Question 1

How do I set up esp-homekit on ESP32 with ESP-IDF 5.0?

Accepted Answer

Add a custom 'homekit' data partition of at least 4KB in your partitions.csv file, enable custom partitions in sdkconfig, and configure the accessory with static password and setup ID. Refer to the README for detailed steps on partition table configuration.

Question 2

esp-homekit vs Homebridge: which is better for DIY accessories?

Accepted Answer

esp-homekit is for embedding HomeKit directly on ESP microcontrollers, ideal for hardware projects, while Homebridge runs on a server to bridge non-HomeKit devices. Choose esp-homekit for low-level control and Homebridge for software-based bridging without hardware coding.

Question 3

How to generate a QR code for HomeKit pairing with esp-homekit?

Accepted Answer

Use the gen_qrcode script with accessory category code, password, and setup ID (e.g., from mDNS logs or enum values). Command example: `tools/gen_qrcode 5 123-45-678 1QJ8 qrcode.png`, where 5 is the category code like lightbulb.

Question 4

Can esp-homekit work with ESP8266 and deep sleep for battery sensors?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it supports ESP8266 with ESP-OPEN-RTOS, and the low-level control allows integrating deep sleep modes for battery-powered accessories, though implementation details require custom firmware coding based on demo examples.

Question 5

What are common partition issues when using esp-homekit with ESP-IDF?

Accepted Answer

Issues include incorrect partition sizes or offsets, and for ESP-IDF 4.x, needing to disable SPI flash write protection in menuconfig. Always verify the partition table matches README specs to avoid boot failures.

Question 6

How to add multiple accessories in one esp-homekit project?

Accepted Answer

Define multiple accessories in the accessories array in your configuration struct, and ensure each has unique IDs and services. Check the esp-homekit-demo repository for examples of multi-accessory setups.

ESP-HomeKit

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