With package thefts on the rise, security cameras and video doorbells have become essential parts of our homes. And while most security solutions support basic features like remote monitoring and recording, Apple’s HomeKit Secure Video takes things a step further with Package Detection. With HomeKit Secure Video Package Detection, you’ll know exactly when a package arrives and where to look in the timeline of recorded events if it goes missing. We’ll show you how easy it is to set up Package Detection for your HomeKit video doorbells and cameras.

What is HomeKit Secure Video Package Detection?

Like HomeKit Secure Video Face Recognition, Home app Package Detection analyzes your camera or doorbell feeds to determine if there are any deliveries within its field of view. If your camera or doorbell detects a package, Apple’s security solution will automatically record the event and notify you with a Home app alert if you choose. Unlike other Package Detection services that rely on the cloud for image processing, HomeKit Secure Video analyzes events locally via an Apple Home Hub. This approach provides the benefits of packet detection without compromising your privacy, and allows for more timely notifications.

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While the image analysis happens locally, recorded events are sent to iCloud for offsite storage. Like most Apple services, the Home app encrypts your video and generates a random key to ensure that only you, or those you share your Home with, can access it. While packet detection is best suited for video doorbells, you can enable it for any HomeKit Secure Video-compatible camera. This makes package detection perfect for areas like outside your garage for larger packages, or for locations further away from your home, like your mailbox.

HomeKit Secure Video Package Detection: What You'll Need

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With several factors at play, you'll need the right combination of hardware, software, and services to take advantage of packet detection. To get started, you'll need a HomeKit Secure Video-compatible camera or doorbell. While there are plenty of HomeKit-compatible cameras on the market, you'll want to look for models that specifically mention HomeKit Secure Video. If you need help narrowing things down, our complete guide to HomeKit Secure Video has several recommendations.

Image credit: Eve Systems

Next, you'll need to set up an Apple Home Hub in your household. Available Home Hub options include the Apple TV HD, Apple TV 4K, any generation of HomePod, and the HomePod mini. Since HomeKit uses iCloud for video storage, you'll also need an active subscription to an iCloud+ plan (any tier will do). And finally, you'll want to make sure that all of your Apple devices are up to date with the latest software to avoid any potential compatibility issues.

Recording Package Detection Events

Once you have the right equipment and all of your devices are up to date, you can enable HomeKit Secure Video Package Detection in the Home app. To do this, first navigate to your camera or doorbell and then find the recording options in the settings.

• Launch the Home app.
• Tap the More... button at the top of your screen.
• Tap the room with your camera.
• Tap the thumbnail for your camera.
• Tap the Settings button.
• Tap Recording Options.
• Tap More Options.
• Tap the toggle next to Packages Detected.

Now, whenever a package detection event occurs, your camera or doorbell will automatically record and save the footage directly to iCloud. If you need help accessing, archiving, or sharing your video, see how to manage HomeKit Secure Video recordings in the Home app.

Enable Package Detection Notifications from the Home App

In addition to recording package detection events, the Home app can also alert you when a delivery arrives. Just like turning on recording, it only takes a few taps to turn on notifications.

• Launch the Home app.
• Tap the More... button at the top of your screen.
• Tap Home Settings.
• Tap Cameras & Doorbells.
• Tap your camera or doorbell.
• Tap the toggle next to Packages Detected.

If you have multiple Apple devices, you'll need to repeat the steps above on each iPhone, iPad, or Mac to make sure you never miss a notification. The same goes for each family member if you allow others to control your HomeKit and Matter accessories and want them to check on deliveries.

Keep a Close Eye on Deliveries

With timely alerts and automatic event logging, HomeKit Secure Video Package Detection is a great way to keep an eye on your front door. While you may get a few false positives every now and then, you can rest assured that your deliveries are safe and sound.