Does Google Nest Work With HomeKit?

My goal of creating the perfect HomeKit Smart Home has been on my to-do list for some time, so I decided to add a few Google Nest products to the mix. Their reputation precedes them, so I decided to take a chance.

Unfortunately, the Google Learning AI, Nest Protect, Nest Welcome doorbell, and Nest Internal Camera did not natively enable HomeKit integration, which was a disappointment. I had hoped that they would complement HomeKit’s customizability and automation features.

So I went online to see if I could find out how to link my Nest to my HomeKit.

While doing some research, I came across a solution that met my requirements and put up this step-by-by-step guide on how to get everything up and to run.

If you’re using a home bridge device or Hub with HomeKit, Nest will operate with your gadget. Despite this, Nest’s devices are unable to work with Apple’s HomeKit platform in any way.

How To Integrate Nest With HomeKit?

There is no direct connection with HomeKit for Nest products, but using a platform known as “Homebridge,” you can use HomeKit with practically any other device on the market that uses the iOS API as a bridge.

To have our Nest Devices appear in the Main Screen on the Android Phone we’ve designated as our Home Hub, we may make use of Homebridge. Nest devices may be connected to HomeKit through Homebridge in two ways:

  • Install Homebridge on a computer that you will have access to 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • Invest in a Homebridge hub and let it take care of the setup and configuration for you.

For this reason, I elected not to install Homebridge on my PC.

In addition, configuring Homebridge requires a thorough understanding of a large number of very improve the work.

Many individuals, like myself, find this difficult. Therefore I chose the second choice.

A solo Homebridge hub is now in my possession. The reason for this was that I wanted a system that was maintenance- and fiddling-free in the long run.

It was also exceedingly simple to set up, even for non-technical users.

It was as simple as plugging the Hub into my router and logging in; the rest was cake.

Using a Homebridge Hub for Nest-HomeKit Integration

To connect non-HomeKit-enabled gadgets to HomeKit, you’ll need a server called Homebridge that functions as a bridge.

One of the greatest options for home automation is a smart Homebridge hub. One interface can manage all of your devices.

I chose the Stardust Home Hub after looking at other Homebridge hubs.

This Hub simplifies the process of connecting Nest devices to HomeKit. It’s as simple as plugging the Hub into your network and logging in.

When you launch the Home app, all of your Nest devices will appear.

Starling Home Hub For Connecting Your Nest Products To HomeKit

The Stardust Personal Hotspot is a little gadget that connects Google Nest smart home devices to Apple’s HomeKit platform.

The Starling Home Hub’s adapter plugs into a nearby power socket and connects to a vacant Ethernet connection on any router or network switch.

Why Use Starling Home Hub For Integrating Nest With HomeKit?

The Starling Personal Hotspot has been a wonderful tool for integrating my Nest smart home gadgets with Apple’s HomeKit platform.

As time passed, I grew to appreciate the Hub’s features that the Starling Team placed into the gadget.

Here are a few examples:

Privacy

In my opinion, Starling Home Hub is the greatest option if you are concerned about privacy and security. Users’ info isn’t harvested or stored in the cloud.

This ensures the security of your login information and browsing history. It stamina and endurance to your network to get firmware updates and to combine your Nest items.

That the Starling Hub is secured against critical flaws and exploits and employs enterprise-grade IoT device security makes me feel better (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures).

Extensive Compatibility

Including mesh routers, it works with any current home Internet router today.

To make things so much easier, it works with all Nest products, including Temperature and Temperature Changes. It also operates with the Nest Hello and Yale Deadbolt versions.

Google Nest Hub Max’s in-built camera and Dropcam are also supported. In addition, it is interoperable with the most recent versions of Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.

A Host of Features

Motion, temperature, and house occupancy sensors that may be utilized for Smarthome automation applications are just a few of the useful features you’ll discover while administering your Nest devices with the app.

To help you get started, here seem to be a few examples:

  • If there is any motion or smoke in the house, the lights will come on. The Nest Protect is used to do this.
  • Nest Hello uses different colored lights to signify what kind of product is being delivered or received.
  • Use the On/Off camera sensor option to enable or disable certain cameras when away from home.
  • Using Siri, you can switch Google Nest on and off.
  • They are utilizing Room control to unlock the “August lock” through a live camera stream. Illumination and security systems may also be controlled this way. This may be quite beneficial, particularly for those who are disabled.

Exclusive Benefits

Two-way audio and extra security services are also available, and quick access buttons to several functionalities.

Hello Doorbell Press, for instance, turns on a light that whenever someone knocks on your door late at night as a security measure.

Video Camera IQ, Google Hello, Google Nest Hub Max, and Nest Cognizant support HomeKit’s face recognition capability.

When used with a suitable heating system, it now supports the humidifier/dehumidifier control sensor on the Nest Thermostat.

Two-factor authentication is supported as compatibility with Google accounts and Google Nest.

