Upgrading from the Aqara M1S Gen 2 to the M3 hub was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my home automation setup. Let me share my experience and some tips for anyone considering the same upgrade!
Why the Upgrade?
I’ve been using the M1S Gen 2 for a while now, but the main reason for switching to the M3 was the need for better connectivity. My Eve smart plug in the garage kept dropping out, and the M3’s Thread support finally gave me a reliable mesh network. That alone made the upgrade worth it!
What I Love About the M3
- Thread and Zigbee Support: It’s amazing how seamlessly both protocols work together. My existing Aqara sensors are still functioning perfectly alongside the new Thread devices.
- Home Assistant Integration: The M3 integrates smoothly with Home Assistant via HomeKit or Matter. Some devices only show up in one or the other, so I keep both connected for full coverage.
- Seamless Migration: The ability to migrate the U100 smart lock without losing any users, pins, or fingerprints was a huge plus. No need to reconfigure everything from scratch!
- IR Blaster Compatibility: While the IR blaster works well, it doesn’t show up in HA. I still keep my Tuya Zigbee IR devices for broader compatibility.
My Setup
I mounted the hub in a coat closet with PoE, which keeps everything tidy and central. The installation was straightforward, and the PoE setup made powering the hub a breeze.
Tips for Upgraders
- Check Compatibility: Ensure all your devices are compatible with the M3 before upgrading. Most Aqara devices are, but it’s always good to double-check.
- Backup Your Data: Before making any changes, back up your current setup. It’s a simple step that can save you a lot of hassle.
- Test the Migration: If you’re migrating devices like locks or sensors, test the process on one device first to make sure everything works as expected.
- Experiment with Integration: Play around with both HomeKit and Matter integrations to see which setup works best for your ecosystem.
Looking Forward
The M3 has definitely taken my home automation to the next level. Its reliability and versatile integration options make it a fantastic choice for both newcomers and experienced users. I’m excited to see how this hub evolves and what new features might be added in future updates!
If you’ve upgraded to the M3 or have any tips to share, I’d love to hear about your experiences! Let’s keep the conversation going and help each other make the most of this awesome hub.