Netgear and Apple HomeKit: A Guide to Compatibility and Workarounds
Apple HomeKit provides a seamless and secure way to control your smart home devices through the Apple Home app and Siri. However, if you've tried to add a Netgear device—be it a router, an Orbi mesh system, or an Arlo camera—you may have discovered that it doesn't show up. This guide explains the state of Netgear's HomeKit support and what you can do about it.
### Understanding Native HomeKit Support
For a device to be "HomeKit Certified," it must include specific hardware and software that meets Apple's strict security and performance standards. The manufacturer must build the device from the ground up with HomeKit in mind. This is why support cannot simply be added to every product via a software update.
A key indicator of native support is the presence of a HomeKit setup code, which looks like a sticker with an 8-digit number or a QR code. If your Netgear product does not have this code, it does not have native HomeKit support.
## Which Netgear Products Support HomeKit?
Compatibility is limited and primarily focused on the Arlo brand, which was previously owned by Netgear.
- Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, and Ultra Cameras (with specific SmartHubs): Certain Arlo cameras can be exposed to HomeKit when they are connected to a compatible Arlo SmartHub or Base Station (models VMB4540 and VMB5000). The cameras themselves do not connect directly to HomeKit; the hub acts as the bridge.
- Netgear Networking Gear (Routers, Orbi): As of now, Netgear's networking equipment, including their popular Nighthawk routers and Orbi mesh Wi-Fi systems, do not support HomeKit. While some high-end routers support "HomeKit Secure Router" features, this is different from being a controllable HomeKit accessory.
## What to Do When Your Device Isn't Supported
If you find your Netgear device isn't natively compatible, you're not out of options. For tech-savvy users, there are powerful workarounds to bridge the gap.
### The Solution: Homebridge
Homebridge is free, open-source software that emulates the Apple HomeKit API. In simple terms, it's a "bridge" that allows non-compatible devices to appear and work within your Apple Home app.
How it works:
- Installation: You install Homebridge on an always-on device on your home network. This could be a Raspberry Pi (a popular choice), a Mac, a Windows PC, or a NAS drive.
- Plugins: You then install "plugins" for the specific devices you want to add. There is a vast library of plugins developed by the community. For example, you might install the
homebridge-arloplugin for cameras or a Netgear-specific plugin to monitor your router. - Configuration: After configuring the plugin with your device's details (e.g., your Arlo account login), Homebridge will expose it to your network as a HomeKit-compatible device.
- Add to Home: You can then open your Apple Home app and add the Homebridge bridge, which will automatically bring all its configured devices with it.
What you can achieve with Homebridge and Netgear:
- View Arlo Cameras: See live video feeds from unsupported Arlo cameras directly in the Home app.
- Router Controls: Use a Netgear router plugin to create automations based on who is home (by seeing which devices are connected to the Wi-fi) or even toggle a guest network on and off with Siri.
Disclaimer: Setting up Homebridge requires some technical comfort. It involves using a command line for installation and editing configuration files. However, the documentation is excellent, and projects like Hoobs (Homebridge out of the box) offer a more user-friendly, plug-and-play experience.
While native support from Netgear is limited, the Homebridge community provides a robust and flexible path to integrating your devices into the Apple ecosystem.