The good news is that the HAP supports two communication methods: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. As such, the smart device that you buy does not need HAP at all.
Conclusion
Apple HomeKit is an excellent way to make your home smart.
It works on both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, but then we strongly recommend that you use Wi-Fi and only from a single network.
It is not ideal to have multiple accounts from one ISP to give you internet to your bedroom and then another in your living room.
You must speak to the ISP to give you one internet connection that covers your entire home.