[Updated] Some Apple HomeKit users unable to invite members to their Home, fix allegedly in the works (workarounds inside)

New updates are being added at the bottom of this story…….

Original story (published on January 30, 2023) follows:

Apple HomeKit is a framework that allows one to connect and control various IoT devices such as cameras, lights, locks, thermostats, plugs, and much more with their Apple device.

One needs to install the Apple Home app on their devices in order to remotely control their smart home.

Recently, HomeKit’s framework went through a major architectural change, after which some users are facing issues with the invitation system.

Several users (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9) are currently facing an issue where they are unable to invite members into their Home as well as join a Home with the help of Apple HomeKit.

A user on Reddit claims to be facing this issue while trying to add their daughter to the HomeKit setup, in which they intend to use their iPhones to control their home lighting.

They allege that even though they tried sending her an invite after seeing her on the ‘acceptable list’, the other device never got an invite or notification regarding the same.

Some get the ‘Invitation Pending’ error when trying to send someone an invite.

Another user shared their ordeal, where they were unable to add their father back to the Apple Home. Even though the matter was taken up with one of the Apple stores, they couldn’t help them resolve the problem.

My girlfriend and father got kicked out from my home and I can’t get them back. I try to send invitation but they don’t receive anything. Spent hours with apple and also went to a genius in the Apple Store.. they have no clue, told me to wait for an update
Source

I mistakenly deleted my home on the app. So I’ve set it up again and I’ve been trying to add my family to it but they’re not receiving the invites.
Source

The problem appears to be affecting devices running version 16.2 or 16.3 updates. Some even allege that they don’t see the option to invite other users.

Users have tried resetting the apps, restarting their devices, turning off iCloud, and reinstalling the apps, but nothing helped them get back the invite button.

According to a Redditor, Apple is aware of the issue and is currently working on fixing it. Although, no official ETA has been provided for the same.

Fortunately, we did come across some potential workarounds that may help solve the problem for some. A Redditor has advised deleting any of the previous invites and removing any of the listed Homes in the Apple Home app.

After this, one needs to resend the invitation and accept it as they normally would.

It is interesting to note that for another user, a simple hack like canceling the invites and resending them repeatedly worked.

That said, we’ll keep tabs on the issue where some Apple HomeKit owners are unable to invite members and update this article as and when something noteworthy comes up.

10:30 am (IST): It appears that the recent v16.4 update fixes the issue with invites (1,2,3) for a significant portion of Apple HomeKit users. Unfortunately, there are some that are still affected by the problem.

I was previously impacted by the invite bug, but 16.4 has fixed it for me. Sample size of one, but Maybe others will have success.
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Featured image source: Apple

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