James Matthews
3 years of experience in smart home & HomeKit I want to share knowledge with anyone struggling to add incompatible devices to HomeKit. Experienced with many workarounds, write about the best methods.
How to Connect Any Twinkly Lights to Apple HomeKit
If you're looking to control your Twinkly lights with your Apple devices, integrating them with HomeKit is a great option. While Twinkly lights are not directly compatible with HomeKit, you can use the AddToHomeKit Bridge to make it happen. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to connect your Twinkly lights to Apple HomeKit.
Why Use ATH Bridge?
Twinkly lights are fantastic for adding a touch of color and flair to your home, but they don't natively support Apple HomeKit. ATH Bridge acts as an intermediary, allowing non-HomeKit-enabled devices like Twinkly lights to work seamlessly with the HomeKit ecosystem. This integration lets you control your lights through the Apple Home app, use voice commands with Siri, and set up automations.
Read more: 4 Ways to add IKEA Smart Devices to Apple HomeKit
Connecting Twinkly to HomeKit: Generation 2
Connecting Generation 2 Twinkly lights to HomeKit is straightforward. Follow these steps:
Prerequisites:
Steps to Connect:
Now your Twinkly lights are part of your HomeKit setup. You can control them through the Home app, adjusting brightness, colors, and creating automations.
Are All Twinkly Products Compatible with HomeKit?
Not all Twinkly products are compatible with HomeKit. Only specific Generation 2 products can be integrated directly. These include:
- Twinkly Flex
- Twinkly Line
- Twinkly Squares
Interested in the Govee devices? Find How to add Govee Lights to Apple HomeKit using ATH Bridge
Alternative solutions to connect Twinkly Generation 1 Products to HomeKit
For Generation 1 Twinkly lights, you'll need to use bridge software like:
- HOOBS
- Homebridge
- Home Assistant
- Homey Bridge
- Hubitat
Here's how to connect Generation 1 products:
Twinkly and HomeKit Integration
With Twinkly lights connected to HomeKit, you can automate and control various aspects of your lighting setup. This includes products like:
- Twinkly Pro
- Twinkly Flex
- Twinkly Line
- Twinkly Squares
- Twinkly Plus
How to Connect Twinkly Lights to Apple HomeKit Using HomeBridge
Want to control your Twinkly lights with Siri or Apple HomeKit? Even though Twinkly lights don't natively support HomeKit, you can make them compatible using Homebridge. This unofficial plugin, known as "homebridge-twinkly," lets you integrate your Twinkly lights with Apple HomeKit, allowing you to control them via Siri or HomeKit automations. Here's a simple guide to get you started.
Features of Homebridge-Twinkly
With the Homebridge-Twinkly plugin, you can:
- Turn your Twinkly lights on or off
- Adjust the brightness
You can use Siri voice commands or set up automations within the Apple Home app. There's also a command-line tool included for those who prefer a more hands-on approach.
Setup Instructions
sudo npm install -g homebridge-twinklyconfig.json file manually.Configuration Options:
allowBrightnessControl:Set this totrueto add a brightness control option instead of just an on/off switch.removeUnreachableDeviceMinutes:Set the time (in minutes) after which unreachable devices are removed. A value of0means devices are never removed.
Setting Up Twinkly as an Accessory (Deprecated)
In earlier versions of Homebridge-Twinkly (before version 0.4.0), you had to add each Twinkly light individually. While this method is deprecated, it's still useful if the plugin doesn't automatically discover your devices.
To set up each light manually:
config.json file.Example Config File:
{
"bridge": {
"name": "My Homebridge" },
"accessories": [{
"accessory": "Twinkly",
"name": "Christmas Lights",
"ip": "192.168.4.1",
"allowBrightnessControl": true
}]}
Troubleshooting Twinkly Lights HomeKit Integration with ATH Bridge
- Check Wi-Fi: Ensure both devices are on the same 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network.
- Reboot ATH Bridge: Unplug for 10 seconds, then plug it back in.
- Reset Twinkly Lights: Hold the reset button for 10 seconds and set them up again.
- Re-add to HomeKit: Remove from HomeKit, then scan the HomeKit QR code to add again.
- Update Firmware/Apps: Make sure Twinkly lights and apps are updated.
- Reduce Interference: Move ATH Bridge closer to lights and reduce network congestion.
- Check HomeKit Setup: Ensure HomeKit is set up correctly and you’re logged into the same Apple ID.
Final Thoughts
Integrating Twinkly lights with Apple HomeKit using the ATH Bridge provides a seamless and enhanced smart home experience. You can enjoy the convenience of controlling your lights with the Apple Home app, automating them with HomeKit routines, and using Siri for voice control. Whether you want to set the perfect ambiance or enhance your home's security, this integration makes it easy.
For the best experience, we highly recommend using the Add To HomeKit Bridge as the solution for connecting Twinkly lights to Apple HomeKit. This setup brings the power of smart lighting and home automation together, making your home brighter and smarter.
