HomeKit VPN/iCloud private Relay and Eve products in HomeKit not working together

[hanser]

Hi, I was annoyed that my 3 Eve smart plugs get unreliable after some time (taking lots of time to respond, sometimes needing a second command), until I reset them. So I contacted Eve support, and was surprised to learn that VPN and iCloud Private Relay do not work well with HomeKit and will deteriorate response. I was advised to never use VPN or iCloud Private Relay when I open the Home app or use HomeKit in any way. Is this a known problem? I never heard of it before.

 

[Trevanian]

Apple tech support wanted me to switch off private relay as part of the troubleshooting for my automations constantly failing. My position is that I will not go without it, so I am not interested in whether it fixes the problems. Also, it’s their product interfering with their product, so they are obliged to make it work.
I doubt very much that it is related to the problems, as I have used it for months when the automations worked.

 

[JBaby]

I know this to be the case with VPN. I’ve never had a problem with iCloud Private Relay. Don’t setup HomePods with VPN on. Your account settings will not go through. At least that’s been my experience.