Frequently Asked Questions
Home Kat Bridge
Q: What does Home Kat Bridge do?
A: It runs a software HomeKit bridge for supported devices and virtual accessories. After the bridge is paired, you control those accessories with Apple's Home app, Siri, scenes and automations.
Q: Does the app need to run all the time?
A: Yes. The host device must stay powered, awake and connected to the same local network as the equipment it controls. If the app stops, sleeps or loses its network connection, its accessories become unavailable in HomeKit.
Q: Can I use my iPhone or iPad normally while it runs the server?
A: No. On iOS and iPadOS, the app must remain frontmost in Guided Access. Use a spare device dedicated to Home Kat Bridge. A Mac is more convenient when you want the app to run in the background.
Q: Can I run Home Kat Bridge on more than one device?
A: The configuration synchronises through iCloud, but only one device on a network should act as the server. When another active server is detected, a second installation can enter remote-monitoring mode to show its status and Event Log.
Q: Why does HomeKit say the bridge is uncertified?
A: Home Kat Bridge is software rather than certified HomeKit hardware. If you installed the app yourself and trust the host device, select Add Anyway during pairing.
Q: Why must each Harmony Hub be paired separately?
A: A Harmony Hub is presented as its own HomeKit television with its own setup code. Harmony buttons and switches use the main bridge, but every television accessory must be paired from the Harmony page.
Q: Can Home Kat Bridge support another device type or model?
A: Possibly. The developer needs usable local or cloud API details and access to a working device for testing. Contact the developer through the website with the exact manufacturer, model and hardware version.
Q: Where are my settings and account details stored?
A: The Home Kat Bridge configuration synchronises through your private iCloud account. Account passwords and API secrets used by supported device categories are stored securely in the system keychain. Diagnostic exports may contain device names, addresses and identifiers, so review them before sharing.
Apple's Home app
Q: Can I change an accessory's icon in the Home app?
A: Home Kat Bridge identifies the HomeKit accessory type, but Apple decides which icons and controls the Home app displays. The app cannot provide arbitrary Home icons.
Q: Where should I rename an accessory or assign its room?
A: Use the Home app for the name Siri will use, the room, favourites, scenes and automations. Some device categories also let you edit their source name in Home Kat Bridge.
Q: Why does the Home app not show every value visible in Home Kat Bridge?
A: HomeKit accessories can contain characteristics that Apple's Home app does not display, including some energy measurements and detailed sensor values. Another HomeKit app may expose more characteristics, but the available data still depends on the physical device.
Q: Can I control the accessories while away from home?
A: Home Kat Bridge and the physical devices must remain together on the home network. Remote access from Apple's Home app follows the normal HomeKit requirements, including an Apple home hub configured for remote access.
Q: Can I keep using the manufacturer's app or original remote?
A: Usually yes. State changes normally return to HomeKit when the device reports them. One-way infrared equipment is an exception: using another remote can leave HomeKit showing the last command it sent rather than the equipment's real state.
Subscriptions and the App Store
Q: Is there a trial?
A: Each device category offers a one-week trial before its six-monthly subscription is required.
Q: I already subscribed. How do I restore access?
A: Open Settings > General and select Restore Purchases. Make sure the device is signed into the Apple Account that made the purchase and has an internet connection.
Q: How do I cancel a subscription?
A: Subscriptions are managed by Apple rather than inside Home Kat Bridge. Follow Apple's instructions for viewing or cancelling subscriptions. Cancelling prevents the next renewal; access normally continues until the current paid period ends.
For device or network problems, see the troubleshooting guide.