App FAQ & Support

The integrated web interface (homebridge-config-ui-x) is the standard tool for desktop browsers. It mirrors the technical structure of Homebridge and works well on desktop computers. On smartphones and tablets, however, the web interface can be awkward to use: buttons are small, editing JSON on a virtual keyboard easily leads to syntax errors, and quick administrative tasks require multiple navigation steps.

Homemanager is designed specifically for iOS and iPadOS to optimize daily management on touchscreens:

• Touch-Optimized Configuration: Configure plugins using structured form fields, avoiding syntax errors such as missing commas or brackets in JSON files.
• Quick Actions: Trigger server reboots, child bridge restarts, and plugin updates with a single tap.
• Multi-Server Management: Monitor and switch between multiple Homebridge and HOOBS servers in one centralized view without logging in repeatedly.
• Curated Plugin Directory: Search through more than 4,000 community plugins with download statistics, verified badges, and release documentation.

No. Homemanager is built and maintained by an independent small team and has been part of the Homebridge and HomeKit community since 2018.

The app communicates through the standard APIs provided by homebridge-config-ui-x and HOOBS. It requires no modified plugins, custom firmware, or proprietary server packages.

No. Homemanager is designed for server maintenance and technical configuration:

• Homemanager: Manages servers, plugins, log files, system updates, and backups.
• Apple Home: Controls accessories on a daily basis (lights, heating, cameras) and handles scenes and home automations.

Once an accessory is integrated through Homebridge, control it using the native Apple Home app or Siri just like any certified HomeKit device.

Homebridge 2 introduced foundational support for Matter accessories, which can be viewed and configured in Homemanager.

Whether a specific accessory supports Matter depends on the individual plugin developer. Homemanager provides direct access to plugin documentation so you can check compatibility and configuration steps. For background details, see our guide on Matter & Homebridge.

Yes. Homemanager supports standard Homebridge installations as well as HOOBS (Homebridge Out of the Box). You can add a HOOBS box through Bonjour auto-discovery or by entering its IP address manually, and manage it alongside other servers. The HOOBS app alternative page shows what the app can do on HOOBS.

Homemanager is designed and optimized primarily for iOS and iPadOS (iPhone and iPad).

On Macs with Apple silicon (M-series processors), you can install Homemanager via the Mac App Store as a compatible iPad app, but the interface is not customized for macOS. On a Mac, opening the Homebridge web interface directly in your browser (e.g., Safari) at http://<server-ip>:8581 or http://homebridge.local:8581 usually provides the best desktop experience.

If automatic Bonjour discovery does not locate your server, a device setting or network policy is usually blocking discovery requests. Check the following:

1. Local Network Permission on iOS:
   Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad, go to Privacy & Security > Local Network, and verify that the toggle for Homemanager is enabled. Without this permission, iOS blocks apps from scanning local Wi-Fi devices.
2. Avoid Guest Wi-Fi Networks:
   Ensure your iOS device is connected to your primary home network. Guest Wi-Fi networks typically enforce client isolation, preventing connected devices from talking to one another.
3. Test the Web Interface:
   Open Safari on your iOS device and navigate to http://<server-ip>:8581. If the page does not load, inspect the server host's power and network connectivity.
4. Connect Using Manual IP:
   Some mesh routers, Wi-Fi repeaters, or managed switches filter mDNS/multicast packets. In Homemanager, tap Connect Manually and enter your server's static IP address and port (typically 8581, or 443 for the Raspberry Pi image) directly.

For a detailed walkthrough, read our guide on Connecting Servers to Homemanager.

By default, Homebridge and HOOBS run strictly inside your local home network and cannot be reached directly over the public internet.

To manage your server from outside your home, you have two options:

• The Manual Method (VPN):
  Configure a secure VPN tunnel into your home network. Options include WireGuard on a home router (such as a FRITZ!Box) or mesh VPN services like Tailscale installed on a Raspberry Pi or Apple TV. Once connected to your VPN on iOS, Homemanager works exactly as if you were on your home Wi-Fi.
• Homemanager Remote Access (In Development):
  We are building an end-to-end encrypted cloud connection directly into Homemanager. This will allow secure remote server management without open router ports, dynamic DNS, or separate VPN profiles.

No. Homemanager has no recurring subscriptions and no automatic payment rollovers.

Starting the 7-day Pro trial is processed through the Apple App Store as a €0 / $0 transaction solely to record the trial duration. Once the 7 days pass, the trial simply concludes. You can continue using the app on the free Starter tier or purchase a lifetime license whenever you choose.

Homemanager offers a transparent lifetime purchase model instead of monthly subscriptions:

• Starter (Free): Fundamental management tools for single instances, free forever.
• Basic (One-Time Purchase): Extended toolset for routine server administration.
• Pro (One-Time Purchase with 7-Day Trial): Full feature set including multi-server management and detailed system performance statistics.

All licenses are one-time lifetime purchases linked to your personal Apple ID. For a detailed breakdown of features, comparisons, and current pricing, visit homemanager-app.de/#pricing or check the app settings.

Purchases are tied to your personal Apple ID. When setting up a new iPhone or installing Homemanager on an iPad:

1. Open Settings in Homemanager.
2. Tap Licenses.
3. Open the Menu (top right) and select Restore License.
4. Authenticate with your Apple ID. Your license will unlock at no additional charge.

If you have questions, run into an issue, or want to suggest a feature, reach out via email:

support@homemanager-app.de

You can also send feedback directly from the settings menu inside the Homemanager app, with the option to attach diagnostic system details to speed up troubleshooting.