This Article Applies To

 

Tapo/Kasa HomeKit and Matter models

 

 

Background

The Tapo/Kasa devices that support HomeKit or Matter can be configured and controlled directly through the Apple Home app. Remote management of these smart devices is often necessary in our daily lives, such as when we forget to turn off lights after leaving home. This involves using the Home app over mobile data or non-home WiFi networks for control, which is considered remote management. 

 

Issues with control typically arise during remote management attempts. Before troubleshooting, it's essential to understand how remote management is achieved through the Apple Home app.

 

Requirements for Remote Management in Apple Home

To remotely manage smart home accessories in the Apple Home app, you need the following:

1. Home Hub Device: A home hub device, such as a HomePod, acts as a bridge between your smart home accessories and your iPhone.
2. Same Apple ID: Ensure both your home hub device and iPhone are logged in with the same Apple ID.
3. iCloud Settings: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud, tap "Show All," and turn on "Home."

 

How does the remote control work via Apple Home app? 

1. When you ask Siri to turn on the light, "Hey Siri, turn on the light", or tap the light button in the Home app, the command sends to the Apple cloud server.
2. Apple cloud server sends the command to your home network over the internet.
3. Your router delivers the command to your home hub device, such as a HomePod.
4. The home hub device relays the command to the smart bulb via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

 

Therefore, if you encounter issues with controlling devices in the Home app, it is crucial to check the status of your home hub device and its communication with your Tapo/Kasa devices.

 

 

Common Reason for Remote Control Failures

1. No Home Hub Devices

Despite some HomeKit devices can be configured without Apple home hub devices, to achieve remote management, adding a home hub like Apple TV or HomePod to the network is necessary.

 

2. Tapo/Kasa Devices Not Connected to the Same Wi-Fi Network as Home Hub

The direct device for controlling smart devices is the home hub. If the hub and smart devices are on different networks, they won't be able to communicate with each other, resulting in unresponsive controls on the Home app.

 

 

 

Troubleshooting Suggestions

 

If you encounter similar issues, follow these troubleshooting steps:

1. Ensure Hub is Functioning and Up-to-Date. 

Check whether the Apple home hub (e.g., HomePod, Apple TV) is powered on and stays connected to the local network.  Always make sure the home hub has the latest software updates.

 

2. Ensure Devices and Hub are on the Same Wi-Fi Network

Make sure your Tapo/Kasa devices and hub are on the same Wi-Fi network to enable proper communication. Avoid connecting to guest Wi-Fi, as it often restricts direct communication between devices.

 

3. Use the Same Apple ID for Control

Ensure your home hub device and iPhone are logged in with the same Apple ID, and add Tapo/Kasa devices and the hub to the same home in the Apple Home app.

 

4. Restart Hub and Tapo/Kasa Devices

Restarting the hub and devices can resolve intermittent network issues.

 

 

 

Case Sharing

What happened? A user successfully configured a Tapo P125M plug in the Tapo app and Apple Home but found it unresponsive in the Home app while being controllable in the Tapo app.   What did we do? Check Home Hub Device Functionality Tapo P125M is a Matter device, requiring a Matter controller/hub to connect to the Home App.  The user had an Apple TV 4K that was found to be powered off.  We recommended powering the Apple TV and connecting it to the network.   2. Check Communication Between Tapo/Kasa Device and Hub Despite powering on the Apple TV, the issue persisted. The plug remained unresponsive in the Home app but controllable in the Tapo app. We discovered the user's Wi-Fi network was split into a main network and a guest network. The Apple TV was connected to the guest network, while the plug was on the main network, preventing communication.   3. Reconnect Apple TV Guided the user to switch the Apple TV 4K (home hub) from the guest Wi-Fi to the main Wi-Fi network and restart the P125M plug. After these steps, the Matter plug P125M began functioning correctly in both the Tapo and the Apple Home app.

 

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