Skybell and Apple HomeKit: A Guide to Integration
If you're an Apple user, you likely want all your smart home devices to work seamlessly within the Apple Home app. This raises a common question: does the Skybell video doorbell support Apple HomeKit? While the answer isn't a straightforward 'yes', this guide will explain the situation and introduce you to the most popular and effective workarounds available.
We'll cover why there's no native support and how you can still achieve a high level of integration with a little bit of setup.
The Official Stance: No Native HomeKit Support
First, it's important to state clearly: Skybell video doorbells do not offer native support for Apple HomeKit. You cannot take a new Skybell out of the box, scan a code, and have it appear in your Apple Home app.
This lack of direct integration means you won't find the official "Works with Apple HomeKit" logo on Skybell's packaging. However, this doesn't mean integration is impossible.
The Solution: Using Homebridge to Connect Skybell
For tech-savvy users, the most powerful way to bridge the gap between Skybell and HomeKit is by using Homebridge.
What is Homebridge?
Homebridge is a free, open-source piece of software that acts as a bridge between smart home devices that don't support HomeKit and your Apple Home ecosystem. You run it on an always-on device on your home network, such as:
- A Raspberry Pi (a popular, low-cost option)
- A Mac or Windows computer that is always turned on
- A network-attached storage (NAS) device
Homebridge works by using community-developed plugins to communicate with the APIs of different devices (like your Skybell) and then presents them to HomeKit in a format that Apple Home can understand.
How to Get Started with Homebridge for Skybell
- Set Up a Homebridge Server: The first step is to get a Homebridge server running. The easiest way is to use the official Homebridge Raspberry Pi Image, but you can also install it manually on other systems. There are extensive guides on the official Homebridge website.
- Find a Skybell Plugin: Once Homebridge is running, you'll access its web interface. From there, you can search for and install a plugin for Skybell. There are several available, so it's worth reading the descriptions to see which one is most up-to-date and best suits your needs.
- Configure the Plugin: You will need to provide the plugin with your Skybell account credentials (username and password). This allows the plugin to log in to your Skybell account and access the camera feed and device controls.
- Add the Bridge to HomeKit: Once the plugin is configured and running, you can add the Homebridge bridge to your Apple Home app by scanning the QR code displayed in the Homebridge interface. Your Skybell should then appear as a new camera device.
What Functionality Can You Expect?
Once successfully configured, a Skybell-Homebridge integration typically provides the following features within the Apple Home app:
- Live Video Stream: View your Skybell's live camera feed directly from the Home app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
- Doorbell Notifications: Receive rich notifications on your Apple devices when someone presses the doorbell button.
- Motion Sensor Automation: Use the Skybell's motion sensor to trigger other HomeKit devices, such as turning on your porch lights when motion is detected.
While it requires an extra setup step, using Homebridge is a robust way to fully integrate your Skybell into your Apple smart home.