How to Add Eufy Camera to Homekit Without Homebase

This guide walks you through the process of adding your Eufy camera to HomeKit without HomeBase, enabling seamless integration with Apple’s smart home ecosystem. You’ll learn how to use the Eufy app, enable HomeKit support, and troubleshoot common issues—all without needing extra hardware.

Key Takeaways

• Not all Eufy cameras support HomeKit: Only select models like the Eufy SoloCam S40, EufyCam 2, and EufyCam 2C are compatible with HomeKit without HomeBase.
• HomeBase is not always required: Some newer Eufy cameras support direct HomeKit pairing via Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for a hub.
• Use the Eufy Security app: This is your main tool for setting up the camera and enabling HomeKit integration.
• Ensure your iPhone is updated: iOS 14 or later is required for HomeKit camera support.
• Stable Wi-Fi is essential: A strong 2.4GHz or 5GHz connection ensures smooth video streaming in HomeKit.
• Two-factor authentication matters: Apple ID must have 2FA enabled for HomeKit to work properly.
• Troubleshooting is simple: Most issues can be fixed by restarting devices, re-adding the camera, or checking network settings.

How to Add Eufy Camera to HomeKit Without Homebase

So you’ve got a sleek Eufy camera and you’re ready to bring it into your Apple smart home setup—but you don’t have a HomeBase hub. No worries! You’re not out of luck. Thanks to recent updates from Eufy, several of their newer camera models now support direct integration with Apple’s HomeKit platform, no hub required.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of adding your Eufy camera to HomeKit without using HomeBase. Whether you’re using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, we’ll show you how to get your camera up and running in the Home app with live video, motion alerts, and even automation triggers. We’ll cover everything from checking compatibility to troubleshooting common problems—so you can enjoy secure, private, and seamless smart home monitoring.

What You’ll Need

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you have everything you need to get started. This isn’t a long list, but skipping any of these steps could cause delays or failures during setup.

Compatible Eufy Camera

First and most importantly, your Eufy camera must support HomeKit without HomeBase. Not all models do. As of 2024, the following Eufy cameras are compatible:

• Eufy SoloCam S40
• Eufy SoloCam E40
• EufyCam 2 (wired and wireless versions)
• EufyCam 2C
• EufyCam 2C Pro
• Eufy SoloCam S220

If your model isn’t on this list, it likely requires HomeBase for HomeKit integration. Check the product box or Eufy’s official website to confirm compatibility.

Apple Device with iOS 14 or Later

You’ll need an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch running iOS 14 or newer. HomeKit camera support was introduced in iOS 14, so older versions won’t work. To check your iOS version, go to Settings > General > About and look for “Software Version.” If you’re on iOS 13 or earlier, update your device before proceeding.

Apple ID with Two-Factor Authentication

HomeKit requires your Apple ID to have two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled. This is a security feature that adds an extra layer of protection. To check or enable 2FA:

• Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security
• Tap Turn On Two-Factor Authentication if it’s not already active
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete setup

If you’re using a family member’s Apple ID, make sure they’ve enabled 2FA as well.

Stable Wi-Fi Network

Your Eufy camera connects directly to your Wi-Fi network, so a strong and reliable connection is crucial. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Use a 2.4GHz or 5GHz Wi-Fi band (most Eufy cameras support both)
• Ensure your router is within range of the camera’s location
• Avoid placing the camera near thick walls, metal objects, or other signal-blocking materials
• If your home has a mesh Wi-Fi system, make sure the camera connects to the closest node

For best results, test your Wi-Fi signal strength at the camera’s intended location using a tool like Wi-Fi Analyzer (Android) or AirPort Utility (iOS).

Eufy Security App Installed

You’ll use the Eufy Security app to set up your camera and enable HomeKit support. Download it from the App Store if you haven’t already. Make sure you’re using the latest version—older versions may not support HomeKit pairing.

Charging Cable and Power Source (for Battery Models)

If you’re using a battery-powered Eufy camera like the SoloCam S40, make sure it’s fully charged before setup. Plug it in using the included USB-C or micro-USB cable and wait until the LED indicator shows a full charge (usually solid green or white).

Step-by-Step: Adding Your Eufy Camera to HomeKit

Now that you’ve confirmed compatibility and gathered your tools, it’s time to get your camera connected. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a smooth setup.

Step 1: Power On Your Eufy Camera

Start by turning on your Eufy camera. For wired models, plug it into a power outlet. For battery-powered models, press and hold the power button until the LED light turns on. You should hear a voice prompt like “System is starting up” or see a blinking light indicating it’s ready for setup.

Wait about 30 seconds for the camera to fully boot up. The LED should stabilize (e.g., solid white or blue), signaling it’s ready to connect to Wi-Fi.

Step 2: Open the Eufy Security App

Launch the Eufy Security app on your iPhone or iPad. If this is your first time using the app, you’ll need to create an account or log in with your existing Eufy credentials.

Once logged in, tap the + icon in the top-right corner of the home screen. Select Add Device from the menu.

Step 3: Select Your Camera Model

The app will scan for nearby devices. When your Eufy camera appears in the list, tap on it to begin pairing. If it doesn’t show up, make sure the camera is in pairing mode (usually indicated by a blinking LED).

Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm the model and proceed to the next step.

Step 4: Connect the Camera to Wi-Fi

The app will now ask you to connect your camera to your home Wi-Fi network. Here’s how:

• Select your Wi-Fi network from the list
• Enter your Wi-Fi password carefully (case-sensitive)
• Tap Connect

The camera will attempt to join the network. This may take 30–60 seconds. You’ll see a progress bar in the app. Once connected, the camera will emit a voice confirmation like “Wi-Fi connected.”

