What's the difference between a Resident, a Guest, and a Visitor?

Apple Home recognises two real categories of person, and we think about a third when designing your system:

- Residents have access to everything in the home, from anywhere, at any time, by default — though this can be restricted (for example, only being able to control certain locks, or only while at home). A home needs at least one resident set up as the owner/admin.

- Guests are given access only to the specific accessories you choose, and only while they're actually at your home during a schedule you set. Their own device is used to check they're on-site.

- Visitors don't get the Home app on their own phone at all, but we still plan for how they'll interact with your home — using smart buttons, wall switches, or a home controller you've placed for them.