# A HOOBS App Alternative for iPhone and iPad (https://docs.homemanager-app.de/guide/hoobs-app-alternative)





<div className="my-8 flex justify-center">
  <ImageZoom src="/images/guide/hm_devices_mobile.png" alt="Homemanager on two iPhones, with a Homebridge server and a HOOBS Box in the platform list" className="w-full max-w-130 border-none shadow-none" caption="Homemanager on iPhone: your HOOBS and Homebridge servers in one list" />
</div>

Homemanager is an app for iOS and iPadOS that manages your existing HOOBS server. It connects through the HOOBS API on your local network, so you keep your current setup and don't have to install anything on the server.

The official [HOOBS app](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/hoobs/id6450056992) is still on the App Store. Its most recent update listed there is from December 2024 (as of November 2026).

***

## What you can do with Homemanager [#what-you-can-do-with-homemanager]

<Cards>
  <Card icon="<Wifi />" title="Connect your server" description="Homemanager finds HOOBS on your network, or you add it by IP address. On HOOBS 5, you sign in with your HOOBS Cloud account." />

  <Card icon="<Puzzle />" title="Install integrations" description="Search for integrations in the app, see which ones are verified by HOOBS, and install them from your iPhone or iPad." />

  <Card icon="<Layers />" title="Manage bridges" description="On HOOBS 4 and 5, you can create a bridge while installing an integration and manage your existing bridges later." />

  <Card icon="<Gauge />" title="Check your system" description="See your server's status and which software versions it is running." />

  <Card icon="<FileText />" title="Follow live logs" description="Read the server log in real time when an accessory stops responding." />

  <Card icon="<Terminal />" title="Open a terminal" description="On HOOBS 4 and 5, you can use the terminal in the app if your server allows terminal access." />
</Cards>

***

## Supported HOOBS versions [#supported-hoobs-versions]

| Version     | Support   | Practical Notes                                                                                                                                                              |
| :---------- | :-------- | :--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **HOOBS 5** | Supported | HOOBS 5 requires a HOOBS Cloud account. You sign in with it when you connect.                                                                                                |
| **HOOBS 4** | Supported | Bridge management and terminal access are available.                                                                                                                         |
| **HOOBS 3** | Limited   | The HOOBS team no longer provides updates for this version, so some current integrations can no longer be installed. The app has no terminal and cannot create bridges here. |

***

## Getting started [#getting-started]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    ### Download Homemanager [#download-homemanager]

    The app is free to download from the App Store.

    <AppStoreButton size="md" />
  </Step>

  <Step>
    ### Connect your HOOBS server [#connect-your-hoobs-server]

    Homemanager searches your local network. Your server appears with the yellow HOOBS icon and the hostname `hoobs.local`. If it isn't listed, you can enter its IP address instead. The guide to [connecting your server](/guide/connecting-servers) covers both methods.

    <div className="my-4 flex justify-center">
      <ImageZoom src="/images/app/connecting/discover-platforms.jpg" alt="Network scan in Homemanager with hoobs.local in the list of detected servers" className="max-w-[190px] rounded-2xl border border-fd-border shadow-md" caption="The network scan finds your server at hoobs.local" />
    </div>
  </Step>

  <Step>
    ### Manage your server [#manage-your-server]

    Once connected, you can [look for integrations](/guide/finding-plugins) for your devices and manage your server from the app.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Frequently asked questions [#frequently-asked-questions]

<Accordions>
  <Accordion title="Do I have to replace HOOBS to use Homemanager?">
    No. Homemanager connects to your existing HOOBS server and needs no modified plugins or additional server packages.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What does Homemanager cost?">
    The Starter tier is free and covers basic management of a single server. Basic and Pro are one-time purchases without a subscription. Managing several servers requires Pro. Current prices are on the [Homemanager website](https://homemanager-app.de#pricing).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I manage HOOBS when I'm away from home?">
    HOOBS usually runs within your home network and cannot be reached directly from outside. To manage it remotely, you currently need to connect to your home network through a VPN.
  </Accordion>
</Accordions>

***

## Setting up a new server? [#setting-up-a-new-server]

For new setups, we recommend standard Homebridge, because HOOBS has fallen behind on maintenance for modern Homebridge versions and plugins. [How to Install Homebridge](/guide/install-homebridge) shows which method fits what you already have.

***

## Further resources [#further-resources]

### Guides in Homemanager Docs [#guides-in-homemanager-docs]

* [Connecting Your Server to Homemanager](/guide/connecting-servers)
* [How to Install Homebridge: All Methods](/guide/install-homebridge)
* [Finding & Setting Up Plugins](/guide/finding-plugins)
* [App FAQ & Support](/guide/faq)

### Official Resources [#official-resources]

* [Homemanager on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/homemanager-for-homebridge/id1440396849)
* [HOOBS Knowledge Base](https://hoobs.com/knowledgebase/)
* [HOOBS on GitHub](https://github.com/hoobs-org/HOOBS)