Although it's more expensive than other streaming devices, the Apple TV is the best set-top box for Apple users, thanks to extras like HomeKit integration. With HomeKit, the Apple TV functions as a smart home hub for all your accessories and offers convenient control on the big screen.

We'll show you how to add your Apple TV to HomeKit so you can reap all the benefits for your smart home.

Why you should add your Apple TV to HomeKit

Although the Apple TV is primarily for media streaming, it plays a crucial role within the HomeKit ecosystem. When you add your Apple TV to HomeKit, you're also installing an Apple Home Hub, instantly making your home smarter. As an Apple Home Hub, the Apple TV enables remote communication outside the home with your HomeKit accessories. And with Home Hubs, you can use Apple HomeKit devices with automation and share your smart home with others.

By adding your Apple TV to HomeKit, you also have control of your smart home at your fingertips with the Siri Remote. With just a few clicks, you can view your HomeKit cameras on Apple TV, trigger scenes, or use Siri via voice commands. Apple's streamer is also great for staying on top of your smart home with HomeKit security notifications on your TV. If someone walks past a motion sensor, opens a door or triggers your security alarm, you'll see an alert in the corner of your TV screen as soon as this happens.

Adding Apple TV to HomeKit: What you need

Because the Apple TV offers extensive integration with other Apple devices, adding it to HomeKit is quick and easy. However, before you can control your smart home with Apple TV, you need to get a few things in order. To get started, you'll need an Apple ID with two-factor authentication enabled. Make sure you use the same Apple ID as for your iPhone and HomeKit accessories as this will streamline the setup process. You also need to enable iCloud Keychain in iCloud settings and update your iPhone to the latest version of iOS. Finally, you need to connect to your home's Wi-Fi network and have Bluetooth turned on.

With the requirements out of the way, you can now add your Apple TV HomeKit. Two methods are available: add to HomeKit during initial setup or add to an existing Apple TV.

How to Add Your Apple TV to HomeKit During Setup

As mentioned earlier, the deep integration with iOS makes it a breeze to set up and add Apple TV to HomeKit. To get started, choose your language and region after turning on your Apple TV for the first time. After this, you will see a prompt to continue setting up via your iPhone. This process uses a combination of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to transfer your login details, so you'll need your phone nearby to continue. When you're done, click Set Up with iPhone or iPad and follow the onscreen instructions. Or if you prefer to enter everything yourself, you can do so by clicking Set Manually. Once your Apple TV signs in to your Apple ID, you'll see a series of prompts for customization options. Continue following the prompts and choosing the options you want until you reach a screen titled Where is this Apple TV? This list comes from the Home app on your iPhone, so you'll know if your HomeKit connection is successful when you see your existing rooms. Click on the room you want to assign your Apple TV to, then follow the prompts to complete the setup. Once setup is complete, you can verify your HomeKit connection in the Apple Home app or the Settings app on your TV. Just click on AirPlay and HomeKit to view your HomeKit details and options for setting notification preferences.

How to Add an Existing Apple TV to HomeKit

Don't worry about setting up an Apple TV before you start your smart home journey. You can still add it to HomeKit in a few simple steps. First, grab your Siri Remote and then head to the Settings app on your Apple TV. Now click on Users and accounts. From here you need to make sure that the default user is the same Apple ID that you use for HomeKit. If not, click on it and enter your login details. Then return to the main Settings screen and then click on AirPlay and HomeKit. Under the HomeKit section, click Room and then assign it to the desired location. Your Apple TV will connect to HomeKit after a short setup period. To verify the connection, you can open the Home app on your iPhone or use Control Center on your Apple TV to view your HomeKit cameras and scenes.

Put your smart home on the big screen with HomeKit With your Apple TV in HomeKit, you have the ability to control your smart home accessories with the click of your Siri Remote. You also now have the best Apple Home Hub on the market, so you can take advantage of automation, remote outdoor control and much more.