If you’ve recently updated your iPhone or iPad to iOS 18 and suddenly your HomeKit accessories are showing “Not Responding”, you’re not alone. Each iOS release tends to break smart home automations — and iOS 18 is no exception.
This guide will walk you through proven ways to fix the HomeKit “No Response” error step-by-step, updated for May 2025.
🔍 Why Is HomeKit Not Working After iOS 18?
The iOS 18 update has introduced changes to Home architecture and device authentication. As a result, many users report:
- Devices showing “Not Responding” in the Apple Home app
- Scenes and automations failing to trigger
- HomePod or Apple TV losing connection as Home hubs
🛠 Step-by-Step: How to Fix HomeKit Not Responding in iOS 18
✅ 1. Force Restart the Home App
- Swipe up to close the Home app completely
- Reopen it after 10 seconds
- Sometimes the issue is just a UI refresh bug
✅ 2. Reboot All Home Hubs (HomePod, Apple TV)
- Unplug HomePods or Apple TVs for 30 seconds
- Plug them back in
- Check which device is your primary Home Hub in Settings > Home
✅ 3. Check Network Settings
- Ensure your iPhone, Home Hub, and accessories are all on the same Wi-Fi network
- Disable Private Wi-Fi Address under Settings > Wi-Fi > [Your Network]
- Restart your router if needed
✅ 4. Reset HomeKit Network on iPhone
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings
- Warning: This will reset all saved Wi-Fi networks
✅ 5. Remove and Re-add Affected Accessories
If only certain devices are showing “No Response”:
- Long-press the device in the Home app
- Scroll down and tap Remove Accessory
- Re-add it using the accessory’s pairing code or QR code
✅ 6. Check for Firmware Updates on Accessories
- Some HomeKit accessories (e.g., Eve, Aqara) push updates via their own apps
- Make sure your device firmware is compatible with iOS 18
🧪 Bonus: Reset and Rebuild Your Home (Last Resort)
If nothing else works:
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Home and turn it OFF, then back ON
- Or, reset your Home entirely in the Home App > Home Settings > Remove Home
⚠️ Warning: This deletes all scenes, automations, and rooms.
📅 Updated for May 2025: Known Issues in iOS 18.0.1
Apple has acknowledged HomeKit issues in early versions of iOS 18. A patch is rumored for iOS 18.0.2, expected mid-June 2025.
💡 Pro Tip: Use Thread-Compatible Devices
Thread-enabled accessories (like Nanoleaf or Eve) offer faster response and better reliability under iOS 18. If you’re rebuilding your Home, consider upgrading.
🔚 Conclusion: You Can Fix “No Response” in HomeKit
The “HomeKit not responding” issue in iOS 18 is frustrating, but not permanent. Try the steps above, starting with a simple reboot and working up to more aggressive resets.
And if all else fails? Apple support and HomeKit device manufacturers are finally waking up to iOS 18 bugs — help is on the way.
🔁 Quick Fix Recap:
| Fix | Description |
|---|---|
| Force restart Home app | UI bug fix |
| Restart Home Hub | Re-establishes authority |
| Reset Network Settings | Fixes iOS 18 Wi-Fi handoffs |
| Re-add accessories | Resolves lingering config |
| Update firmware | Device compatibility with iOS 18 |
| Reset Home | Only if nothing else works |
🙋 Got Questions?
Drop your issue in the comments — and don’t forget to share this article if it helped you!
Leave a Reply