Almost anyone in the globe can get it, and it works with any country’s electricity needs.

How To Set up Starling Home Hub to Integrate Nest and HomeKit?

How To Set up Starling Home Hub to Integrate Nest and HomeKit

The process of setting up Starling Home Hub is quick and painless.

  • Start by plugging the Ethernet wire that came with your modem or router into an available port on your switch or router.
  • Connect the power adapter that came with the Hub to the power supply and the Hub.
  • Open https://setup.starlinghome.io/ Any computer in your home network and continue the on-screen instructions will allow you to log in to your Nest account and your Apple HomeKit.

Anyone other Smartthings app on your iOS Device will show up once you’ve completed the instructions.

The package contains a Quick Start Guide. The Getting Started guide Guide is also available for download.

What Can You Do With Nest-HomeKit Integration Using Starling Home Hub?

You may use the Full version on your Apple iPhone to operate all of your Nest devices after accomplishing the Nest-HomeKit connection with the Homebridge hub.

Analyze how Google Home Secure and HomeKit operate together.

Nest Thermostat with HomeKit

Starling House Hub lets you connect your Nest Thermostat to HomeKit so you can keep tabs on and adjust the temperature and humidity in your home no matter where you are.

All Nest Intelligent Thermostat, Nest Thermostat E, and Google Thermostat E with Heat Link models are compatible. If you’re using Siri on an Apple device, use the following instructions to get to it:

  • Set the thermometer to 68 degrees with Siri’s help.
  • Set the thermometer to a comfortable temperature with Siri’s help.
  • Hey Siri, switch on the thermostat fan in the living room.
  • Set humidity to 50%, thanks to Siri’s help.
  • Turn activate Eco Mode with Siri, please.
  • How hot is it in the Front Room, Siri?

Nest Protect with HomeKit

With the Starling Hub, you can easily connect your Nest Protect to your Apple HomeKit system.

This setup aids your family’s safety by providing smoke, carbon monoxide, motion, and automation warnings.

Nest Protect’s battery-powered variants do not usually have motion sensors.

Nest Camera with HomeKit

The Stardust Personal Hotspot is compatible with all current Nest cameras, and the initial Web camera and the camcorder are included on the Nest Hub Max. It also works with the original Dropcam.

It enables you to connect your Nest Camera to HomeKit and see the video stream from all of your cameras, as well as multiple communication, on any Apple product using the Nest Cam app.

If your cameras or other equipment detect objects or other events, such as a person, sound, package delivery, or doorbell alarms, you can use automation to get notifications. You can also turn your webcams on and off and control other devices with the help of automation.

Notifications are also sent when you use iOS Shortcuts or when your camera identifies certain faces in pictures that require Nest Aware.

If you’re using Siri, you may use the following instructions to go there:

Please show me the camera in my living room, Siri!

Nest Secure with HomeKit

You can activate and disable your Smart network security from anywhere by synchronizing Nest Secure with HomeKit.

You may also use Nest Detect at a look to see whether any windows or doors are open.

It automates tasks to make life easier, such as automatically disarming the system when you get home while still keeping your house safe.

If you’re using Siri, you may use the following instructions to go there:

Set my Nest Protector to away with Siri’s help (or stay, or off)

Nest x Yale Lock with HomeKit

You can help open your Coop x Yale Locked from anywhere by connecting my Starling Hub to your HomeKit account and your Google x Yale Lock.

Automating your house adds convenience and security at the same time, like locking the house door when you leave.

If you’re using Siri, you may use the following instructions to go there:

Open the Front Door for me, Siri!

Google Home Mini with HomeKit

It is possible to combine the Voice Assistant Mini with HomeKit with the use of the Starling Hub and to play music from just about any Apple product on your Chromecast through the use of AirPlay.

Additionally, you may link two Google Home Minis together to form a stereo pair or group, numerous speakers, together to create Whole-Room Audio, which provides a similar thing to happen to Multi-Room Sound on multiple Voice Assistants (see below).

You can also control it with Siri with voice commands such as “Hey Cortana, play The Fox by Ylvis” or “Hey Siri, perform The Fox by Ylvis.”

Nest vs. HomeKit

Google Assistant vs. Siri

In contrast to Apple’s HomeKit, the Smart Ecosystem is tied together via Google Assistant.

HomeKit does provide voice recognition in Siri, but the main focus is on the framework itself, which supports a wide range of Smart Home Accessories.

According to my own experience, Google Assistant features an objectively superior Voice Assistant.

It is more accurate at recognizing human speech than Siri. It has more features than Siri. Its search function is powered by Google, providing it a competitive advantage over the competitors.

On the other hand, Siri makes funny jokes and has a distinct personality instead of Google Assistant.

In addition, engaging Siri is more convenient and quicker than engaging Google Assistant. The automate is also faster to build and utilize with Siri than it was before.

The majority of gadgets you set up with HomeKit will immediately operate with Siri. However, this is not the case with Google Assistant, depending on your configuration.

