No, Google Nest Thermostat does not work directly with Apple Homekit. However, you can use third-party apps or devices like Homebridge to integrate Nest with Apple Homekit.
What is Matter and Why Does it Matter?
Matter is a new smart home interoperability standard developed by Apple, Amazon, Google, and Samsung. It aims to provide a common language for connected devices to communicate locally within your home, without relying on a cloud connection.
This standard is designed to be secure, private, easy to set up, and widely compatible. By adopting Matter, device manufacturers can ensure that their products work seamlessly with different smart home platforms, including Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home.
Matter supports various device types, including lighting, plugs and switches, thermostats, locks, security and environment sensors, refrigerators, dishwashers, smoke alarms, air quality monitors, and more. With Matter, users can enjoy the convenience of controlling their smart home devices using their preferred voice assistants and apps, regardless of the brand or ecosystem.
The Nest Thermostat and Matter Compatibility
The Google Nest Thermostat is one of the few smart thermostats that works with the Matter standard. This means that users can now add their Nest Thermostat to Apple HomeKit natively and control it with voice commands using Siri and Apple Home automations. It’s important to note that this integration is currently available only for the Nest Thermostat 2020 model, and not for the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat.
To connect your Nest Thermostat to Apple HomeKit through Matter, you will need a Nest Thermostat 2020 and an Apple Home Matter controller, such as a HomePod or Apple TV. If you haven’t set up your Nest Thermostat yet, make sure to follow the installation guide provided by Google.
Step-by-Step Guide to Connecting Nest Thermostat to Apple HomeKit
- Open the Google Home App on your iPhone or iPad running iOS 16.4 or higher.
- Tap on Devices and navigate to your Nest Thermostat.
- Tap on the settings icon.
- Tap Linked Matter apps & services.
- Tap Link apps & service. Copy the pairing code that appears.
- Open the Apple Home app on your phone.
- Tap the “+” button in the top-right corner and choose Add Accessory from the drop-down menu.
- In the Add Accessory dialogue box, tap more options.
- Tap Google Nest Thermostat in the list of accessories that appear.
- If the Nest Thermostat doesn’t show up, tap My Accessory isn’t Shown Here and then tap Enter code.
- Paste the code you copied into the Setup Code dialogue box.
- Tap Continue.
- Choose a room to add the thermostat to.
- Name the thermostat.
Congratulations! You have successfully connected your Nest Thermostat to Apple HomeKit through Matter. Now you can control your thermostat using Siri, create automations, and integrate it with other HomeKit-enabled devices.
Benefits of Connecting Nest Thermostat to Apple HomeKit
The integration of the Nest Thermostat with Apple HomeKit brings several benefits to smart home enthusiasts. Here are some key advantages:
- Voice Control with Siri: By connecting your Nest Thermostat to Apple HomeKit, you can control the temperature of your home using voice commands with Siri. This hands-free control adds convenience and simplicity to your daily routine.
- Seamless Automation: With Apple HomeKit, you can create personalized automations that integrate your Nest Thermostat with other smart home devices. For example, you can set up an automation to adjust the temperature when you arrive home or turn off the heating when you leave.
- Centralized Control: Apple HomeKit provides a central hub for managing all your smart home devices. With the Home app, you can easily control and monitor your Nest Thermostat, along with other compatible devices, from one place.
- Privacy and Security: Matter and Apple HomeKit prioritize user privacy and security. By utilizing these standards, you can have peace of mind knowing that your smart home devices are protected and your data is secure.
Alternative Solutions for Older Nest Thermostat Models
While the Nest Thermostat 2020 model can be connected to Apple HomeKit through Matter, older models like the Nest Learning Thermostat and Nest Thermostat E do not currently support Matter integration. However, there are alternative solutions available to connect these older models to Apple HomeKit.
One popular solution is the Starling Home Hub. The Starling Home Hub acts as a bridge, enabling older Nest Thermostat models to connect to Apple HomeKit. With the Starling Home Hub, you can control and automate all your Nest devices, including thermostats, cameras, doorbells, smoke alarms, and locks, alongside your Apple HomeKit and Matter devices. This comprehensive solution ensures compatibility and integration across different ecosystems, providing a seamless smart home experience.
Conclusion
The integration of the Google Nest Thermostat with Apple HomeKit through Matter brings us one step closer to a unified and interoperable smart home ecosystem. By following a few simple steps, users can connect their Nest Thermostats to Apple HomeKit and enjoy the convenience of voice control, automation, and centralized management. While the integration is currently limited to the Nest Thermostat 2020 model, alternative solutions like the Starling Home Hub offer compatibility for older Nest Thermostat models. As smart home technology continues to evolve, standards like Matter and solutions like the Starling Home Hub play a crucial role in creating a seamless and connected home environment.
