Getting started with the Home app on iPad

On iPad, you can use the Home app to securely add, control, and automate HomeKit and Matter-enabled accessories, such as lights, locks, and thermostats. And when you set up security cameras that support HomeKit Secure Video, you can capture video and receive a notification when a camera recognizes someone or when a package is left at the door.

You can create automations to run automatically at certain times, or when you activate a particular accessory, like when the front door is unlocked. With the aid of a home hub—an Apple TV 4K or HomePod speakers—you can also control your home remotely, so you and others you invite can securely control your home while you’re away. You can even group multiple speakers to play the same audio, and send and receive Intercom messages on supported devices.

Note: Matter-enabled accessories need a home hub, for example a HomePod speaker or an Apple TV 4K. For Thread accessories, the home hub has to be Thread-enabled, such as Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Ethernet or HomePod mini, as well as a supported third-party border router or any device that supports Thread pairing.

Home overview

The Home app lets you easily navigate and control your accessories. In the Home app, tap Home in the sidebar to show the following sections:

Categories: Tap a category such as Lights, Security, Climate, Speakers, or Water to show all related accessories on one screen, organized by room.
Cameras: Video from up to four cameras can appear below Cameras. Swipe left to see more cameras.
Scenes: Create scenes to control multiple accessories with a tap or Siri request—tap a scene to close the blinds and turn on the lights in the evening, for example.
Favorites: Add to Favorites the accessories you use most often to quickly control them from the Home tab.
Rooms: Accessories are organized by room, letting you find just the accessory you need.

The Home app with the sidebar on the left, showing Home, Automation, and Discover tabs near the top left. Categories and Rooms in the home appear below. To the right of the sidebar, at the top, are the Intercom, Add, and More Options buttons. Category buttons appear near the top. Below that are scenes, camera images, and a room with its accessories.

Edit Home

You can organize the Home app in ways that suit you best.

Tap Home in the sidebar, tap the More button, then do any of the following.

Rearrange items: Select Edit Home View, then drag tiles to a different position. Tap Done when you’re finished.
Reorder sections: To change the way sections are ordered in the Home screen, choose Reorder Sections, then drag the Reorder button next to a section to a new position. Tap Done when you’re finished.
Resize icons: Select Edit Home View, tap a tile, tap the Resize button, then tap Done.

To learn more about how to create and accessorize a smart home with your Apple devices, tap Discover in the sidebar.