I’m thrilled to share my recent success in integrating Thread and HomeKit devices directly into Home Assistant without the need for any workarounds or hacks!
Here’s a quick rundown of the devices I’ve successfully connected:
- Eve Room thermostat
- Onvis 5 Button Switch
- Eve Shutter Switch
Setup Requirements:
- A Bluetooth adapter (I opted for an external one to avoid potential Zigbee interference)
- A Thread-capable USB stick (I used the SkyConnect)
- Ensure the Thread and HomeKit integrations are installed and configured in HA
- The Home Assistant app must be set up on your smartphone
Step-by-Step Process:
- Credentials Sharing: I started by sharing the credentials of my Apple Thread network with Home Assistant through the Home Assistant app. This was crucial for seamless integration.
- Adding Devices via Bluetooth: Following the official documentation, I added the HomeKit devices through Bluetooth. The process was straightforward and eliminated the need for any network hacking.
- Thread Integration: Once the devices were recognized via Bluetooth, I seamlessly integrated them into the Thread network using HA’s built-in features.
Outcome:
Everything works like a charm! The devices are responsive, and the integration is stable. It’s amazing how smooth the process was once I had the right setup in place.
Why This Matters:
For anyone looking to transition to Thread or integrate HomeKit devices, this method offers a clean, efficient solution. It’s a testament to how far the Home Assistant community has come in supporting cutting-edge technologies like Thread.
I’d love to hear from others who’ve had similar experiences or if anyone has tips for troubleshooting common issues!