Todd Vaziri

If I want to use an Apple TV as a HomeKit Hub to help control wireless devices (like smart locks), does the Apple TV need to be physically close to those wireless devices or does it use your existing Wi-Fi network to connect?

(I’m going to using the Schlage Encode Plus)

May 22, 2024 at 3:19amIvory for iOS
Show threadTodd VaziriMay 22, 2024

Thanks, gang. Seems like the answer is:

if the device uses Wi-Fi, and as long as the Apple TV as a HomeKit Hub is on the same Wi-Fi, you're good. Proximity between the device and the Hub is not an issue.

Show thread(((Jann Gobble)))🏳️‍🌈May 22, 2024
@tvaziri My BIG problem w/HomeKit? IF you have a HomePod of ANY kind on your network, it will constantly take-over as Homekit hub - and there's NO WAY tell it not to. It's ALSO way slower than my ATVs...which bothers me w/HomeKit!
Show threadKevin AyersMay 22, 2024
@tvaziri I suggest a slight correction; “on the same ‘network’, you’re good.” The doorbell can be on Wi-Fi with the AppleTV on a wired connection and that works as well.
Show threadirmongooseMay 22, 2024
@tvaziri It uses your wifi network
Show threadMichael CookMay 22, 2024

@irmongoose @tvaziri I believe it will also use Ethernet if you plug it in and that connects to your WiFi.

Proximity only matters for Bluetooth connected HomeKit stuff and you want to avoid BT stuff like the plague.

Show threadFrank McPartlandMay 22, 2024
@tvaziri I use a very old iPad Mini as a HomeKit hub for the Encode Plus. My wife loves to unlock the door with her Apple Watch
Show threadDave Wood 🇨🇦May 22, 2024
@frankmcp @tvaziri Note that iPad is not supported as a HomeKit hub anymore. It’ll keep working on an old Home setup, but if you do the upgrade in the Home app to the “new, more reliable architecture” or whatever they call it, the iPad will no longer work as a hub.
Show threadMonty Hayter 🇨🇦May 22, 2024

@davewoodx @frankmcp @tvaziri Using an iPad was always tenuous anyway — things tended to break if you took the iPad anywhere outside the home. (Note that the same applies to the AppleTV: be prepared for all sorts of inconvenience if you relocate it to another network, even temporarily)

But to the original question: uses the WiFi network just fine.

Show threadFrank McPartlandMay 22, 2024

@davewoodx @tvaziri

I did not realize this --thanks for letting me know!

Show threadRyanMay 22, 2024
@tvaziri it's network based, the smart device is not connecting directly to the AppleTV so proximity between the two devices isn't a factor (proximity between the smart device and an access point would be though).
Show threadTodd VaziriMay 22, 2024
@iryan thank you!
Show threadPierre-Luc GagnéMay 22, 2024
@tvaziri distance does not matter, but connecting the Apple TV with a cable sure does. That helps to eliminate connection problems with the hub itself. Homekit has many other issues, it's worth it to eliminate that one.
Show threadAndrew HeningerMay 22, 2024
@pl @tvaziri Generally this is good advice, I had an issue (and so did others) trying to use an Apple TV as a HomeKit hub when connected via Ethernet. Going to WiFi solved it, but YMMV. https://www.reddit.com/r/HomeKit/comments/1272fm6/apple_tv_4k_2022_ethernet_cable_and_homekit/
Show threadMichael HughesMay 22, 2024
@tvaziri The 128GB version has a Thread radio if you want to future proof
Show threadJon CarlestamMay 22, 2024
@tvaziri If it’s a Bluetooth only device proximity to Apple TV matters. Otherwise no.
Show threadKevin AyersMay 22, 2024

@tvaziri as others have said, proximity only matters if the device only connects via Bluetooth. Since you specifically mentioned the Encode Plus, you don’t have to worry about proximity since that Encode Plus uses WiFi.

Worth noting, I have this exact setup at my house. AppleTV on one end of the house acting as my hub and a side door with the Encode Plus about as far away from my AppleTV as possible. It works fine.

Show threadAlec PerkinsMay 22, 2024
@merlyn383 @tvaziri I’ll add that if you get another device that can act as a hub (eg a HomePod) they will decide amongst themselves which one is the primary hub based on connection quality. I’ve found that hardwiring the Apple TV keeps it primary and makes the HomeKit stuff more responsive. The HomePods then act as relays for Bluetooth-based devices.
Show threadJonathan ReedMay 22, 2024
@tvaziri It depends on what the device uses. If it’s WiFi (like the Schlage lock), then the proximity from the device to the Access Point or router matters. For improved reliability, I’d recommend also using ethernet to plug in your Apple TV to your router (for this and for general use).
If a device is Bluetooth, it does matter how close your Apple TV is, but I wouldn’t recommend using Bluetooth.
For Thread, it also matters how close your Apple TV is, but many devices, like the HomePod Mini and other smart accessories, can also act as a Thread border router.
Show threadBrent YorkMay 22, 2024
@tvaziri as others have said it uses WiFi, I have a hub system (D-Link) and it helps greatly to have one of those close by. You may also have to use a 2.4 network, need to check the lock