Tip: If the connection fails, double-check your password and ensure your router isn’t blocking new devices. Some routers have a “guest mode” or MAC filtering enabled—disable these temporarily if needed.

Step 5: Update Firmware (If Needed)

After connecting to Wi-Fi, the app may prompt you to update the camera’s firmware. This is important—newer firmware versions often include HomeKit support and bug fixes.

Tap Update Now and wait for the process to complete. Do not unplug or turn off the camera during the update. It may take 2–5 minutes.

Step 6: Enable HomeKit in the Eufy App

This is the crucial step that allows your camera to work with Apple HomeKit. Here’s how to do it:

• In the Eufy Security app, go to the camera’s settings (tap the gear icon)
• Scroll down and look for HomeKit or Apple Home
• Toggle the switch to On

You’ll see a message like “HomeKit is now enabled.” The app may also generate a HomeKit setup code—a QR code or 8-digit number. Keep this visible, as you’ll need it in the next step.

Step 7: Add Camera to the Home App

Now it’s time to bring your camera into Apple’s Home app. Follow these steps:

• Open the Home app on your iPhone or iPad
• Tap the + icon in the top-right corner
• Select Add Accessory
• Point your camera at the QR code displayed in the Eufy app

The Home app will scan the code and automatically detect your Eufy camera. If the QR code doesn’t scan, tap Don’t Have a Code or Can’t Scan? and manually enter the 8-digit code.

Once recognized, the app will ask you to assign the camera to a room (e.g., “Front Door” or “Living Room”). Choose a room or create a new one. You can also rename the camera for easier identification.

Step 8: Confirm and Test

After adding the camera, the Home app will confirm successful pairing. Tap Done to finish.

Now, go back to the main Home app screen and tap on your camera’s tile. You should see a live video feed. Test the following features:

• Live streaming
• Motion detection alerts
• Night vision (if applicable)
• Two-way audio (if supported)

If everything works, congratulations—you’ve successfully added your Eufy camera to HomeKit without HomeBase!

Tips for Optimal Performance

To get the most out of your Eufy camera in HomeKit, keep these best practices in mind:

Use a Dedicated 2.4GHz Network

While some Eufy cameras support 5GHz Wi-Fi, 2.4GHz often provides better range and wall penetration—especially for outdoor cameras. If your router broadcasts both bands under the same name (SSID), consider splitting them so you can manually assign the camera to 2.4GHz.

Enable Motion Zones

In the Eufy app, you can define motion zones to reduce false alerts. For example, ignore motion from passing cars but alert you when someone approaches your front door. Go to Camera Settings > Motion Detection > Motion Zones to customize.

Set Up HomeKit Secure Video

If your camera supports it, enable HomeKit Secure Video for encrypted, private recording. This feature stores video in iCloud (with a compatible plan) and analyzes footage on-device for people, animals, and vehicles. To enable:

• Open the Home app
• Tap the camera tile
• Tap the i icon
• Toggle HomeKit Secure Video to On

Note: This requires an iCloud+ plan with at least 200GB of storage.

Use Automations

Once your camera is in HomeKit, you can create automations. For example:

• “When motion is detected at the front door, turn on the porch light.”
• “When I arrive home, disable the camera’s motion alerts.”

Go to Home app > Automations > Create Personal Automation to get started.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful setup, you might run into a few hiccups. Here’s how to fix the most common problems.

Camera Not Appearing in Home App

If your camera doesn’t show up after scanning the QR code:

• Make sure HomeKit is enabled in the Eufy app
• Restart both the Eufy app and the Home app
• Restart your iPhone and camera
• Ensure your iPhone and camera are on the same Wi-Fi network

If the issue persists, remove the camera from the Eufy app and set it up again from scratch.

Poor Video Quality or Lag

Blurry or delayed video can be frustrating. Try these fixes:

• Move your router closer to the camera or use a Wi-Fi extender
• Reduce interference by avoiding microwaves, cordless phones, or Bluetooth devices
• Lower the video resolution in the Eufy app (e.g., from 2K to 1080p)
• Check your internet speed—HomeKit streaming requires at least 2 Mbps upload

Motion Alerts Not Working

If you’re not receiving alerts:

• Verify motion detection is enabled in both the Eufy app and Home app
• Check notification settings in Settings > Notifications > Home
• Ensure “Allow Notifications” is turned on
• Test with a person walking in front of the camera

Camera Goes Offline Frequently

Intermittent disconnections usually point to Wi-Fi issues:

• Check for router firmware updates
• Assign a static IP to the camera in your router settings
• Avoid placing the camera near metal surfaces or electrical panels
• Consider using a wired power source if using a battery model

HomeKit Secure Video Not Activating

If you can’t enable HomeKit Secure Video:

• Confirm your iCloud+ plan supports it (200GB or 2TB)
• Ensure your camera model is compatible
• Update your iPhone to the latest iOS version
• Re-add the camera to HomeKit if the option doesn’t appear

Conclusion

Adding your Eufy camera to HomeKit without HomeBase is not only possible—it’s straightforward once you know the right steps. By using the Eufy Security app to enable HomeKit support and pairing through the Apple Home app, you can enjoy secure, private, and seamless smart home monitoring with live video, motion alerts, and automations.

Remember, only certain Eufy models support this feature, so always check compatibility first. Keep your devices updated, maintain a strong Wi-Fi connection, and don’t hesitate to troubleshoot if things go wrong. With this guide, you’re well-equipped to integrate your Eufy camera into your Apple ecosystem—no hub required.

Now go enjoy your smarter, safer home!