Homekit Remote Access Not Working? – Here’s How to Fix

Wondering why Homekit remote access not working? Stay tuned to find out!

The Homekit, also known as Apple Home, is developed by Apple Inc. and is available and compatible with Apple devices.

In this guide, we will provide help and step-by-step instructions on how to resolve the remote access issue, and most importantly explain why it appears!

Whenever the Homekit remote is not working we first need to check the account credentials and examine the internet connection and traffic with HomeKit. The next step is to check up for software updates and if nothing helps, perform a Factory Reset!

Let’s proceed with unraveling the reasons that are causing the problem!

Why Does Homekit Remote Access Does Not Work?

There could be a few explanations for why the Apple Homekit remote is not working.

This could include a variety of problems such as software errors that you’ll need to inspect.

To provide you with the best summary of what could be causing the problem, here is a list of issues!

• Incorrect Account Information
• Application Network Issues
• Outdated Accessory Firmware
• Low HomeKit Accessory Battery
• HomeKit Application Issues

In order to resolve the problems that you could collide with it is best suggested to follow the troubleshooting guide that we have prepared for you.

Without further ado let’s jump in!

How To Fix When Homekit Remote Access Not Working?

Before we jump into the guide we first must understand the root of the problem and identify it.

In order to understand why and how we collide with the problem follow the easy solutions below!

Let’s get right to it!

Solution #1 Check Account Credentials

One of the most common issues that come forward when the Homekit Remote remote access is not working might be related to incorrect iCloud account information.

In order for the remote access to work, we need to log into the connected devices account.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to correctly sign in to Apple Homekit:

1. On your HomeKit device open “Settings” and tap on your name.
2. Tap on “iCloud” and make sure you’re signed in to the correct account.
3. On your remote device open “Settings” and tap on your name.
4. Tap on “iCloud” and make sure you’re signed into the same account!
5. If you’re signed to the wrong account, re-sign in.
6. After signing in, open the “Home” app on your remote device.
7. Make sure that you are able to see and control your devices.

If after these steps you still cannot connect to your Homekit accessories, check if you have two-factor authentication on your iCloud account.

If you do, you will have to generate an app-specific password so follow the steps below:

App-Specific Password (Authenticator)

Here’s how to generate a password:

1. Go to your Apple ID account and sign in.
2. Select the “Security” option.
3. Find App-Specific Passwords.
4. From there select “Generate Password”.
5. Enter a label and click “Create”.
6. Use the Generated Password to Sign In and access your home device.

Tip: Make sure that the Homekit host device is connected to the WiFi/Internet.

Solution #2 Examine the Internet Connection!

In this solution here we will go through the problem of reviewing the internet connection.

In order for the devices to work they must be connected to the internet at all times.

Make sure your home network is working correctly and that your devices have access to the WiFi.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to check your internet connection!

1. On the HomeKit device open Settings and tap Wi-Fi.
2. On the Remote device open Settings and tap Wi-Fi.
3. Make sure that both devices are connected to the internet.
4. Open the Home app on the host device.
5. Check if you can control your Homekit Accessories. 

Need a Network Reset?

In case you’re still unable to control your accessories from the Home app, on your Apple device, perhaps you would need a Network Reset.

Then you’ll be able to re-connect the accessories freshly and regain control over the functionality.

Here’s how to perform a Network Reset on your Apple Host device:

• Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings!

By going through the steps above you should be able to resolve the problems and any network-related issues.

Feel free to set up your HomeKit again and test the remote access.

Note: Keep in mind when you’re troubleshooting Homekit, problems related to network issues, that you have a stable internet connection in order to function properly!

Solution #3 Power Cycle Host Device!

Performing a power cycle or a reboot can help with resolving the networking problems that might impact the HomeKit remote access.

The power circulation will only refresh ALL of the services on your Home device, which is an easy and efficient way to address any issues!

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to perform a power cycle:

1. Unplug your Homekit accessories from the power source! 
2. Hold the Power Button and slide right to turn OFF your Apple device!
3. Plug back all accessories into the power and turn on your home device.
4. Open the Home app on the remote device and try to control the accessories.

Following the steps above could resolve any remote access issues caused by connectivity problems.

Be sure to remember that some Homekit accessories might not have a physical power switch and you might need to use an app or a website to reboot them!

Note: Test by using the cellular internet (4G) on your smartphone!

Solution #4 Reinstall Apple HomeKit

Sometimes the Apple HomeKit application will not work due to a system problem, especially when we haven’t updated the app in a while.

The best possible way to address ALL application issues at once would be to cleanly reinstall the Home application!

To perform a clean reinstallation, we first need to remove the Home app, so follow the steps:

1. On your Apple device, find the Home App.
2. Tap and hold the app until it starts to *jiggle*.
3. Hit the Cross Icon “X”, and select Remove App.
4. Open the App Store and search for “Home”.
5. Tap on the Cloud + Arrow Icon to download the app.

By following the steps above you’ll acquire the most recent version of the Apple Home App and then need to sign in.

When ready, test whether you can control your accessories!

Solution #5 Update Your Home Device!

Some of the issues you might experience with Homekit remote access might be related to an outdated iOS version on your Home device.

In order to resolve this problem you need to check for new firmware updates to fix the remote access on your HomeKit application!

• On the Home device open Settings > General > Software update!

By updating the iOS on your Home device, you might receive updates for the Home application that you would need to apply.

When you’re ready, test controlling your HomeKit accessories!

Quick Fact: Some of the Homekit accessories might not have a software update function within the Home app so check the manufacturer's website for more information!

Solution #6 Soft and Factory Reset

In some cases when nothing helps, performing a Factory Reset or a Soft Reset on your HomeKit accessories could resolve the issue in no time.

In this solution here we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to do both types of resets so let’s jump right in! 

Soft Reset HomeKit Accessories:

1. Press and hold the Power Button on your Homekit accessories.
2. The LED light will start to flash rapidly.
3. When you see the indication, release the button.
4. Open the Home App and check if you can control the accessories.

Factory Reset HomeKit Accessories:

Alert: The Factory Reset will erase ALL device’s connections and personal configuration!

1. Open the Home App on your device.
2. Tap and hold the accessory you want to reset.
3. Remove the accessory by tapping Details > Remove Accessory.
4. Check the Accessory User Manual on how to perform Factory Reset.
5. Open the Home App and add the accessory again.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions!
7. Once added, check if you can control the accessory!

Read Next: How To Add Ring To Homekit?

Quick Recap: 

Hence, Homekit remote access not working could be a result of several issues such as wrong account credentials, internet connection, or outdated software updates.

Performing a power cycle, soft and factory reset is a great way to resolve the problems.

We hope that our guide on how to fix these problems was helpful! Check our blog for more!