Can You Use HomeKit Without an Apple TV or HomePod?

Apple calls devices that provide remote HomeKit access 'home hubs'. As of 2025, there are three types: Apple TV (4th generation or later, including Apple TV 4K), HomePod mini, and HomePod (2nd generation). The iPad used to serve as a home hub but Apple removed this functionality in iOS 16.

You only need one home hub, and it just needs to be powered on and connected to your home Wi-Fi — it doesn't need to be the same room as your devices. Most users find that a single HomePod mini or Apple TV 4K in any room of the house is sufficient for full HomeKit hub functionality.

Without any home hub, HomeKit still works for basic local control. When your iPhone or iPad is at home on the same Wi-Fi network as your HomeKit devices, you can: control devices manually in the Home app, run manual scenes by tapping them, and use Siri commands while physically at home.

This covers the vast majority of day-to-day interactions for most users. If you never need to check your locks when traveling, never want lights to automatically turn on at sunset, and never want to give guests remote access — you might genuinely be fine without a hub.

Several important HomeKit features require a home hub: remote access (controlling devices when your iPhone is away from home Wi-Fi), location-based automations (turning on lights when you arrive home, locking doors when you leave), time-based automations (turning on a lamp at 7 PM every evening), person-based automations (running scenes when a specific family member arrives home), HomeKit Secure Video (continuous camera recording to iCloud), and sharing control with family members so they have full access.

Without a hub, automations that are already created in your Home app will simply not run. Location triggers won't fire. Time-based schedules won't execute. Your devices are essentially manual-only when you're away from home.

If you have any Thread-based Matter accessories (smart locks, sensors, or bulbs using Thread), you also need a Thread Border Router to connect them to your network. Of Apple's hub devices, the Apple TV 4K (3rd gen, 2022 or later), HomePod mini, and HomePod (2nd gen) all include Thread Border Routers. The older Apple TV HD does not.

If you have Thread accessories and are choosing between hub options, ensure your chosen device includes a Thread Border Router. The HomePod mini at $99 is the most affordable option and serves as both a HomeKit hub and Thread Border Router.

HomePod mini ($99): The most popular choice. Excellent sound for its size, full HomeKit hub, Thread Border Router, and doubles as a smart speaker. Pairs with a second HomePod mini for stereo sound. Frequently goes on sale for $79–$89.

Apple TV 4K 3rd gen ($129): Best if you already use Apple TV for streaming. The Wi-Fi + Ethernet model includes Thread; the Wi-Fi-only model does not have a Thread Border Router. Excellent performance as a hub.

HomePod 2nd gen ($299): Full-sized smart speaker with superior audio quality. Supports spatial audio, Dolby Atmos, and has a built-in temperature/humidity sensor accessible in HomeKit. Ideal for users who want premium audio alongside hub functionality.

Setting up a HomeKit hub is automatic. When you sign into your Apple TV, HomePod mini, or HomePod with the same Apple ID used in your Home app, it automatically becomes a home hub. In the Home app, go to Home Settings and you'll see the hub listed under Home Hubs & Bridges.

You can have multiple hubs for redundancy — if one goes offline, another takes over. This is particularly useful if you travel frequently and want to ensure your automations always run. A HomePod mini in the bedroom and an Apple TV 4K in the living room, for example, gives you full hub redundancy at minimal cost.