I recently discovered the Home Widget • For HomeKit app, and it’s been a game-changer for how I interact with my smart home devices. Let me share my experience and some tips on how you can make the most of it!
What It Does
The app allows you to add HomeKit devices and scenes to your iPhone’s widgets, creating a customizable control panel right on your home screen. This means no more digging through the Home app to toggle lights or adjust settings—everything is just a swipe away.
Setting It Up
- Download and Install: The app is free to download on the App Store, with optional in-app purchases for advanced features.
- Create a Panel: Open the app and add a new panel. Choose from small, medium, or large sizes to fit your needs.
- Customize: Add devices or scenes to your panel. You can include up to nine items on a large panel, each with its own icon and color.
- Add to Widgets: Once your panel is set up, drag it to your home screen just like any other widget.
My Experience
I’ve been using this app for a few weeks now, and it’s made my mornings much smoother. I’ve created a scene that turns on my bathroom lights, starts the coffee maker, and adjusts the thermostat—all with a single tap. It’s also been great for quick access to my outdoor lights when I’m heading out at night.
Limitations and Tips
- Live Data: Unfortunately, the app doesn’t show live updates. If someone manually changes a device’s state, the widget won’t reflect the change until you refresh it.
- Sensors: Currently, the app doesn’t support sensors, only controllable devices. Hopefully, this will be added in future updates.
- Alternative Solutions: If you want more functionality, you can use Siri Shortcuts to create custom actions. However, the Home Widget app is much simpler for quick access to frequently used devices or scenes.
Conclusion
This app has definitely enhanced my smart home experience by making controls more accessible. If you’re looking for a way to streamline your daily routines, I highly recommend giving it a try! Let me know if you have any questions or tips for optimizing its use.
Happy smart home hacking! 