Two-Way Audio
Two-way audio lets you talk through your camera or doorbell to people at your door or property, and hear them reply.
Requirements
- Camera added to Camera Bridge and in Apple Home
- Camera must support audio input and output (most IP cameras and doorbells do)
- Microphone and speaker enabled on the camera
- Camera Bridge running on your Mac with internet access (for devices outside your home network)
Starting Two-Way Audio
In the Home app:
- Tap the camera to view live video
- Look for the speaker icon in the top controls
- Tap it to enable audio (the icon will light up)
- Speak into your device's microphone — the camera will play your voice
Viewing and Talking on Doorbells
Video doorbells work the same way, but with a dedicated doorbell notification:
- You get a doorbell press notification on your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch
- Tap the notification (or open Home)
- Tap the doorbell camera
- Speak through your device's speaker and microphone
Audio Behavior
Outgoing Audio (You to Camera)
- One-way: only you can send audio (not simultaneous two-way)
- Low latency: usually less than 1 second delay
- Full-duplex (simultaneous) audio depends on the camera — most support it
Incoming Audio (Camera to You)
- One-way: camera audio comes to your device
- May have slight delay depending on network conditions
- Muted by default (you won't hear your own voice echoed back)
Security
- Audio is encrypted end-to-end between your device and the camera
- Camera Bridge bridges the connection but doesn't record or listen to audio
- All audio stays on your local network unless you're viewing remotely
Remote Access
If you're away from home:
- Your viewing device (iPhone/iPad) must have internet access
- Your home hub (Apple TV/HomePod) must be at home and connected to the internet and home Wi-Fi
- Camera Bridge must be running on your Mac at home
- Two-way audio will route through the home hub to reach your camera
Two-way audio over cellular/remote internet may have more delay (1–3 seconds) depending on your home internet speed.
Troubleshooting
No speaker icon?
- Camera may not support two-way audio
- Check the camera's manual to confirm it has microphone and speaker
- Make sure the camera is connected to power and network
Can't hear the camera?
- Check your device's volume (not muted)
- Make sure the camera's speaker is enabled in its settings
- See Audio Issues
Camera can't hear you?
- Check your device's microphone isn't muted
- Make sure the camera's microphone is enabled in its settings
- Check Network & Permissions — Camera Bridge may need Local Network access
Audio is delayed or choppy?
- This usually indicates network congestion
- Try reducing video quality in Home
- See Performance
Privacy
- Camera Bridge doesn't record two-way audio
- Audio between your device and the camera is encrypted
- Your home hub handles encryption for remote access
- See Privacy Policy