Home app works better when I’m not at home!

Question

Level 1

9 points

Home app works better when I’m not at home!

I’ve been struggling with my HomeKit setup since upgrading to iOS 13 last week. Whenever I open the Home app, most devices show Updating or No Response. The weird part is that the problem happens only when I’m at home. I’ve tried connecting via cellular from home, but that doesn’t seem to make a difference. I also pulled out my old Airport Express and set up a new, separate WiFi network at home, which also made no difference.

Now it gets weirder: as soon as I leave home, things start to improve. Once I get to the office and connect to their WiFi, everything works way better. It’s not perfect—I’m still getting some occasional no response issues that weren’t there before, but with a little patience, at least I can use the app.

I have about 150 HK devices and am running UniFi LR APs and a USG router. My hubs are two hardwired Apple TV’s and a HomePod.

Everything worked fine before iOS 13!

Oh, and why isn’t there a HomeKit topic on this forum?

Thanks!

iPhone 8

Posted on Sep 27, 2019 3:07 AM

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Answer 1

cp from OH

Community Specialist

Sep 29, 2019 3:42 PM in response to muttonking

Hi muttonking,

Thanks for reaching out in Apple Support Communities. I understand you're experiencing issues with the Home app and HomeKit accessories. I'll be happy to help.

I recommend making sure that the accessories are compatible with Apple HomeKit. Here's a list of all the brands that are compatible with the Home app and your Apple devices: Home accessories. The list keeps getting smarter

Then you'll want to ensure that your Apple devices are fully updated the latest software version. This helps provide software improvements on each device. Here are three helpful articles on how to update your Apple devices:

Next, please follow these steps:

On your iOS device, please make sure that the Bluetooth feature is turned on in Settings > Bluetooth.
Check to make sure that you're connected to your home Wi-Fi in Settings > Wi-Fi.
Power cycle your two Apple TV units by unplugging it and plugging it back in through the power source.
On your iOS device, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud and make sure that Home and iCloud Keychain is turned on.
Download the manufacturer app for each accessory, then check for updates. If an update is available, check that the accessory is on and keep it nearby until the update finishes. If you need help finding the manufacturer app, you can open the Home app, press on the accessory name, then tap Details. You should see a link to the app.
Then, restart your iOS device. If needed, here's how to properly restart your device: Restart your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

From there you can test and see if the Home app and the HomeKit accessories are working without any issue.

Best regards.

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Answer 2

muttonking Author

Level 1

9 points

Sep 30, 2019 5:02 AM in response to cp from OH

I’ve done all this. I’ve discovered that turning off Bluetooth seems to help the situation while I’m at home. All of my devices were working fine before the iOS 13 update. Also, iPads connected to my home are working fine. It seems to be an issue specific to Bluetooth and the home app on iOS 13.

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Answer 3

rose_10

Community Specialist

Sep 30, 2019 2:01 PM in response to muttonking

muttonking,

Thanks for getting back to us and for verifying that information.

Excellent job by performing those steps. It sounds like the issue is now resolved. If you continue to experience the same behavior, I encourage for you to contact Apple Support. They'll be able to investigate this behavior further for you. Feel free to contact them through this link here: Contact Apple Support

Kind regards.

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Answer 4

muttonking Author

Level 1

9 points

Sep 30, 2019 5:21 PM in response to rose_10

No, the issue is not resolved at all. There is a problem with iOS 13, the Home app, and Bluetooth when I’m on my home network. Everything works fine when I’m at the office.

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Home app works better when I’m not at home!

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