Get Started with Apple Smart Home in 2025 - Complete Guide for Beginners

Get started with your Apple HomeKit today! Here's a step--by-step walkthrough on how to set up your Apple Smart Home using a HomePod mini, adding your first smart plug, and even automating devices with contact and motion sensors. I’ll explain important terms like Matter and Thread, plus, recommend accessories to expand your smart home experience.

⭐️ Watch My Full Smart Home Tour
   • Full Tour of My 2024 Apple Smart Home  

📲 Devices Shown in Video

HomeKit Smart Plug
https://geni.us/fyXc

Aqara Matter Contact Sensor
https://geni.us/R8hNz

Philips Hue Hub
https://geni.us/CW9iP0

Philips Hue Motion Sensor
https://geni.us/nGwEF

Table Lamp
https://geni.us/O0eozn7

HomePod mini (Best Buy)
https://geni.us/5MLAvs

🏠 Full List of My Smart Home Devices
https://beard.fm/homekit

📺 Smart Home Playlist
   • Building a Smart Home  

🎙️ Watch my tech podcast, Primary Technology:
   / @primarytechshow  

⭐️ Join the Shortcuts and tech community! Access my Shortcuts database, priority Shortcuts requests, LIVE streams, and more benefits:
https://create.beard.fm

⭐️ Try Riverside today, it's what I use to record all my podcasts!
https://beard.fm/riverside

💻 Final Cut Plugins and Effects from MotionVFX
https://mvfx.co/StephenRobles

📲 Follow me on:

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenroble...
Threads: https://threads.net/@stephenrobles
Instagram:   / stephenrobles  

Chapters ➡

00:00 Introduction
00:27 Using HomePod or Apple TV
01:20 Setting Up Home App
02:52 Adding Your First Smart Plug
04:45 Controlling a Light with HomeKit
05:17 Change Device Settings
06:05 Create Your First Automation
07:52 Door and Contact Sensors
10:42 Where to Find Door Status
11:54 Door Open Automation
14:43 Control Home via Siri
15:27 Control Home via Widgets
16:38 Motion Sensors and Automations
17:52 Control Home via Apple Watch
18:12 HomePod Automations
19:06 Create Your First Scene
20:12 HomePass to Save Codes
21:51 What is Matter and Thread?
23:36 Lutron, Hue, Aqara, and Hubs

🛒 My Film Gear:

Sony A7 IV (Main Camera)
https://geni.us/PA1Qd (Amazon)

Sigma 35mm (Main Lens)
https://geni.us/YqQpgtx (Amazon)

Sennhesier MKH416 (Video Mic)
https://geni.us/VxF1g (Amazon)

Aputure Amaran 200x (Key Light)
https://geni.us/2KY3GV (Amazon)

Light Dome III (Soft Box)
https://geni.us/Rt08x (Amazon)

Earthworks Ethos (Podcast Mic)
https://geni.us/X7xC (Amazon)

Podcast Mic Arm
https://geni.us/5ydF0HM (Amazon)

Sony a6400 (Top Down Camera)
https://geni.us/VOyRX (Amazon)

Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 (Top Down Lens)
https://geni.us/lkuYqbH (Amazon)

Elgato Key Light Air (Fill and Hair Lights)
https://geni.us/UetzsS (Amazon)

ATEM Mini Pro (My Switcher)
https://geni.us/Dgiymx2 (Amazon)

Rodecaster PRO II (Powers All Mics)
https://geni.us/uMHZGgi (Amazon)

Sound Devices MixPre-3 (Travel Sound Gear)
https://geni.us/Nb6A4zo (Amazon)

DISCLAIMER: I participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Other links to third-party products and services may also be affiliate links.