Integrating Sonoff devices with Apple HomeKit brings smart home automation to your fingertips. Sonoff, known for its affordable smart switches, plugs, and sensors, typically works with the eWeLink app.
However, by using Homebridge or HomeKit-compatible firmware like Tasmota or ESPHome, you can connect Sonoff devices to Apple’s ecosystem. This allows you to control Sonoff devices using the Apple Home app or voice commands via Siri.
The process might require some technical setup, but it offers seamless integration with other Apple devices, creating a more unified, user-friendly smart home experience.
Steps to Connect Sonoff Devices to Apple HomeKit
Flash Sonoff Devices with HomeKit-Compatible Firmware
The first step is to replace the default firmware on your Sonoff device with HomeKit-compatible firmware. The two most popular options are Tasmota and ESPHome. These open-source firmwares provide a bridge for connecting Sonoff devices to HomeKit.
- Prepare your Sonoff device
- Open the device and connect it to a USB-to-Serial adapter for flashing.
- Ensure the device is powered off before connecting it to the adapter.
- Install Tasmota or ESPHome firmware
- For Tasmota, download the firmware from the official Tasmota GitHub repository.
- For ESPHome, use the ESPHome tool to compile the firmware.
- Flash the firmware
- Using software like esphome-flasher or Tasmota Flashing Tool, follow the instructions to flash the firmware onto your Sonoff device.
Set Up Homebridge (Alternative Option)
Alternatively, you can use Homebridge to bridge Sonoff devices to HomeKit. Homebridge acts as a middleware between non-HomeKit devices and Apple’s HomeKit ecosystem.
- Install Homebridge
- On a Raspberry Pi or a computer, install Homebridge via npm (Node Package Manager). You can do this through the terminal: sudo npm install -g –unsafe-perm homebridge
- Alternatively, use Homebridge Docker if you prefer a containerized approach.
- Install the Homebridge Plugin for Sonoff
- Open the Homebridge UI (web interface).
- Go to the “Plugins” section and search for a Sonoff-compatible plugin (e.g., homebridge-sonoff).
- Install the plugin and configure it by entering the required information such as device IP addresses and credentials.
Configure Devices in Home App
Once the firmware is flashed or Homebridge is set up, you can add your Sonoff devices to the Home app:
- Open the Home app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Add a new accessory
- For Homebridge, go to “Add Accessory” and scan the Homebridge QR code or manually input the pairing code.
- For flashed Sonoff devices, they should automatically appear once connected to your Wi-Fi and HomeKit configured correctly.
- Assign devices to rooms and customize them as needed.
Use Siri to Control Your Sonoff Devices
Once everything is set up, you can control your Sonoff devices using Siri voice commands or through the Home app, such as turning on/off lights, adjusting the thermostat, or controlling other smart devices integrated into the HomeKit ecosystem.
By following these steps, you can seamlessly integrate your Sonoff devices into Apple’s HomeKit, unlocking advanced automation and voice control features through Siri.