Xiaomi camera connection to Apple HomeKit: all ways in 2026

Why Xiaomi Cameras Don’t Work Directly with HomeKit

Apple’s HomeKit ecosystem is notorious for being closed and stringent security requirements, making it incompatible with most Xiaomi devices out of the box. 360°, Mi 360° Home Security Camera 2K Xiaomi Smart Camera C400 — Initially focused on the Mi platform Home/Xiaomi Home, which uses its own communications protocols, Apple requires manufacturers to be certified MFi (Made for). iPhone/iPad), What is the additional cost and change of device architecture.

But that doesn't mean integration isn't possible. There are three main ways to connect: 1 via Homebridge (a popular open source server bridge), 2 via Aqara hubs (a subsidiary of Xiaomi's Apple-certified brand), 3 through third-party cloud services like Home Assistant. Each method has its own nuances, from the need to buy additional hardware to technical skills requirements.

Method 1: Connect via Aqara Hub (official compatibility)

The most stable and legal way is to use the Aqara Hub (model). M1S, M2 or Camera Hub G3). These devices are Apple certified and can act as a bridge between Xiaomi and HomeKit cameras. Importantly, not all Xiaomi cameras are supported – only those officially added to the Aqara ecosystem.

List of compatible models for 2026:

• 📹 Xiaomi Mi Home Security Camera 360° (version with support for Aqara)
• 📹 Xiaomi Smart Camera C400 (only firmware for China/Europe)
• 📹 Aqara Camera Hub G3 (It is already integrated into HomeKit)
• ⚠️ Mi 360° Home Security Camera 2K — requires firmware from Aqara (see spoiler below)

Instructions for connection:

1. Install the Aqara Hub and add it to Apple Home QR-case-code.
2. In the Aqara Home app, go to Add Device → Cameras and choose your Xiaomi model.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen. The hub will automatically detect the camera if it is on the same Wi-Fi network.
4. After adding the camera will appear in the app Home iPhone/iPad.

✅ Compatibility of your Xiaomi camera with Aqara (see list above)

✅ Having an Ethernet port for the hub (Wi-Fi is not always stable)

✅ Hub firmware version (update to the latest in Aqara Home)

✅ Xiaomi account region (Chinese firmware may not work with European hubs)

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⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi camera was purchased in China, its firmware may block the connection to overseas Aqara servers, in which case you will need to change the region of your Mi Home account to China Mainland (risk of loss of warranty!).

Method 2: Use Homebridge (for advanced users)

Homebridge is an open source server software emulating HomeKit API. It allows you to connect uncertified devices, including Xiaomi cameras, through plugins.The method requires always on the computer (or Raspberry Pi) and basic knowledge of working with the terminal.

Advantages:

Support for all Xiaomi camera models (even the older ones).

Flexible settings (for example, you can turn off the Xiaomi cloud and use local stream).

Free of charge (except for equipment costs).

Disadvantages:

- Difficulty setting up for beginners.

Dependence on the stability of the server.

Possible video delays (up to 2-5 seconds).

Step-by-step:

1. Install Homebridge on Raspberry Pi, NAS PC (instructions on the official website).
2. Install the plugin for Xiaomi cameras: npm install -g Homebridge-mi-home or for newer models: npm install -g homebridge-camera-ffmpeg
3. Edit the configuration file config.json, adding the camera unit: "platforms": [{"platform": "MiHomePlatform", "name": "MiHome", "token": "YOURS_TOKEN_OT_XIAOMI", "camera": [ { "ip": "192.168.1.100", "token": "TOKEN_Cameras, "name": "Living room chamber" } ] ] Token can be obtained through the Mi Home app (see spoiler below).
4. Homebridge: Sudo Systemctl Restart Homebridge
5. Add the camera to the Home app through the pairing code that appears in the Homebridge logs.

⚠️ Note: When using homebridge-camera-ffmpeg, Xiaomi camera should support protocol RTSP. Enable it in the camera settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Protocol RTSP). If you do not have an option, upgrade to the latest version.

