Kasa and Apple HomeKit: A Guide to Compatibility
TP-Link's Kasa Smart ecosystem offers a wide range of affordable and reliable smart plugs, bulbs, and switches. However, if you're an Apple user, you may have run into a significant roadblock: trying to add your Kasa devices to the Apple Home app. The truth is, most Kasa devices are not natively compatible with Apple HomeKit.
This guide will explain why, which specific models are supported, and what workarounds are available to integrate your unsupported Kasa products into your Apple smart home.
Why Isn't My Kasa Device Supported by HomeKit?
Apple maintains a strict certification program for HomeKit compatibility. For a device to work directly with the Home app, it needs specific hardware and software that has been approved by Apple. For many years, Kasa chose not to include this hardware in their products.
- No HomeKit Code: The clearest sign that a device is not natively supported is the lack of a HomeKit setup code. Compatible devices will always have a sticker on them (and often in the manual) with a QR code and an 8-digit number. If your device doesn't have this, it cannot be added directly to the Home app.
- Hardware Requirement: HomeKit compatibility isn't just a software update; it requires a specific hardware chip for authentication. Older Kasa devices simply do not have this chip.
Recently, TP-Link has started releasing a very small number of newer products with native HomeKit support, but this does not apply retroactively to the vast catalogue of existing Kasa devices.
How to Check for Native Kasa HomeKit Compatibility
Before you buy, or if you're checking a device you own, look for these two things:
- The "Works with Apple HomeKit" Logo: The product packaging will prominently feature the official HomeKit logo.
- The Setup Code: The device itself will have the 8-digit setup code printed directly on it.
An example of a natively supported device is the Kasa Smart WiFi Mini Plug EP25. Many other popular models, like the HS103 or KP115, are not natively supported.
The Workaround: Using Homebridge for Integration
If you already have a collection of Kasa devices and want to control them through the Home app, there is a very popular and powerful solution: Homebridge.
What is Homebridge?
Homebridge is a lightweight server you can run on your home network. It essentially acts as a translator. It uses community-developed plugins to communicate with the APIs of non-HomeKit devices (like your Kasa plugs and bulbs) and then presents them to Apple HomeKit in a format that it understands. To your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, the Kasa device appears as if it were a native HomeKit product.
What Do You Need for Homebridge?
- An Always-On Computer: Homebridge needs to be running 24/7 to maintain the connection. This can be:
- A Raspberry Pi: A small, low-power computer that is perfect for this task.
- An old Mac or PC: Any computer that you can leave running all the time.
- A NAS (Network Attached Storage): Many modern NAS devices support running Homebridge.
- The Kasa Plugin: Once Homebridge is installed, you will install a specific plugin for TP-Link Kasa devices. This plugin handles the discovery and control of your local Kasa products.
Benefits and Downsides of Homebridge
- Pros:
- Brings almost all Kasa devices into HomeKit.
- Enables control via Siri and the Home app.
- Allows Kasa devices to be included in HomeKit automations and scenes.
- It's a free, open-source software.
- Cons:
- Requires some technical knowledge to set up and maintain.
- Requires dedicated hardware that must always be powered on.
While it requires an initial investment of time, setting up Homebridge is the most effective way to fully integrate your Kasa ecosystem with Apple HomeKit, bridging the compatibility gap and creating a more unified smart home.