Make your HomeKit smart home secure - Use a HomeKit router to lock it down & protect your data

Links to the routers (affiliate links)

Back at WWDC 19, Apple announced HomeKit would get a feature that promises to improve security on its smart home platform via Wi-Fi routers. This feature called HomeKit Secure Router works by applying firewall rules to HomeKit accessories connected via Wi-Fi or the routers’ ethernet ports.
During the announcement, Apple said that several Router brands would roll out HomeKit Secure Router support, including Linksys and Eero. However, it was not until 2020 that we saw adoption of this feature. As of December 2022, HomeKit Secure Router support is available for select Velop Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi and Eero devices.

I have been using a Velop mesh setup in my home since December 2020 and recently switched to the Eero Pro 6. Once setup, it’s a feature that runs in the background and I check my security settings every now and again.
In this video I am going to take you through what is HomeKit Secure Router, currently supported devices. How to set up HomeKit secure Router and take you through settings and any impact to this change will have.

Links to the routers (affiliate links)

Time stamps
0:00 Intro
01:06 what is HomeKit Secure Router
01:48 Requirements
02:26 channel update
02:53 Setup
04:00 Settings
06:25 things to consider
09:17 Final thoughts

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#HomeKit #Smarthome #Security

[graemequinn]

You might not be aware but the Amplifi Alien Router by Ubiquiti had HomeKit Secure Router support added in firmware update v3.7.0. It only currently works in standalone mode (single router only no mesh point) but Ubiquiti are working to add support for mesh points in future firmware updates.

[matthewschlemmer]

Thanks for posting this. With all the press about Eufy cameras, I was able to restrict them with my eero pro.

[TheDarklordHimself]

Great Video! I am using the linksys Velop and I had questions about this and it is great to get more understanding. Thank you!

[cindyloyd]

Now that Amazon has bought Eero and removed HomeKit support, and added a subscription requirement to configure even basic security settings (and providing no way to communicate with the router without an internet connection) do you have any suggestions for those of us who want a HomeKit secure router, local access to router settings, and refuse to pay a subscription for the privilege of configuring our own devices?

[RogueRider]

Hi, Thanks for a great video. I have a large number of accesspoints (Apple extreme & express). Do i need to change all or can i only add one new eeros and manage all the devices on the network throu that one, like a firewall?

[davidcmatt]

Is the Deco x55 a HomeKit router? I just bought the TP-Link Deco x55 and I can’t add the TP-Link Kasa EP25 Smart Plugs. I keep getting a “Unable to Add Accessory…connect your phone to your HomeKit enabled router…”

[blakerudler]

I’m glad I have my eeros considering the news around eufy recently

[brightboxstudio]

Great and informative video, as usual! My mesh router is not HomeKit, but it does allow restricting access to the Internet for any individual connected device, so I use that to block Internet access for any IoT devices that do not need to sync to the cloud. It sounds like a HomeKit Router would simplify this slightly, but wouldn’t be enough of a reason for me to switch routers soon, right? Also, does a HomeKit Router support blocking or unblocking individual devices, or are the three security presets always applied uniformly to all HomeKit devices?

[nondescript_]

Can’t find Ohm App on iPhone!?? Going crazy

[coloradokid]

Hi, i’m thinking about setting up a HomeKit smart home… and I’m concerned about security and infiltration. But I’m a little confused…

When you talk about a “HomeKit router”, is that different than my Wi-Fi router that I use to connect to the Internet at my house? Is this something that’s added to my Wi-Fi router? Or is it something that would replace my wi-Fi router? I have a lot invested in my Nighthawk X6 R8000 tri band wi-Fi router that I use to login to work on the guest network. So I’m a little bit concerned about switching. Thanks

[moshegholian]

Have you experienced any issues with iOS 16 in times automations I’m having a lot of issues and if so, what do you suggest I do to make those automations execute with any type of consistency?

[fredbloggs]

Interesting video.
I was using the eero 6 router set up which worked well until Amazon bought the company.
I have had nothing but an unreliable homekit system ever since.
It rejects the addition of new homekit compatible devices, like Lifx bulbs and the new tp link smart plugs.

[grizzlypaws]

How do I protect my Eve Energy in the Home app with my eero Pro 6?

[aidanbazan]

It's great when it doesn't break your homekti setup.... which is rare.

[ingyaroslav]

Wow! Cool video and cool channel! Subscribed!

[tdrg_]

Just at the right time with the Eufy security scandal…

[blakewillard]

Great video. My smart home accessories are from Eve, whom I trust, and Aqara. Do you think Aqara is trustworthy enough to not need a HomeKit secure router to block out their cloud services? Thanks!!

[evolga.]

Please please please, do a video about HomeKit IoT devices and how to set them up on Wi-Fi 6E and 7 routers. If you type HomeKit on any router listing in the QnA section you will nearly always find someone complaining about HomeKit. I'm just looking for a a router that has VPN Client and Server, on the latest Wi-Fi standard, and most importantly WORKS with HomeKit! Ugh this has been such a drag.

[AussieTech]

Why wouldn’t they add this feature into an apple phone - that way everyone doesn’t have to upgrade their routers….??

[Hedrakk]

Quick advice: if you’re ever using Aqara Products in your iOS 16 HomeKit setup and a Eero Mesh Router…
DO NOT ACTIVATE THE EERO HOMEKIT INTEGRATION!!!!
High risk of Bricking your Aqara Hub in the most unlucky situation. In better situations, you will only break your Aqara device and HomeKit automations after removing the Eero HomeKit integration.