HomeKit-enabled routers are an excellent way to enhance the security of your smart devices, but managing them can be tricky. We’ll show you how to set Restriction Levels and more for your HomeKit router in the Apple Home app.
Managing Your HomeKit Router in the Apple Home App
Although ourcomplete HomeKit Secure Router guidecovers the ins and outs of Apple’s network security features, there are a few basics that you’ll need to know before diving into your router’s settings. The most important of which is that you may only manage HomeKit-specific features in the Apple Home app.
Available options in the Apple Home app include setting Restriction Levels, changing your router’s name and location, and toggling HomeKit Accessory Security for your devices. You’ll still need to rely on your router’s app for other tasks like changing DNS settings or assigning static IP addresses.
While most settings in the Home app are purely for organization purposes, Restriction Levels are the heart of the HomeKit Secure Router feature set. Restriction Levels act as a custom firewall for your HomeKit-enabled smart devices, offering three levels of protection: No Restriction, Automatic, and Restrict to Home.
The No Restriction option allows your HomeKit accessories to communicate with any internet service or device on your network—just as it always has. Accessories set to Automatic will follow a vendor-approved list of services and devices.
And finally, Restrict to Home only allows your accessories to communicate with your Apple Home Hub. This level provides the highest level of security as it keeps traffic local but can have some unintended consequences like flashing status lights or missing features.
How to Set HomeKit Router Restriction Levels in the Apple Home App
Screenshot/Photo by Christopher Close – No attribution required
By default, HomeKit will assign new and existing devices to the Automatic Restriction Level. However, you can change settings for individual accessories in the Apple Home app.
Depending on the accessory and your network conditions, changes to Restriction Levels can take a few moments before they take effect. In some cases, the Home app may indicate that it needs additional time to process the change in the background, so you won’t need to wait around.
How to Disable HomeKit Router Accessory Security in the Home App
While Restriction Levels are great for controlling network traffic for a single accessory, changing them can be tedious—especially when troubleshooting connectivity issues. Thankfully, the Home app provides a quick toggle that instantly disables HomeKit Accessory Security on all your devices.
The HomeKit Accessory Security setting makes it a breeze to turn on or off Restriction Levels with a single tap. Plus, the Home app retains your previous settings, so you won’t have to worry about setting levels for each accessory again after temporarily deactivating them.
How to Rename Your HomeKit Router in the Home App
As withrenaming your devices in the Apple Home app, taking the time to give your HomeKit router a proper name can help with organizing your smart home. If you missed it during the setup process or if you recently made a change to your home, you can rename your router in a few simple steps.
How to Change Your HomeKit Router’s Assigned Room in the Home App
Another way to keep your smart home organized is byassigning your accessories to HomeKit Rooms. While the process is similar to changing device rooms, you must first navigate to Home Settings in the Home app to find your HomeKit router.
How to Remove Your HomeKit Router From the Home App
You can also use the Apple Home app to remove your Wi-Fi router from HomeKit at anytime. Removing HomeKit does not impact your existing Wi-Fi network configuration; it only disables Home app integration.
During the removal process, the Home app will provide you with a list of accessories that may need to be added to your network again after completion. And, you may have to perform a factory reset on-device before you canadd a smart home product to Apple HomeKitagain.
Manage Your HomeKit Router to Secure Your Smart Home
With convenient controls and easy-to-understand Restriction Levels, HomeKit Secure Routers take the guesswork out of managing your smart home. Whether you want to lock down your smart accessories completely or only allow vendor-approved services, it only takes a few taps in the Apple Home app.
