Your Controller Hub device seems unavailable – How to maintain a stable connection

Controller Hub unavailable notification on iPhone

When using Workflows in Controller for HomeKit, Controller Hub is essential for automatic execution. If your hub device goes offline, your workflows stop working. This guide provides troubleshooting tips and best practices to keep Controller Hub active.

Which device is running as your Controller Hub?

iPhoneiPad TVMac

iPhone / iPad

iPhones and iPads are excellent as Controller Hub devices, especially older ones. However, they must be configured correctly to stay online.

If you see the message “Your Controller Hub device seems unavailable”, it means the device has lost connection to our servers. However, workflows may still continue running locally, for example during an internet outage.

Setup Tips

  • Keep the device plugged in at all times.
  • Disable Auto-Lock: Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock > Never.
  • Disable auto-updates: Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates > Off.
  • Prevent the device from locking - the screen must stay on.
  • Use the built-in Screensaver in Controller for HomeKit. In Controller Hub settings, set a screensaver timer to save energy.
  • Ensure Controller for HomeKit remains open in the foreground - don’t switch apps or return to the home screen.

What to Avoid

  • Device goes to sleep or auto-lock activates.
  • App is pushed to the background or force-closed.
  • iOS performs an update or restarts the device.
  • Incoming calls or app switching.

Using Eero?

Do you use Eero with Eero Plus? Some users have reported connection issues. You’ll find a troubleshooting guide here.

Recommendation

Use a dedicated iPhone or iPad placed in a fixed location with continous power supply. Perfect for a device already showing your floor plan - like a wall-mounted iPad!

 TV

Apple TVs can also run as a Controller Hub via the Controller for HomeKit tvOS app. It’s a good option if you want something discreet and always on.

If you see the message “Your Controller Hub device seems unavailable”, it means the device has lost connection to our servers. However, workflows may still continue running locally, for example during an internet outage.

Setup Tips

  • Keep the Apple TV plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi.
  • Prevent sleep: Settings > General > Sleep After > Never.
  • Disable auto-updates: Settings > System > Software Updates > Automatic Updates > Off.
  • Open Controller for HomeKit and leave it running in the foreground. Avoid switching to other apps or returning to the Home screen.
  • Make sure this Apple TV is set as your Home Hub: Open the Home app on your iPhone or iPad, tap the house icon, then Settings, then Home Hubs & Bridges. Disable automatic selection and manually choose the Apple TV as your Home Hub.
  • Disable HDMI-CEC control: Settings > Remotes and Devices > turn off "Control TVs and Receivers." This keeps the Apple TV running even when the TV is turned off.

Limitations

  • Apple restricts access to locks and security systems on Apple TV - workflows cannot control these devices.
  • Since Controller for HomeKit must remain open at all times, the Apple TV can’t be used for streaming. It should be a dedicated device running only Controller for HomeKit.

Using Eero?

Do you use Eero with Eero Plus? Some users have reported connection issues. You’ll find a troubleshooting guide here.

Recommendation

Use a dedicated Apple TV placed in a cabinet, not used for media - and make sure it’s set as the Home Hub in the Apple Home settings on your iPhone or iPad.

Mac

Macs offer a unique advantage: Controller Hub can run in the background via the menu bar, without the app being in the foreground.

If you see the message “Your Controller Hub device seems unavailable”, it means the device has lost connection to our servers. However, workflows may still continue running locally, for example during an internet outage.

Setup Tips

  • Keep the Mac powered and connected to the internet at all times.
  • Disable system and app auto-updates: System Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Update > Off.
  • Enable: “Prevent Mac from sleeping automatically when the display is off” (System Settings > Battery > Options).

What to Avoid

  • Do NOT log out of the user account.
  • Do NOT let the Mac go to sleep.
  • Do NOT shut down.

Using Eero?

Do you use Eero with Eero Plus? Some users have reported connection issues. You’ll find a troubleshooting guide here.

Recommendation

Use a Mac mini as a dedicated hub. Set it up headless (without monitor), connect it via Ethernet or Wi-Fi and place it in a cabinet where it runs 24/7. Once properly configured, it stays invisible and reliable.

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