How To Connect Netgear Orbi Homekit?

In my quest to improve my HomeKit based home automation system, I wanted to know how to connect Netgear Orbi HomeKit. That is because, lately, I saw that the Wi-Fi signals were weakening each passing day.

This is when I took the suggestion of my friend to make use of a Netgear Orbi mesh router in my home. However, I did not know about HomeKit support. So, I thought I need to do some research myself on the Netgear Orbi HomeKit and find out how to connect it.

On that basis, we will read this post; we will find out how you can make a wise decision connecting the Netgear Orbi HomeKit for your mesh Wi-Fi system.

Does the Orbi Support HomeKit?

Quick Navigation

Homekit does not support Orbi. Rumour had it that Netgear would release a firmware update that would help fix the connectivity issues with Homekit accessories

but it was never confirmed. It is wise to choose among the options that are compatible with Homekit.

How To Connect Netgear Orbi Homekit?

You will need to follow the given steps to set up the Netgear Orbi:

Setting up Orbi is easy by using the Orbi app from Netgear
Download the Orbi app from the App store on your smartphone
Open the app and follow the prompts
Create a Netgear account or sign in to get started.
Allow the camera access so you can access the QR code found on your Orbi router
Scan the QR code. This code will later come in handy for connectivity to the Orbi network
Reboot your modem when upgrading to your new Orbi system
Plug the ethernet cable into the yellow internet port on the back of the Orbi router
Plug in the power adapter to turn the router on
Next, you’ll want to plug in your Orbi satellites throughout your home giving them a few minutes to fully boot up.
Once powered on, your satellites should show a solid blue light if there is a strong connection. If your satellites light in amber or magenta, we recommend moving them closer to the Orbi router
Now Orbi app will automatically connect to the Orbi network.
If you are not able to see the QR code previously, you’ll need to connect to the Wi-Fi network printed on the Orbi router. You can find this on the clear sleeve that came with the router or on the label underneath the router.
Once connected to the network, the Orbi app will search for your satellites. If your satellites were not detected, we once again recommend moving the satellites slightly closer to your router and trying again.
Your router comes with a pre-defined unique and secure Wi-Fi network name and password.
Your admin password is used to securely log in to your network.
In case you forgot your admin password, you can use the security question to reset your login credentials.
Your new settings are now being applied.
Make sure to update your router’s latest firmware.
If you changed the wi-Fi name a d the password from the default settings, give your router a minute to reboot and apply these settings.
Now you are all finished with the setup.
Now on the Orbi app dashboard, you will see all the features your Orbi system has to offer.

Alternative options that Support HomeKit?

1. Linksys Velop Mesh WiFi System

It supports 3 frequency bands simultaneously. Two of 5GHz and one of 2.4 GHz.
The smart feature of Intelligent Mesh adjusts the best band and switches to the best working node
Apple Homekit keeps the connection in check.
Premium is costly but worth the services it provides

2. Eero Mesh Router

Fits in budget
Small area coverage
Compatible with Apple Homekit
The speed provided with the Pro feature is a little faster than the regular

3. Eero Pro Mesh WiFi

Operates with three bands- 2.4, 5 and 5.2 GHz
Efficiently supports 30 devices and can handle more
Provides a download speed of 1 Gbps
Supports smart home connectivity
Comes with WPA2 encryption

FAQs

How do I change my Netgear Orbi to AP mode?

Log on to orbilogin.com and login to your router
Enter the username and the password
Click on advanced and then go to the advanced setup option
You will see two options- Router and AP mode
Click on AP mode
Tap on Apply.

Can I use a VPN with Orbi?

To use the VPN services, you will again have to access the configuration settings of the router and make the necessary changes in the settings regarding VPN. After that, you can use VPN with Orbi.