How to Integrate Axis Cameras with Apple HomeKit
Axis Communications is a world leader in professional network cameras, known for their exceptional quality, performance, and security. However, if you're a smart home enthusiast who uses Apple HomeKit, you've likely discovered that these high-end cameras don't offer native integration.
This guide explains why this is the case and provides a clear, detailed walkthrough of the best methods to connect your Axis cameras to your Apple Home ecosystem, giving you the best of both worlds.
## Why Axis and HomeKit Don't Natively Connect
The lack of direct support comes down to different target markets and technical requirements.
- Professional vs. Consumer Focus: Axis primarily serves the commercial and enterprise surveillance markets. Their systems are designed for robust, standalone operation or integration with professional video management systems (VMS). The consumer-focused smart home market, including Apple HomeKit, has not been their priority.
- Apple's MFi Certification: To be officially "HomeKit Certified," products must undergo Apple's rigorous MFi (Made for iPhone/iPad) certification process. This involves specific hardware encryption chips and software protocols that Axis cameras are not typically built with.
As a result, you will not find a HomeKit QR code on your Axis camera, and it will not be discoverable within the Apple Home app.
## The Solution: Third-Party HomeKit Bridges
To achieve integration, you need to use a software "bridge" that runs on your local network. This bridge acts as a translator, taking the standard video feed from your Axis camera and presenting it to HomeKit in a format it can understand. The two leading platforms for this are Homebridge and Scrypted.
These solutions are highly reliable and run entirely within your own network, ensuring your video streams remain private and secure.
### Key Prerequisite: Finding Your Camera's RTSP Stream
Before you begin, you need the RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol) URL for your Axis camera. This is a direct network link to the video feed. Axis makes this relatively easy to find. The format is often:
rtsp://<username>:<password>@<IP_address>/axis-media/media.amp
<IP_address>: The local IP address of your camera on your network.<username>: The username for your camera.<password>: The password for your camera.
You can find the IP address using the Axis IP Utility tool or by checking the list of connected devices in your router's admin panel.
### Method 1: Using Homebridge for Integration
Homebridge is a long-standing, versatile server that can make thousands of non-compliant devices appear as native HomeKit accessories.
Steps:
- Set Up a Homebridge Server: You'll need an always-on device to run Homebridge. A Raspberry Pi is a cost-effective and popular choice, but any Mac, Windows, or Linux computer will work.
- Install the Camera FFmpeg Plugin: Once Homebridge is running, the best plugin for most cameras is
homebridge-camera-ffmpeg. You can install it through the Homebridge web interface. - Configure the Plugin: You will need to add your Axis camera to the plugin's configuration file (config.json). You'll specify the camera's name and provide the RTSP URL you found earlier.
- Add to HomeKit: After restarting Homebridge, a new "bridge" accessory will be available to add to your Apple Home app. Once you add it, your Axis camera will appear automatically, ready to be viewed.
### Method 2: Using Scrypted for High-Performance Video
Scrypted is a more modern alternative to Homebridge, specifically optimised for integrating security cameras. It often provides lower latency and better support for advanced features.
Steps:
- Install Scrypted: Like Homebridge, Scrypted needs to be installed on an always-on computer on your network.
- Install Required Plugins: Through the Scrypted management console, you will install the RTSP Plugin and the HomeKit Plugin.
- Add the Camera: Use the RTSP Plugin to add a new device. It will ask for the camera's RTSP URL, username, and password. Scrypted will automatically connect and verify the stream.
- Enable HomeKit Integration: In the HomeKit Plugin, simply enable the option to "expose" your newly added Axis camera.
- Pair with Home: The Scrypted HomeKit Plugin will generate a QR code. Scan this from your iPhone's Home app to add the Scrypted bridge, which will then bring your Axis camera into your HomeKit environment.
Why Choose Scrypted for Cameras?
- Performance: Generally offers a smoother, faster video experience.
- HomeKit Secure Video: Scrypted supports HomeKit Secure Video, which provides intelligent alerts (people, pets, vehicles) and secure cloud storage with an eligible iCloud+ plan.
By leveraging the power of these bridging platforms, you can seamlessly integrate your professional-grade Axis cameras into the user-friendly Apple HomeKit interface, creating a truly powerful and customised smart security system.