iOS 26 Apple HomeKit can’t scan QR Code

Question

Level 1

10 points

iOS 26 Apple HomeKit can’t scan QR Code

Apple HomeKit issues w/Hue Bridge after installing ios26. After re-booting router, Bridge etc, I removed the Hue bridge from AHK, and tried to re-install. I was unable to scan the QR code within HomeKit (add accessory). Ensured QR scan was enabled in camera settings, used flashlight to improve brightness, cleaned lens, etc to no avail. A small what rectangular box pops up, but never “attaches” to the QR code. Also note that in the camera app itself, the QR code IS readable. Tried using both iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPad Air M3 - again rebooting router and phone/ipad after each attempt. Thanks in advance.

iPhone 15 Pro Max, iOS 26

Posted on Sep 20, 2025 7:44 AM

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Answer 1

Vancouver22

Level 8

37,508 points

Oct 2, 2025 3:05 PM in response to rtlii

Try scanning the code from the Hue App. The Hue App is much more reliable to use for this than the Home App.

see: https://www.philips-hue.com/en-ca/support/connect-hue-product/accessories/hue-bridge. After you’ve set it up you can fiddle around with it in the Hue App afterwards.

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Answer 2

Vancouver22

Level 8

37,508 points

Oct 1, 2025 8:06 PM in response to rtlii

I don’t recall how I set up my bridge. Thought I just installed the Hue App on my iPad or iPhone, then the app tells you to press the top button on the bridge? If you already have the Hue app you could delete it and reinstall from the App store so it forces you to press the button. You have to have a Hue account now to sign in. Then there should be a setting in the Hue App to sync Apple Home.

You might also try rebooting your wifi modem in case there’s a glitch in the line.

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Answer 3

Vancouver22

Level 8

37,508 points

Oct 1, 2025 12:48 PM in response to rtlii

Force restart iPhone

If iPhone isn’t responding, and you can’t turn it off then on, try forcing it to restart.

Press and quickly release the volume up button.
Press and quickly release the volume down button.
Press and hold the side button.
When the Apple logo appears, release the side button.

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Answer 4

rtlii Author

Level 1

10 points

Sep 30, 2025 5:43 AM in response to Commander Crash

Have you had any further luck with this? Tried again after the most recent iOS update and I still cannot get Homekit to scan the Bridge. Also tried inputting the ID manually, but that was also unsuccessful.

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Answer 5

rtlii Author

Level 1

10 points

Oct 1, 2025 1:30 PM in response to Vancouver22

Thank you. I just tried this again, and was unsuccessful. There is something wrong with HomeKit (IMO) I was able to add the Hue Bridge originally (5 years ago) by scanning the QR Code. I started experiencing issues with the Bridge & HomeKit after installing the recent iOS update. So, I removed the Bridge from HomeKit, thinking I’d just re-scan it. That’s where I’m at now. Can’t re-scan, so I can’t use HomeKit for all the lights & appliances on that Bridge. I have another Hue Bridge that is still working fine.

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Answer 6

Oct 1, 2025 2:26 PM in response to rtlii

Continue to not be able to scan the 8 digit code style icons. I can scan the ones with a HomeKit code and QR combined.

that said, still struggling to get my Yale assure lock to add to my wallet. Can finally see it in my home app.

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Answer 7

rtlii Author

Level 1

10 points

Oct 2, 2025 3:03 AM in response to Vancouver22

Thanks again for your help with this. The Hue Bridge, albeit five years old, does not appear to be the problem - though I did reboot the modem, router, and both Hue Bridges. The issue occurs when you go to HomeKit to add accessory via the “+” sign in the upper right corner of the HomeKit Home Screen. When you select “add accessory”, a small camera window pops up to scan the QR code on the bottom of the Hue Bridge - this is where the problem occurs. The ability to scan the code seems to be problematic. Thanks!

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Answer 8

ccherot

Level 1

14 points

Oct 26, 2025 10:14 PM in response to rtlii

I am having the same issue and it’s really frustrating. I have iOS 18.7.1 running on an iPhone 15 Pro and a brand new Phillips Hue bulb that I would like to control with Siri and I can not add it to Apple Home now. Holding the phone neat the bulb does not work, scanning the QR code is broken as described in this thread, and I can not add the code manually either! I have also followed all of the trouble shooting step suggested here and my camera can scan QR codes in the camera app. The problem is definitely in the Home App. This is a big bummer for me because the Phillips Hue app no longer seems to let me sync with Apple Home. That option is now missing from that app.

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Answer 9

Sep 21, 2025 5:40 AM in response to rtlii

Having same issue scanning QR code for Yale Lock. Cannot get QR code for HomeKit to scan on iOS 26 or iOS 18.7.

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