HomeKit Separate iCloud for HomeKit

[SmartHomeGuy]

I am curious is everyone setting up a separate iCloud ID for there home when they start HomeKit. I am pulling the trigger to setup HomeBridge to connect an extensive SmartThings setup over to HomeKit. I have a family iCloud setup by the way.

My thought is I will have an iPad or two on docks to control Shortcuts and random daily lookups along with HomePods. I don’t want the iPads to show iMessage and such.

 

[Itinj24]

I have some iPads set up this way and only made a separate iCloud account for those iPads so they look like residents to the HomeKit setup. I’m not sure how efficient a separate iCloud account for the whole setup would be but sounds like a lot of conflict.

Be sure to turn off location for those iPads or there will be an issue when trying to fire location based automations like leaving and arriving home. You can also exclude those from those automations but you’ll have to use person specific location automations rather than when first/last person leaves.

 

[SmartHomeGuy]

Thanks Itinj24. Maybe I will also look into the Kiosk mode for the iPad. I am still exploring the idea of even needing a standalone iPad sitting on a counter, similar to an Amazon Echo Show.

 

[Itinj24]

Thanks Itinj24. Maybe I will also look into the Kiosk mode for the iPad. I am still exploring the idea of even needing a standalone iPad sitting on a counter, similar to an Amazon Echo Show.

Be honest, I walk past them 100’s of times a day and never pay them any mind. They look cool and modern for guests at least lol. There’s usually a TV on in my house and with the AppleTV’s, I get my snapshot notifications on the big screen. All other interactions I accomplish with the HomePods or my iPhone that’s always close by.

 

[SmartHomeGuy]

Be honest, I walk past them 100’s of times a day and never pay them any mind. They look cool and modern for guests at least lol. There’s usually a TV on in my house and with the AppleTV’s, I get my snapshot notifications on the big screen. All other interactions I accomplish with the HomePods or my iPhone that’s always close by.

Yeah, you are probably right. Plus, I can see this device just getting mashed in a corner. I need to stay focused on the large task. A super smart home that is easy for anyone to use.