No, you cannot use an iPhone as a HomeKit hub. Never could. The iPhone has always been the remote control, not the hub – and Apple never changed that.
If you’ve been searching for a workaround, there isn’t one. You need dedicated hardware. Here’s what actually qualifies and what to buy.
What Does a HomeKit Hub Actually Do?
A HomeKit hub is the always-on bridge between your smart home accessories and Apple’s servers. Without one, your HomeKit devices only respond when you’re physically home on the same Wi-Fi network. With a hub, you get remote access, automations that fire when you’re away, and the ability to invite other people to control your home.
The hub has to stay connected 24/7. That’s precisely why a phone – which moves around, sleeps, travels with you, and dies regularly – has never been a viable candidate.
Which Devices Can Be a HomeKit Hub in 2026?
Apple officially supports three product lines as HomeKit hubs:
- HomePod mini – the cheapest option at ~$99, and the one most people should buy
- HomePod (2nd gen) – the full-size version at ~$299, overkill if you just need a hub
- Apple TV 4K (2nd gen or 3rd gen) – doubles as a streaming box; 3rd gen is the current model
- Apple TV HD – older but still supported as a hub if you already have one
Note: Apple deprecated the iPad as a HomeKit hub in iOS 16.2 (December 2022) and fully removed the option in February 2026. If you were using an iPad as a hub, it no longer works. The original HomePod (1st gen) is discontinued but still functions as a hub if you have one.
What Your iPhone Does Do in HomeKit
Your iPhone is still the main interface for HomeKit – just not the hub. From your phone you can control accessories, set up automations, manage scenes, and receive notifications. Location-based automations (like “turn off the lights when I leave home”) run off your iPhone’s GPS.
What it can’t do: relay remote access for other users, keep automations running when you’re away from home without a hub present, or provide the persistent connection that triggers time-based automations reliably.
The Best Hub to Buy: HomePod Mini
The HomePod mini is the obvious choice for most people. It’s $99, sounds decent for a puck-sized speaker, and plugs into any outlet. It becomes a HomeKit hub the moment you sign into iCloud on it – no configuration required.
If you already own an Apple TV 4K, use that. It handles HomeKit hub duties automatically and costs you nothing extra. But if you’re buying hardware specifically to enable remote access and automations, the HomePod mini is the most sensible spend.
How to Set Up HomePod Mini as a HomeKit Hub
Plug in and open Home app
Connect the HomePod mini to power and bring your iPhone within a few inches of it. The Home app will detect the device automatically and launch the setup flow.
Sign in to iCloud
During setup you’ll be prompted to sign in with your Apple ID. Use the same iCloud account you use for HomeKit. This is what links the hub to your home and enables remote access.
Assign it to a room
Give the HomePod mini a room in the Home app (e.g., Living Room, Kitchen). This keeps your device list organized and lets you trigger room-based scenes by voice.
Confirm hub status
Go to Home app -> Settings -> Home Hubs & Bridges. Your HomePod mini should appear as Connected. If it shows Not at Home, check that it’s on the same Wi-Fi as your other HomeKit devices and signed into the correct iCloud account.
Test remote access
Leave your home Wi-Fi network (switch to cellular) and try controlling a HomeKit accessory from the Home app. If it responds, the hub is working correctly.
Related Guides
- What Is a HomeKit Bridge? – how to connect non-native devices to HomeKit
- How Secure Is HomeKit? – security model explained
- Z-Wave vs HomeKit – protocol comparison for smart home builds