Unable to access Home when outside WiFi network

I have quite a few Apple devices in my network and a larger number of different smart home devices.


I have three Apple TV 4Ks as the Home Hubs (one connected, and two standby).

  • ATV 4K (A2843) running tvOS 16.1
  • ATV 4K (A2169) running tvOS 16.1
  • ATV 4K (A1842) running tvOS 16.1


The Apple TVs are connected by ethernet to my switch and router.


I access my smart home accessories through the Apple Home App within my home and it works

  • On my iPad Pro (IPadOS 16.1.1)
  • On my Mac (MacOS Ventura 13.0.1)
  • On my iPhone 13 Pro Max (iOS 16.1.1)


However, if I try to access it outside my house over cellular connection the accessories just say "No response".


I am sure this used to work.


In Settings, Mobile Data is enabled for the Home app.

In Settings iCloud, Home is enabled.


Any ideas?

Apple TV 4K, tvOS 16

Posted on Dec 8, 2022 05:57 PM

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4 replies

Dec 11, 2022 05:33 PM in response to mike151

Hi mike151,


Welcome to Apple Support Communities. We understand that you're having an issue with accessing your HomeKit when away from your Wi-Fi. We'd like to help get this working as expected again.


We see that your iPhone and iPad are running iOS 16.1.1. There has been a new update released since that one. Let's have you start off by updating both of those devices:


Update your iPhone or iPad wirelessly

1. Back up your device using iCloud or your computer.
2. Plug your device into power and connect to the internet with Wi-Fi.
3. Go to Settings > General, then tap Software Update.
4. If you see more than one software update option available, choose the one that you want to install.
The Settings app on iPhone showing options to update to iOS 15.7 or iOS 16.

5. Tap Install Now. If you see Download and Install instead, tap it to download the update, enter your passcode, then tap Install Now. If you don't know your passcode, learn what to do.


Then make sure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are turned on, even if you're not connected to your Wi-Fi network. Restarting your devices can also help.


Is Home showing under iCloud and are you using iCloud Keychain? Head to Settings > Tap your name > iCloud to check.


If all these are set correctly, you will want to power cycle your Wi-Fi router and/or modem. If you're still having issues, you may need to delete the accessory from the Home app and set it up again.


Let us know if those steps help at all. If they don't well work on some other troubleshooting steps with you.


Cheers!



Dec 13, 2022 03:57 PM in response to mike151

Hello mike151,


Thanks for updating us with that information. While we understand you have multiple devices set to be a home hub, let's check that these are still set correctly. If any adjustments may have occurred throughout recent updates, this will allow us to clear that up. On the device you want to use as a main hub in the house, confirm the steps below match what is already set. You can find additional information on this, here: Set up your HomePod, HomePod mini, Apple TV, or iPad as a home hub - Apple Support


Set up Apple TV as a home hub

Apple TV automatically becomes a home hub when you add it to HomeKit.

1. Open Settings on Apple TV.

2. Select Users and Accounts. Make sure your name is selected under Default User and that you're signed in to iCloud with the Apple ID that you used to set up your HomeKit and Matter accessories in the Home app.

3. Go back to Apple TV Settings, then select AirPlay and HomeKit.

4. Scroll down and select Room, then choose a room or add a new room.

If your home hub isn't working as expected

• Check that your HomePodHomePod miniApple TV, or iPad is up to date. 

• Make sure that the user signed in to iCloud on your iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV is the primary Home app user, and not an invited

• Turn on iCloud Keychain and two-factor authentication for your Apple ID.

• Check that the device that you set up as a home hub is in your home, connected to your home Wi-Fi network, and powered on.


If you're still having a problem with this, contact Apple Support directly to continue checking into this with you in more detail.


Have a great day!

Dec 12, 2022 11:59 PM in response to ColleenD1

Hi,

I have updated my iPhone and iPad to 16.1.2, I can confirm that BT and WiFi are on, and all devices (ATVs, iPhone, iPad, Routers, etc) have been restarted.


I can confirm Home is showing under iCloud and that I am using the Keychain.


I don't really want to delete accessories in HK as I have 15+ accessories, and many automations.


What else can you suggest?


Thanks

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Unable to access Home when outside WiFi network

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