How to configure the fourth-generation Apple TV as a HomeKit Hub

A HomeKit installation needs an always-on hub to allow you to control your compatible appliances from outside the home — AppleInsider shows you how to configure the Apple TV to act as the hub of the system.

Assuming that you've got all your pre-requisites complete, setting up your Apple TV for HomeKit remote management couldn't be easier. But, its sometimes the easiest things that trip up the setup.

First: Turn on two-factor authentication for your Apple ID.

Crucially, turn off two-step verification, if its on.

Then, turn on Two-factor Authentication.

On your Mac:

In System Preferences, open up iCloud
Select "Account Details"
Click "Security"
Click "Turn on Two-Factor Authentication"

Or on an iOS device:

Open Settings
Tap on your iCloud account
Tap on "Password and Security"
Tap "Turn on Two-Factor Authentication"

Regardless of which device you configure it on...

Turn on the iCloud Keychain

On the Apple TV

Open "Settings"
Open "Accounts," and make sure that you're signed into the same iCloud account
The Apple TV automatically sets itself up as a HomeKit hub!

18 Comments

MacPro 19838 comments · 18 Years

About 7 years ago

What we need is the 5th generation TV, I haven't bought one for at least a year! ;)

mike1 3432 comments · 10 Years

"Turn on Two-Factor Authentication" Why? Is it necessary for HomeKit to run?

lkrupp 10521 comments · 19 Years

mike1 said:

"Turn on Two-Factor Authentication" Why? Is it necessary for HomeKit to run?

Yes, it is required. It is also required for the Watch to unlock your Mac. And remember that Two-Factor Authentication is different from Two-Step Authentication. Lots of users got stymied because of this. In my own case I had set up Two-Step when it first arrived. Apple then decided that Two-Factor was the way they wanted go forward with. So I first had to disable Two-Step and then set up Two-Factor for my ATV4 to become a HomeKit hub. Some people also found they had to logout of their ATV4 and then log back in to activate the hub. Way too complicated in my opinion but this is probably due to the security protocols of HomeKit mentioned in another AI article. I’m hoping future updates make the process more transparent to the user. By the way my ATV4 hub works pretty much flawlessly and I can control connected devices with my iPhone from anywhere I happen to be.

jaredbcook 4 comments · 9 Years

Do I need to prevent my Apple TV from going to sleep also? I have an Ecobee3 thermostat which usually can't be seen using HomeKit. I've been hesitant to do anything else with HomeKit because the connectivity with my one device is so terrible.

Personally I would like to see more “how-to” articles from AI. Not totally like iMore has chosen to do, but less of the rumor and politically charged crap that passes for news and more of the informative and useful tips. There is a lot of misinformation, voodoo, FUD, and useless incantations out there to confuse the common user. Good, useful information on how to accomplish tasks with Apple products is in short supply. And it might attract more users for AI, the types looking for help instead of getting involved in some arcane rants about hardware specs or software performance issues.