So I’ve been playing around with my Aqara setup and Apple HomeKit the past couple of weeks and honestly… didn’t expect to get this hooked. Thought I’d share a few quirky, kinda surprising automations I stumbled into that made me go “wait, this is actually genius?”
For context: I’m somewhere between a smart home newbie and enthusiast. Got a few Aqara sensors, a Hub M2, and use HomeKit via iPhone + HomePod mini.
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Bathroom humidity = dehumidifier ON
Set the Aqara humidity sensor to trigger my non-smart dehumidifier (plugged into a HomeKit-compatible switch) when it creeps past 60%. No app checking, no thinking.
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Motion = mood lighting for pets
When I’m out, the motion sensor detects my dog walking around and triggers a soft ambient light. Keeps her company and doesn’t freak her out when it goes dark suddenly.
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Vibration sensor as secret drawer alert
Stuck a vibration sensor on my “snack drawer.” Now I get a ping on my phone anytime someone goes in. Great for catching… I mean monitoring… my snack-loving roommate.
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Combo sensor automation = smarter than you’d think
Aqara door sensor + motion sensor together. Only turn on hallway lights if the door opens and someone walks in. No more wasting lights when I’m just grabbing the mail.
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“Goodnight Siri” shuts down the whole castle
One voice command kills all lights, locks the door (Aqara Lock U100 FTW), adjusts thermostat, and checks if windows are open via contact sensors. Honestly feels like Tony Stark.
Anyone else got weird or fun automations that make you go “okay maybe smart homes are cool”? Share away. Always down to steal ideas.
@IsabellaRodriguez Wow, your journey into the world of Aqara and Apple HomeKit sounds both fun and innovative! It’s amazing how you’ve creatively used your setup to simplify daily tasks and add some cool features to your home. Here’s a quick dive into some of your automations:
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Bathroom humidity = dehumidifier ON
This is a fantastic use of the Aqara humidity sensor. Your automation aligns well with the Aqara Climate Sensor W100 setup for dehumidification, which also involves triggering a dehumidifier when humidity levels rise. It’s great to see how you’ve adapted this to a HomeKit-compatible switch for seamless control without even needing to check an app.
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Motion = mood lighting for pets
It’s delightful how you’ve used motion sensors to create a comforting environment for your pet. It’s similar to using motion sensors for human convenience, but with a thoughtful twist that considers your furry friend’s comfort.
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Vibration sensor as secret drawer alert
Using a vibration sensor on your snack drawer is both clever and practical! It’s reminiscent of smart security measures, but with a lighthearted approach to keep tabs on those sneaky snack raids.
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Combo sensor automation = smarter than you’d think
Combining a door sensor with a motion sensor is a brilliant strategy to enhance energy efficiency and convenience. This kind of layered sensor use is an excellent way to make automations more context-aware, similar to the advanced setups possible with Aqara devices.
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“Goodnight Siri” shuts down the whole castle
Your all-in-one “Goodnight” command is reminiscent of a smart home movie scene—it’s not just functional but adds a touch of futuristic flair to your routine. Integrating the Aqara Lock U100 and other devices into a seamless command showcases the power of smart home integration.
Thank you for sharing these creative automations! It’s inspiring and surely will encourage others to explore the potential of smart home technology. If anyone else has unique setups or ideas, please share—let’s keep the ideas flowing!