If you’ve ever shopped for a smart security camera and thought, “Do I really want my footage stored who-knows-where?”—you’re not alone. In today’s connected world, privacy is a growing concern. Most smart cameras from companies like Ring, Arlo, and Nest store recordings on their own cloud servers, leaving you to trust that they’ll keep your data secure.
HomeKit Secure Video (HKSV) is Apple’s answer to this problem. It’s a privacy-first approach to home security, letting you store encrypted video footage in iCloud and view it directly in the Apple Home app. It’s tightly integrated with the Apple ecosystem, making it one of the most seamless—and secure—smart camera solutions available.
But what exactly is HomeKit Secure Video? How does it work? And is it the right choice for your smart home? This guide answers all of that and more.
HomeKit Secure Video is Apple’s feature for managing home security camera recordings through the Home app and storing them securely in iCloud. Unlike most smart camera services, HKSV processes video footage locally on a HomeKit hub (such as an Apple TV, HomePod, or iPad) before encrypting and uploading it to the cloud.
The biggest selling point? End-to-end encryption. Only you and people you authorize can view your footage—not Apple, not the camera manufacturer, and not potential hackers.
Apple introduced HomeKit Secure Video with iOS 13 in 2019, expanding its HomeKit framework beyond device control into video surveillance. Since then, HKSV has grown in popularity as Apple users increasingly prioritize privacy in their smart homes.
Most smart camera ecosystems work the same way: footage is captured, uploaded to the company’s servers, and viewed through their own app. Apple flips this model on its head with local processing and private cloud storage.
Key differentiators include:
These features combine to make HomeKit Secure Video one of the most privacy-friendly camera solutions on the market.
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the HKSV process:
To use HKSV, you’ll need four things:
Not every HomeKit camera supports Secure Video—some only work with basic HomeKit functionality (live view and automations). Look for HKSV support on the product listing.
Popular options include:
Apple maintains an updated list of compatible cameras here:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211066
Instead of sending raw video to the cloud for analysis, HKSV processes footage on your HomeKit hub. This means:
Once footage is uploaded to iCloud, it’s encrypted in a way that even Apple can’t access. This is a huge contrast to services like Nest Aware or Ring Protect, where the provider could theoretically access your recordings.
HKSV is included with iCloud+ plans, but the storage used for camera recordings doesn’t eat into your personal photo, document, or backup space.
Number of supported cameras depends on your iCloud+ tier:
| iCloud+ Plan | Supported Cameras | Does Footage Count Toward Limit? |
|---|---|---|
| 50GB | 1 camera | No |
| 200GB | Up to 5 cameras | No |
| 2TB | Unlimited | No |
Important: You must remain subscribed to iCloud+ to access recordings.
HomeKit Secure Video stores recordings for up to 10 days. This is shorter than many competitors (Nest Aware offers up to 60 days, Arlo up to 30+ days), but Apple prioritizes privacy and simplicity over long-term archival storage.
Draw custom motion zones in the Home app to reduce false alerts (e.g., ignoring the street but monitoring your porch). Combined with object detection, you’ll receive smarter notifications like:
If you use iCloud Photos, HomeKit Secure Video can recognize familiar faces based on your photo library’s People album. This allows for personalized notifications and more context when viewing clips.
There’s no standalone fee for HKSV—it’s included with iCloud+. Here’s what you’ll pay:
If you already pay for iCloud+ (for backups or photos), HKSV is essentially free.
Apple emphasizes privacy by design:
For privacy-conscious users, HKSV is one of the most secure smart home video solutions available today.
No. HKSV requires an iCloud+ subscription to store and access recordings.
No. A camera must explicitly support HomeKit Secure Video. Check the product specs before buying.
Recordings are stored for 10 days. Older footage is automatically deleted.
Yes. You can export clips to your Photos app or share them directly from the Home app.
No. It records motion events, not 24/7 streams.
Yes. Members of your Home in the Home app can view footage (permissions can be managed).
If you’re deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem, HomeKit Secure Video is one of the best privacy-focused camera options available. It integrates seamlessly with Apple devices, eliminates extra storage fees, and provides intelligent alerts without compromising your data security.
However, it’s not for everyone:
HomeKit Secure Video is Apple’s understated but powerful solution to home security recording. By combining local processing, end-to-end encryption, and tight ecosystem integration, it offers peace of mind without the privacy trade-offs common in other smart camera platforms.
If you already subscribe to iCloud+ and own Apple devices, HKSV is an easy recommendation. It’s not perfect—10-day retention and Apple-only access are notable downsides—but for many, the privacy benefits outweigh the compromises.
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