HomeKit Device Not Responding? – Here’s How to Fix

Wondering why the HomeKit device not responding? Let’s find out together!

HomeKit allows you to remotely control all your accessories, but the most traumatic scenario comes when the next device does not respond when you open the app.

If you are tackling the same issue, be sure to first read the guide to learn everything you need to know!

The Apple HomeKit device may not respond or give you a ‘No Response’ error due to different factors including device software bugs or a weak network connection.

It’s also possible that the Bluetooth is disabled or the firmware is HomeKit outdated!

Let’s discuss further details about the not responding HomeKit device!

Why Are Apple HomeKit Devices Not Responding?

If your HomeKit device is not responding, then first you’ll need to locate the exact issue to troubleshoot the device.

Usually, the HomeKit accessory devices will not respond when there is any issue with the app you are using to control or with the device itself.

Therefore, the causes are likely the same for all devices anytime any device is not responding, regardless of whether it is an iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, or a HomeKit.

Hence, it is important to first identify the source of the issue, whether it be an app or device, or anything else!

The following are the frequent causes of not responding to Apple HomeKit devices:

• No or Weak Network Connectivity
• Inappropriate Network Bandwidth or Frequency
• Outdated HomeKit Devices’ firmware
• The Apple account is not Logged In to iCloud Account
• Bug in the HomeKit or Accessory Devices (iPad, iPhone, Apple TV)
• No Bluetooth Connectivity
• Any fault in Setup Configuration

After knowing the causes, let’s troubleshoot the device to fix the issue!

How To Fix When HomeKit Device Not Responding?

You don’t need to worry if your Apple HomeKit device isn’t responding because the issue may be sorted easily in a few minutes.

In addition, we’re going to fix the problem without doing any repairs or implementing any technical steps. So, let’s begin!

Solution #1 Reboot The HomeKit Devices

One of the easiest and most efficient ways to solve unresponsive devices is to reboot the HomeKit device and any other accessory devices.

We are all aware that devices, whether they be TVs, iPhones, or HomeKit devices, will eventually have bugs! 

Note: You need to reboot your HomeKit, WiFi router, and also all other accessory devices including Apple TV, iPad, etc…

Here is how to reboot the HomeKit devices:

1. Unplug the devices from the Power Outlet.
2. Also, remove the Batteries from the device, especially from the HomeKit.
3. Wait for 30 seconds to let the devices reset themselves.
4. Then put the batteries back if previously removed from any device.
5. Plug the devices back into the power outlet and make sure all are turned on.

After rebooting the devices, try to control the device and check if it responds!

Solution #2 Refresh Network Connection!

The WiFi network connection is one of the most mandatory and important factors to control the devices remotely with their smooth performance and response.

However, it’s possible that your HomeKit device, or perhaps any other accessory device, is not connected to the internet. 

However, sometimes the HomeKit or the other devices are properly connected to a stable network and working fine but the mobile from which you are trying to control is not.

In those cases, you’ll surely receive the No Response error.

Here is how you can refresh the network connection on devices:

1. First, ensure that your Network Connection is intact.
2. Check if the HomeKit devices and mobile are connected.
3. Then, reboot your mobile smartphone!
4. When it’s turned on, disable the cellular data!
5. Next, unplug the home WiFi network from the power supply.
6. Wait for at least 1 minute.
7. After that, simply plug the router’s adapter to the power supply. 

Aside from refreshing and checking the network connectivity on HomeKit and other devices, also check that the internet is available on your network router.

In case you identify any outages or that your WiFi is weak, try to boost your internet speed or call your ISP for help!

Solution #3 Update HomeKit Firmware

If you have not recently updated your HomeKit firmware, then that’s why all HomeKit devices not responding.

Every new update released from the manufacturer will fix any possible bugs such as the connectivity issues that you are facing. Therefore, simply try updating!

Note: Always keep the Home app updated!

Here is how to update the HomeKit Firmware:

1. Open the Home mobile app on your device.
2. Go to the Main Menu.
3. Tap on The More.
4. Click on the Home Settings of the HomeKit.
5. Then tap on the Software Update.

Click on Learn More under the updates to know about the latest version and update the Homekit by following prompt instructions. The update shouldn’t take longer than 1 minute!

After updating the firmware, check if the devices are now responding or not! 

Solution #4 Turn On the Bluetooth

Bluetooth and the Network Connection are two important and crucial factors for the HomeKit to perform well and to make communication with devices.

If you are absolutely sure that the WiFi network has no issue, then try checking the Bluetooth connection.

The devices communicate via Bluetooth and maybe your HomeKit device has not enabled the feature and that’s why it is not responding to you. Simply enable Bluetooth!

Here is how to turn on Bluetooth on Apple HomeKit:

1. First, go to your mobile Settings.
2. Then, Privacy Security > Bluetooth.
3. Locate the apps that you’ll use for the accessory and HomeKit app! 
4. Enable the Bluetooth Permission for them.
5. Next, go to Settings and turn on the Bluetooth.
6. Then go to your HomeKit or accessory device! 
7. Put it into Discovery Mode to look for your Bluetooth device.
8. Next, enter the Pin Code to pair the devices.

Tip: Also, check your accessories and make sure all of them are connected via Bluetooth!

Solution #5 Check iCloud Account

As you already know, you must sign in with your same Apple account credentials to your device’s iCloud in order to access Apple HomeKit and other accessories.

If you are unable to access your devices, it’s possible that you accidentally logged out of your iCloud account.

Simply go to your mobile Settings and then check for your Apple Account Name on the top.

If there is your account name, then there may be another issue but if not, then you need to enter your Apple account details same on all devices.

Note: It’s also important to use the iCloud account with the HomeKit setup!

Solution #6 Factory Reset The HomeKit

After experimenting with all solutions from our guide, if you are still not getting a response from your HomeKit, no need to worry though, because resetting will fix the issue.

The only thing you need to do extra is to configure and set up your HomeKit with all accessories! 

Here is how to reset the Apple HomeKit:

1. Open the Home mobile app on your device.
2. Go to Settings > Privacy.
3. Then look for the HomeKit and tap on Reset the HomeKit.
4. Again re-enter the HomeKit to ensure the reset.
5. Wait for a couple of minutes to complete the reset.

Once the reset completes, set it up on the Home app and with other accessory devices as well.

That should be enough to solve the connectivity problem and all of the connected devices will now respond to your command. Good luck!

Quick Recap:

Whenever the HomeKit device not responding, you first need to reboot the HomeKit and router to ensure stable network connectivity.

The next step is to update the HomeKit firmware and make sure the Bluetooth is turned on and your mobile device!

We hope that we were able to help and for more relevant content, check our blog!