How to create scenes with HomeKit to control multiple accessories

Create Scenes HomeKit Mac

For the perfect atmosphere when arriving home after a long day at work or starting your day with something upbeat, you can set up scenes with HomeKit.

Scenes let you control multiple accessories that you connect in the Home app at one time. You can create scenes based on your leaving, arriving, or a custom setting. Then, the automated scene takes over with the settings you choose.

Here’s how to create scenes with HomeKit on both Mac and iOS.

Set up HomeKit scenes on Mac

You can create HomeKit scenes easily on your Mac. Pop open the Home app and then follow these steps.

1) Click the plus sign button on the top right and select Add Scene or click File > Add Scene from the menu bar.

2) You can pick a Suggested Scene from the top or create your own by clicking Custom.

Create Scene Home App Mac

3) Double-click the Accessories you want to use and adjust them for the scene. For instance, you might change the temperature for a thermostat or lock/unlock your front door.

You should see those connected accessories display as options or you can click Add or Remove Accessories to add more.

4) Click Test This Scene to make it works as you expect.

5) Optionally, you can turn on the toggle for Include in Favorites. This is a handy way to have easy access to your scene on the main screen of the Home app. If you turn off the toggle, you’ll access the scene in the corresponding room for it.

Good Night Scene HomeKit Mac

6) Click Done at the top.

When you want to run your scene, just open the Home app and click it. Those scenes based on leaving or arriving will run automatically as long as you have your device with you.

Favorite Scenes Home App Mac

Set up HomeKit scenes on iOS

Setting up scenes on your iPhone or iPad is just as simple as it is on Mac. Open the Home app and do the following.

1) Tap the plus sign button on the top right and select Add Scene.

Add Scene Home App iPhone

2) Like on Mac, you can pick a Suggested Scene from the top or create your own by tapping Custom.

3) Press and hold the Accessories you want to use and adjust them for the scene.

You should see those connected accessories display as options or you can tap Add or Remove Accessories to add more.

4) Tap Test This Scene to make sure it works.

5) Optionally, you can turn on the toggle for Include in Favorites to display it on the Home app main screen. If you turn off the toggle, you’ll access the scene in the corresponding room.

Create Scene Home App iPhone

6) Tap Done at the top.

When you want to run your scene, just open the Home app and tap it. And remember, scenes based on leaving or arriving will run automatically assuming you have your device with you.

Add music to your scene

With the release of iOS 13.2.1, one of the new HomePod features lets you add music to your HomeKit scenes. This is an awesome way to throw on some cool tunes to get the party started or create the ideal setting for a romantic evening.

You can set up the scene with music on either your Mac or iOS device. But to specific the music you want to play, you’ll need to configure that on iOS.

1) Create a scene using the steps above and make sure to select your HomePod as one of the accessories you want to use.

2) Under Media on the New Scene screen, tap Audio.

3) You can then choose to Play, Pause, or Resume Audio as well as Adjust the Volume Only.

4) Below those options, tap Choose Audio. You can then search for or select the music you want.

5) You may have additional options after choosing your music such as Repeat and Shuffle. And you can adjust the volume setting.

Add Music to Scene iPhone

6) When you finish, tap the arrow on the top left to go back.

7) If your scene is complete, tap Done.

Note: If you set up a scene using the Home app on your Mac, it will also display on your iOS device. So if you create a scene on Mac to include music, just open the scene on iOS to choose the music you want as in the steps above.

Wrapping it up

Scenes are nifty ways to control your smart devices without much effort. Tap to run a scene you create on your iOS device or let the scene run automatically when you leave or arrive.

Are you going to set up a scene in your home? Will you take advantage of the music feature for your HomePod or simply adjust the lights or temperature? Let us know what type of scene you create in the comments below!