Method 3: Cloud Services (Home Assistant) + Nabu Casa)

If installing Homebridge seems complicated, the alternative is Home Assistant, a HomeKit-enabled smart home platform over Nabu Casa (cloud bridge), a method that is suitable for users who are already using Home Assistant or ready to deploy it on the Raspberry Pi.

Pros:

Centralized management of all devices (not just Xiaomi)

- Support RTSP-lagless.

- Ability to automate (for example, recording video when the motion sensor is triggered).

Cons:

- Monthly fee for Nabu Casa ($5/moss).

- Difficulty in initial setup.

Instructions:

1. Install Home Assistant on the Raspberry Pi or Virtual Machine (instruction: official documentation).
2. Add Xiaomi Miio integration: 1. Go to Settings → Devices and Services. 2. Click Add Integration and select Xiaomi Miio. 3. Enter IP-Camera address and token (see spoiler above).
3. Set up the video stream: camera: - platform: ffmpeg name: Xiaomi input camera: rtsp://192.168.1.100:554/stream1
4. Connect Nabu Casa: 1. Sign up at nabucasa.com. 2. At Home Assistant, go to Settings → Home Assistant Cloud. 3. Connect your account and enable the HomeKit option.
5. The camera will appear in the Home app automatically.

ffmpeg:


output: "-vf scale=1280:720 -r 15"

This will reduce the load on the server and eliminate delays.-->

Problem Solving: Frequent Errors and Resolving Them

Even with the right setup, connecting Xiaomi cameras to HomeKit can be accompanied by errors.-5 problems and ways of solving them.

• 🔴 Error: "Device does not respond" in HomeKit Reason: Camera and Homebridge/Home Assistant is located on different Wi-Fi subnets. Solution: Connect all devices to the same network (e.g., connect all devices to the same network, 192.168.1.x). If you use a guest network, turn it off.
• 🔴 Video not broadcasting (black screen) Reason 1: No support RTSP Solution: Update your firmware or use cloud stream through homebridge-mi-home. Cause 2: Firewall locks on ports. Solution: Open ports 554 (RTSP) and 8080 on the router.
• 🔴 HomeKit shows "No response" after reboot Reason: Homebridge doesn't start automatically Solution: Set up auto-run service: sudo systemctl enable homebridge

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If the Xiaomi camera was previously connected to the Mi Home in China, it cannot be reconfigured to another server without resetting. To do this, hold the reset button on the camera for 10 seconds until you hear the voice message "Device reset".

Comparison of methods: what to choose in 2026?

The way you connect depends on your technical skills, budget and stability requirements, and here's a comparison table with recommendations.

Critical fact: Since October 2023, Apple has tightened requirements for cloud bridges (like the Nabu Casa), and some Xiaomi cameras can be displayed in HomeKit without recording support in HomeKit Secure Video.

Selection recommendations:

• 🏠 Home / apartment: Aqara Hub is easier and more reliable.
• 💻 Homebridge on the Raspberry Pi 4 (maximum flexibility).
• 🌍 Remote Access: Home Assistant + Nabu Casa (if you are willing to pay) $5/moss).

How to protect Xiaomi camera in HomeKit?

Integrating Xiaomi cameras into HomeKit adds convenience but also increases the risk of hacking. Here are 5 mandatory security measures:

1. Disconnect Xiaomi Cloud: Go to Mi Home → Camera settings → Cloud storage and deactivate the option. Use only local recording (on the SD-map NAS).
2. Change the standard password: Many Xiaomi cameras have a default password (12345678 or blank). → Account.
3. Update the firmware: Outdated versions of the software contain vulnerabilities. Check for updates to Mi Home monthly.
4. Set up two-level authentication: Enable Xiaomi account 2FA: Profile → Security → Two-step verification.
5. Network segmentation: Create a separate Wi-Fi network for smart devices (e.g., Wi-Fi, IoT_Network) Limit access to the main network.

⚠️ Note: If you use a remotely accessed Homebridge or Home Assistant (via Nabu Casa or ngrok), never open ports 8080 or 8123 directly to the Internet. VPN (For example, WireGuard or Cloudflare Tunnel for secure access.

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To check if your camera is compromised, use Shodan. Type in search. IP-If the camera is showing up in the results, it needs to be reconfigured urgently!

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Xiaomi to HomeKit