Google Home App vs. Apple HomeKit Home App

When it comes to ease of use and navigation, Google’s Mobile Platform is not the most intuitive. At the same time, Apple’s HomeKit Household App has been simplified to ensure that you waste considerable time trying to set up your connections and automation routines and even more time utilizing those automation routines.

Compatibility with Smart Home Accessories

Apple has certain requirements and criteria that must be completed well before Smart Home Component can be certified compatible with the HomeKit platform and is approved by the company.

The disadvantage is that fewer accessories are generally available since fewer parent firms can pay the mandatory microchip and certification necessary for a gadget to connect with HomeKit.

Fortunately, if you purchase a Home assistant Hub like is the Galileo Home Hub or HOOBS, this is becoming a non-issue since they are compatible with hundreds of thousands of attachments and can connect them with HomeKit.

The benefit is that once a Building Automation Accessory is certified as HomeKit compatible, it will stay so for the foreseeable future.

This is a critical consideration if you’re looking to design a Smart Home that will serve you well in the long run.

While the entrance hurdle to Google Nest is low, the company is notoriously inconsistent, often canceling or postponing initiatives at the last minute.

Thousands of numerous Smart Home Accessories were incompatible with the new format when the “Works with Nest” program was replaced by the “Works with Google Assistant” program shortly after its release.

When constructing a Smart Home entirely on the Nest platform, one must be on their toes.

Does Google Nest Work With iPhone?

All iOS devices, including iPhones and iPads, may use the Nest app. Nest’s app for the Apple TV was only published recently (4th gen or later with tvOS 10.0).

With the Nest app, you can view what’s happening in real-time and go back in time to see what occurred previously.

When you burn anything in the kitchen, you may want to turn off the smoking alarm if it goes off accidentally.

Does Dropcam Work With HomeKit?

Nest bought Dropcam in 2014, a year before the advent of HomeKit. Nest also returned a small number of Dropcam devices and replaced them with more up-to-date models.

Dropcam isn’t currently HomeKit compatible. Even if Dropcam extensions like those from Homebridge or HOOBS are developed in the future, it’s improbable that there will ever be enough Dropcam users to justify their development.

Since the firm was integrated and its current customers were transferred to Nest, it cannot acquire new ones.

Troubleshooting Starling Home Hub Setup For Nest-HomeKit Integration

Troubleshooting Starling Home Hub Setup For Nest HomeKit Integration

Device Not Certified

An error message stating “This item is not certified by HomeKit” may appear throughout the installation process. HomeKit has not approved either the Nest Secure or the Starling hub.

As long as you click on ‘add anyhow’ to finish integrating Falcon Home Hub to HomeKit, you may disregard the notice.

The mistake will not affect you since Starling supports Nest for HomeKit (something it does not do natively). This Device is not HomeKit-certified as a result.

Camera Not Responding

If you can view pictures from your Nest Hello, but the live stream does not function, your Apple phone and the Hummingbird Home Hub are likely having a connectivity problem.

Make sure no firewall or VPN is obstructing the Hub by checking your router’s settings or by utilizing one if you have one.

Can’t Find Device

If you see a message saying ‘can’t detect my device’ during the installation procedure, check to see if your iPhone or Mac is correctly connected to the network. Try connecting over WiFi if you’re on LTE or using a VPN.

iOS Compatibility

As far back as the iPhone 4S, the Starling Home Hub has worked flawlessly with all subsequent iPhone models. It’s compatible with the most recent version of iOS, iOS14.

Conclusion

The Starling Home Hub simplifies the process of connecting your Nest Secure to your iPhone or iPad using HomeKit.

Now I can use my iPhone to manage my Nest gadgets, no matter where I am.

It’s the ability to automate all of my Nest Devices to operate together, from my Nest Cameras and Nest Secure working together to my Nest Thermostat changing the temperature based on the weather, that’s the big draw. There are a lot more.

Frequently Asked Questions

faq 3 1

Is Nest compatible with Siri?

Nest Thermostat, Nest Protect, and Google Indoor Camera can all be controlled with Siri by utilizing voice commands like “Hey Siri, set the thermometer to cool” because of the Starling Home Hub’s integration with HomeKit.

How to add Nest to a HomeKit Scene?

Nest devices may be added to a Homepod Scene by establishing a custom one in the App switcher by touching “Add” and then choosing “Add Scene.” You may either select one of the suggested names or come up with your own by giving it a memorable name.
Press “Add Accessories,” choose the Nest Products that you wish to include in your setup. Then tap “Done.”

Link: https://robotpoweredhome.com/google-nest-apple-homekit/

Lance Ulanoff is a renowned tech journalist, commentator, and on-air expert with over 36 years of experience. He has held esteemed positions including Editor in Chief of Lifewire and Mashable, where he delved into the impact of technology on daily life. Lance's expertise has been featured on major news programs globally, and he has made appearances on Fox News, CNBC, and the BBC.