# HomeKit Output A HomeKit Output controls a smart device through the Apple Home app. For example, it can turn a smart plug on or off. When the Output is activated: * The device turns on or changes state * The app will say a word or phrase, or play a bell sound ### HomeKit Output settings You can change how the HomeKit Output works and looks. #### Accessory Choose which HomeKit device to control. * Tap the Accessory menu * Select the device you want **Note:** **Only switches or smart plugs can be used.** Other devices (like thermostats, cameras, or lights with dimming) will not appear. #### Display mode Choose what appears on the Output: * Text – shows words * Image – shows a selected photo #### Spoken text This is what the app will say out loud when the Output is activated. * If you add text, the app will speak it * If this is left blank, a bell sound will play #### Color Choose the border color of the Output. #### Mode Choose how the device behaves when activated. * **Direct** The device turns on when activated. * **Latched** Each activation turns the device on or off. * **Timed** The device turns on, then turns off after a set time. Choose the duration using the menu. #### Threshold The threshold is shown as a dashed line on the Output. * When your Command goes above the dashed line, the Output activates * You can adjust this if it activates too easily or not easily enough
### **Setting up HomeKit accessories** HomeKit is Apple’s system for controlling smart devices. Before using a HomeKit Output in Think2Switch™, you need to set up your device using Apple’s [Home app](https://www.apple.com/ca/home-app/). #### Step 1: Add your device in the Home app 1. Open the Home app on your iPhone or iPad. 2. Add your smart plug or switch by following Apple’s instructions. 3. Make sure you can turn the device on and off using the Home app. If the device works in the Home app, Think2Switch™ will be able to find it. For help adding accessories, you can visit Apple’s [Home support page](https://support.apple.com/en-ca/104998). #### Step 2: Use the device in Think2Switch™ Once your device is set up in the Home app: * Think2Switch™ will automatically detect smart plugs and switches * The device will appear when you add a HomeKit Output #### Recommended smart plug If you are just getting started, we recommend using [Eve Energy](https://www.evehome.com/en/eve-energy) smart plug accessories. ### Setting up a Home hub Some HomeKit devices need a Home hub to work properly. A Home hub lets your iPhone or iPad talk to HomeKit devices. You can use: * an Apple TV, or * a HomePod If you already have one of these set up, you may not need to do anything. \ For more information about Home hubs, see Apple’s [Home hub support page](https://support.apple.com/en-ca/102557). {% hint style="info" icon="lightbulb" %} **Good to Know** * HomeKit setup is done in the Home app, then it's discoverable in Think2Switch™ * If a device works in the Home app, it should work in Think2Switch™ * You can always add more devices later {% endhint %} --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://think2switch.gitbook.io/think2switch-knowledge-guide/think2switch-2.5/setup-guide/control/output-options/homekit-output.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.