Homecast Overview

Homecast lets you control your Apple Home devices from any browser, phone, API, or AI assistant — wherever you are. A relay with access to your HomeKit home bridges Apple Home to the cloud over a persistent connection.

Relay options

Community

Community (Local)

Free, runs entirely on your Mac

1

Install the Homecast Mac appPick Community mode at first launch

2

Open the dashboard on your local networkNo cloud account, no subscription

Best for:

• You don't want a cloud account
• Local network access only (or via tunnel)

Your Smart Devices

↓

Homecast RelayCommunity mode, on your Mac

Local network

↓

Browser, App, API on your LAN

Community Setup →

Recommended

Cloud Managed Relay

We run it for you

1

Sign up for Cloud ManagedWe provision a dedicated relay for you

2

Invite Homecast to your Apple HomeAdd our user to your existing Home via the Apple Home app

Best for:

• You don't have a Mac available running 24/7
• Apple Home Hub required

Your Smart Devices

↓

Apple Home HubApple TV or HomePod

iCloud

↓

Homecast RelayHosted by Homecast

↓

Homecast Cloud

↓

Your Devices, Anywhere

Cloud Managed Setup →

Self-Hosted

Self-Hosted Relay

Run on your own Mac

1

Install the Homecast Mac appUses Apple's native HomeKit framework

2

Keep your Mac awake with the app runningThe app runs in the background as a menu bar item

Best for:

• You have a Mac that is always on (e.g. a Mac mini)

Your Smart Devices

↓

Homecast Relayrunning on your Mac

WebSocket

↓

Homecast Cloud

↓

Your Devices, Anywhere

Self-Hosted Setup →

Supported devices

Device	Controls
Lightbulb	On/off, brightness, color (hue/saturation), color temperature
Switch / Outlet	On/off
Thermostat	Mode (off/heat/cool/auto), target temperature
Lock	Lock / unlock
Fan	On/off, speed
Window covering	Position (0–100%), tilt
Garage door	Open / close
Security system	Arm mode (stay/away/night/off)
Speaker	Volume, mute
Air purifier	On/off, mode, speed
Humidifier	On/off, target humidity
Valve / Irrigation	Open / close
Doorbell	Status indicator
Sensors (motion, contact, temperature, humidity, air quality, leak)	Read-only state
Camera	Status indicator

Ways to control

Method	Best for
Web dashboard	Day-to-day control from any browser
Mobile app	Quick control from your phone
Menu bar	Fast toggles without opening a browser (Mac)
Share links	Give others access to specific devices

For developers

Homecast also offers REST, GraphQL, webhook, and AI assistant APIs for programmatic control. See Choosing an API.

Next steps

• Cloud Managed Setup — paid hosted relay (recommended)
• Self-Hosted Setup — free, runs on your own Mac
• Community Setup — local-only, no cloud account
• Using the Dashboard — once you're set up