Is Ring Video Doorbell Compatible With Apple HomeKit?
- Ring Video Doorbell does not work with Apple HomeKit.
- You cannot control Ring with Apple’s Home app.
- Ring has its own app for watching video and getting alerts.
- Ring has expressed interest in adding HomeKit support in the future, as of right now their video doorbells do not integrate directly with Apple’s smart home platform.
Current Compatibility Status
Current Compatibility Status
Right now, Ring Video Doorbells and Apple’s HomeKit do not work together directly. Ring doorbells cannot connect easily to HomeKit because:
Hardware Limitations
Ring doorbells do not have the special chips Apple requires for working with HomeKit. These chips help with security and connecting smoothly to HomeKit, but Ring’s doorbells don’t have them.
Software Integration Not Done
Ring has not updated its doorbell software to work with HomeKit. The software needs specific codes and ways of connecting that are not in Ring’s doorbells or app right now.
No Official Apple HomeKit Certification
For a device to be officially part of HomeKit, Apple must test and approve it. Ring’s doorbells have not gone through this process.
Until Ring releases new doorbells designed to work with HomeKit, including the right hardware and software, current models cannot officially connect to HomeKit. There are some unofficial ways to make it work, but no easy method exists today.
Ring has not made their doorbells compatible with HomeKit yet, due to these hardware, software, and certification issues.
Future Integration
Ring doorbells do not work with HomeKit now, but there might be a chance for this to change. Ring is thinking about making their doorbells fit with Apple’s HomeKit.
Ring Wants to Support HomeKit
Ring knows many customers want HomeKit to work with their doorbells. They plan to make new models that can connect to HomeKit.
What Ring Needs to Do for HomeKit
To make Ring doorbells work with HomeKit, several big steps are needed:
- New Hardware Inside
New Ring models must have special Apple chips for HomeKit to work. - Updates in Software
Ring must change their doorbell software and app to use HomeKit’s ways of connecting. - Passing Apple’s Tests
Then, Ring’s new doorbells must pass tests set by Apple to make sure they are safe and work well.
Ring doorbells could connect easily to HomeKit in the future if these steps are done. This would let Ring doorbells join Apple’s smart home system smoothly.
Ring has plans, making their doorbells fully ready for HomeKit involves many updates and tests that have not been done yet.
Workaround Options
Even though Ring video doorbells and Apple HomeKit do not officially work together, there are some ways to connect them. These ways are not perfect and come with some issues.
Using Other HomeKit Bridges
- One way is to use other HomeKit bridges or hubs. These are extra pieces of equipment that help Ring devices talk to HomeKit.
- Some companies make these bridges, like Homebridge, Hoobs, or Starling Home Hub. Buying and setting up this extra equipment is needed.
Problems with These Methods
- Ring and Apple do not officially support these workaround ways. This means they might not work as well as if they were directly compatible.
- Using these bridges might lead to problems with connecting and keeping devices working together. Ring updates might also stop these workarounds from working.
- These ways might not meet Apple’s high security standards for HomeKit. This could make them less secure.
FAQ
Can existing Ring Doorbells connect to HomeKit?
No, current Ring models lack native HomeKit integration.
Any workarounds to use Ring with HomeKit?
Third-party HomeKit bridges can connect Ring unofficially, but with limitations.
Will new Ring models support HomeKit?
Ring plans to pursue HomeKit certification for future devices, but no timeline yet.
What’s needed for Ring HomeKit compatibility?
Updated hardware, firmware, app changes, and Apple certification.
Would HomeKit improve Ring security?
Yes, HomeKit’s encryption and privacy focus could enhance Ring’s security.
Conclusion
These methods let Ring and HomeKit work together in some way, they are not as good as having direct compatibility. For the best experience without issues, it might be better to wait for Ring to make new doorbells that work with HomeKit right out of the box.
Owner and copywriter at Tailored Niche and Local SEO Guy, former SEO analyst.
