Deciding how to manage all of those eight-digit setup codes is one challenge every HomeKit enthusiast faces. Accessory makers warn that misplacing codes can make it impossible to set up devices again in the future, and not all accessories include a copy of the code on devices.
HomePass is a brand new iPhone and iPad app designed to solve that problem by easily storing all of those eight-digit codes for you, and creating new entries in the app is super easy.
Simply grant HomePass access to your HomeKit configuration and the app can detect what smart home accessories are already connected. From here you can find the correct accessory description which includes the room assigned through HomeKit, then reference your setup label to manually type in the eight-digit code.
HomePass includes built-in iCloud, too, so your codes are synced between iPhone and iPad and automatically backed up in case you lose your iPhone. After accumulating over 40 HomeKit accessories over the years, locating all of those setup codes was a pain after resetting my HomeKit configuration and starting over after moving last year.
For that reason, HomePass is a critical tool that every HomeKit enthusiast should have in their chest. Other in-app perks include both a light and dark theme that can be changed manually or automatically based on sunrise and sunset, the ability to export your HomeKit code database as a .CSV file for use in spreadsheet apps like Numbers and Excel, and a handy notes section for leaving yourself clues about the importance of each code.
Ideally, the concept of setup codes shouldn’t exist — or Apple’s Home app would make it easier to manage for you without asking you to keep physical copies of setup labels — but for now HomePass is a must-have utility for HomeKit enthusiasts.
Pick up the app for $2.99 today in the App Store, then check out Aaron Pearce‘s Homecam app for managing multiple HomeKit cameras and his useful HomeKit Talk Slack channel for continued discussion on Apple’s smart home framework.
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