Reolink and Apple HomeKit: A Guide to Compatibility
If you are a Reolink camera owner and an Apple HomeKit user, you have likely wondered if you can integrate your cameras into the Apple Home ecosystem. This guide explains the current compatibility status and explores popular workarounds to make this connection possible.
## Does Reolink Natively Support HomeKit?
The short answer is no. Reolink cameras do not have official, built-in support for Apple HomeKit. You will not find a HomeKit setup code on any Reolink camera, and you cannot add them directly to the Apple Home app out of the box.
This is a business and technical decision by the manufacturer. Supporting HomeKit requires specific hardware and software that meets Apple's strict certification standards. Reolink has instead focused on developing its own powerful application and integrating with other smart home platforms like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
## Workarounds: Connecting Reolink to HomeKit
While native support is absent, a thriving community has developed unofficial methods to bridge the gap between Reolink and HomeKit. The two most popular solutions are Homebridge and Scrypted.
### What Are Homebridge and Scrypted?
Homebridge and Scrypted are software solutions that act as a bridge between HomeKit and non-compatible smart devices. You install this software on an always-on computer in your home (a Raspberry Pi is a popular, low-energy choice). Then, you add plugins that are specifically designed to communicate with devices like your Reolink cameras.
- How it Works: The plugin pulls the video stream (RTSP) from your Reolink camera.
- The Bridge's Role: The Homebridge or Scrypted server then presents this stream to HomeKit in a format that it understands.
- The Result: Your Reolink camera appears in your Apple Home app, just like a native HomeKit camera. You can view the live feed, receive motion notifications, and use it in automations.
### What You Will Need
To get started with this method, you will typically need:
- A Reolink Camera: Ensure your camera model supports RTSP streaming, as this is how the bridge software accesses the video feed. Most Reolink cameras do.
- An Always-On Computer: A Raspberry Pi 4, an old laptop, or a small PC that can be left running 24/7.
- Homebridge or Scrypted Software: This is free, open-source software you can download and install.
- A Reolink Plugin: You will need to install the specific plugin for Reolink within the Homebridge or Scrypted interface.
Important Considerations:
- Technical Skill: Setting this up requires some comfort with technology. While there are many excellent guides available, it is more complex than scanning a QR code.
- Unofficial Support: Because this is not an official solution, neither Reolink nor Apple will provide technical support for it.
- Performance: The quality and smoothness of the video stream can depend on the power of your host computer and the health of your home network.
For many users, the effort is well worth it to achieve a fully integrated smart home. It provides a powerful way to bring your high-quality Reolink cameras into the convenient and secure Apple HomeKit ecosystem.