Todd VaziriMay 22, 2024

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)

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 Perkins
@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.
May 22, 2024 at 10:43amWeb