You may think you're missing out on all the fun at home because you don't have a Nest Hub or Echo Show. Did you know that you can turn an iPad into a smart display with just a few steps?

Going out and buying a new smart display isn't the only way to have a device that controls smart accessories and gives you information. I explained how you can turn a computer or tablet into an Alexa device. Learn how to turn an old iPad into a smart hub for Homekit.

Note: To use your iPad as a home hub, it must remain in the home, turned on, and connected to the home Wi-Fi network.

Use the iPad as a home center

There are a few differences to consider when using iPad for Homekit, rather than a Google Assistant, or Alexa-based smart display. Their screens show a more complete source of local information, while the iPad will depend on which devices are in your home. You'll be able to easily see your favorite scenes, accessories, and cameras, but without a temperature device, there's no weather and no Siri query field is always visible. However, here are the simple steps you will need to take to turn your iPad into a smart display and home hub.

Step 1: Open the iPad.

Step 2: Click on settings and click on your name

Step 3: Click on iCloud. You should be connected to the iPad with the same Apple ID that you use with HomeKit accessories.

Step 4: Scroll down to The home and check that it is turned on. If you don't see The home in the settings menu, you will need to download it from the app store.

Step 5: Return to settings and click The home. Click on Use this iPad as a home center.

Step 6: Open the iPad Home app. The first screen will list all your favorite scenes and devices. You will also be able to switch to certain rooms, scenes and a cover page.

How to add devices to HomeKit on iPad

There are other apps available that can either turn your iPad into another type of smart display or access Homekit, but using Home will provide the best experience. Third-party hardware, such as a Hoobs system, can also add other non-Homekit native devices to the Homekit ecosystem.

Step 1: Open the HomeKit app on your iPad. Click blue Add a device button.

Step 2: Click on New device.

Step 3: Connect to you Home Connect account.

Step 4: Add HomeKit devices.

How to turn off Guided Access on iPad

Guests in your home can easily change the status of your device using the iPad instead of relying on Siri if you don't turn it on. Guide access. This setting will allow you to lock your iPad on a single screen with a password. Enabling this screen will change the status of connected devices faster for anyone in the home. It will also ensure that no one can access other settings or applications on the iPad.

Step 1: Open settings.

Step 2: Click on General> Guided access.

Step 3: Click to activate the feature.

People who use their iPad as a home hub might consider wall mounting it. Whether on a temporary wall mount or a permanently built-in mount, you'll need to invest in a longer lightning cable (depending on your iPad) to keep it on. Once your iPad is attached to a wall, you'll have a Siri-powered HomeKit hub always on, which can easily manipulate your home.

Interested in setting up your iPad this way if you're in the Apple ecosystem? Once you get deeper into HomeKit and its devices, a smart display can make it easier to set up and manage these products. Looking for more products to control with your Apple Home hub? See our guide to the best HomeKit devices.

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