What Is Apple HomeKit Secure Video and Why Would You Want to Use It?
Reading Time: 4 minutesIf you’re an Apple user, you can leverage Apple HomeKit Secure Video with a compatible security camera.
Apple HomeKit Secure Video is a great way of connecting cameras in and around your home and offers secure video recording. This HomeKit feature allows you to video camera streams, recordings, and notifications in the Home app.
With end-to-end encryption via the Home app, only users who have access or who have been invited can view the content. Utilizing iCloud for storage, HomeKit Secure Video can store up to 10 days of events like motion detection so that you can review the footage easily.
Why Apple HomeKit Secure Video Is Worth It
One of the biggest benefits of Apple HomeKit Secure Video comes hand-in-hand with iCloud+. While iCloud offers up to 5GB of free iCloud storage, iCloud+ offers 50GB (up to 2TB) of storage for as little as $0.99 per month. Using your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV, you or anyone in your Family Sharing group can view your home’s camera footage from anywhere in the world.
Once your security cameras have been added to the Home app, you’ll be able to stream, record, and store videos securely. Plus, the videos don’t count toward your iCloud storage.
Using your home hub or on-device intelligence, Apple HomeKit Secure Video can detect people, pets, and cars, notifying you in the Home app. You can share this access with any other iCloud users, deciding whether they can simply view, or stream and manage your cameras remotely.
Is My Camera Compatible With Apple HomeKit?
If you see the ‘Works with Apple Home’ logo on your camera manufacturer’s website or packaging, then you will be able to use Apple HomeKit Secure Video.
There is a wide range of security cameras that are compatible with Apple HomeKit, including the Aqara Camera Hub G3, Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera, and Logitech Circle 2, to name a few.
Are There Any Downsides to Using HomeKit Secure Video?
There are a few downsides to note if you want to use HomeKit Secure Video. First, it’s limited to 1080p resolution.
A number of compatible cameras can support higher resolution, like 2K video. So you will lose some quality with those cameras.
You will also need an Apple home hub, usually either an Apple TV, HomePod, or HomePod mini to use the feature.
The Best Apple HomeKit Cameras
Apple HomeKit-compatible cameras tend to come with extra features that make automation around your home possible. For example, some cameras can detect motion and therefore can be programmed to turn your smart lights on/off when you enter/exit a room.
1. Logitech Circle View
This wired security camera from Logitech is a great choice since it can be used indoors and outdoors. It boasts high-quality 1080p video and a built-in microphone with two-way audio.
Using high-quality sensors, the Logitech Circle View can capture clear photos and videos in sunlight and shadows, as well as night vision up to 15 feet away. It’s compatible exclusively with Apple HomeKit, so you can use Apple HomeKit Secure Video on your Apple devices.
2. eufyCam 2C
The eufyCam 2C is a wireless security camera with 1080p HD video and an IP67 rating. It’s compatible with Apple HomeKit and offers a 135-degree view so you can see what’s happening in and around your home.
This camera also boasts a 180-day battery life for extra convenience and can intelligently detect body shapes and faces. That will allow it to alert you only when people approach.
3. Aqara 2K Security Indoor Camera Hub G3
This Apple HomeKit Secure Video-enabled camera comes with a 2K resolution and a 360-degree viewing angle. It also boasts a hub that works with other Aqara products thanks to its integrated Zigbee 3.0 radio.
The Aqara 2K Security Indoor Camera Hub G3 can distinguish between faces, pets, and gestures, welcoming you as you enter your home. When a stranger is identified, it will notify you in the Home app. The built-in IR controller works with 2.4GHz/5GHz Wi-Fi bands and is compatible with HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT.
How to Set Up Apple HomeKit Secure Video
Setting up Apple HomeKit Secure Video is a simple process thanks to Apple’s ecosystem. All you need to do is enable Home on your device and then add your HomeKit-compatible cameras to the app.
If you’re using an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch:
- Go to Settings > Your Name > iCloud.
- If you’re running iOS 16 or later, select Show All > Toggle Home. For iOS 15 or earlier, simply Toggle Home.
For users who own a Mac:
- macOS Ventura: Select the Apple menu > System Settings > Your Name > iCloud > Toggle Home.
- macOS 12 or earlier: Select the Apple menu > System Preferences > Apple ID > iCloud > Toggle Home.
And finally, for Apple TV users:
- Open the Settings app on your Apple TV.
- Select Users and Accounts > Your Account > iCloud.
- Ensure you are signed in with your Apple ID.
Using your iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, or Mac, you can view Apple HomeKit Secure Video in iCloud using the Home app. However, with an Apple TV, you can view footage via the Control Center
Is a Subscription Required for Apple HomeKit Secure Video?
Another huge benefit of using an Apple HomeKit-supported camera is that up to 10 days of recordings can be accessed completely free. With an iCloud+ subscription, you can add a single camera (50GB plan), five cameras (200GB plan), or unlimited cameras (2TB plan). Similarly, if you are part of a Family Sharing group, you can share your iCloud+ subscription with another user.
Although an iCloud storage plan is required, video recordings will not count toward your monthly storage limits.
Secure Video Access Wherever You Are
If you’re an Apple user and you’re thinking of upgrading your home to include smart security cameras, keep your eye out for Apple HomeKit-compatible devices.
With Apple HomeKit Secure Video, you can access a live stream of your cameras, recordings, and receive notifications from anywhere. So, if you’re at work or on vacation, you’ll have the reassurance you need, even when you’re not at home.
Reference: https://www.makeuseof.com/what-is-apple-homekit-secure-video/
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