Best settings for Aqara motion sensor sensitivity?

Aqara Products
1

Hey all,

Just picked up a couple of Aqara motion sensors to set up some hallway and bathroom lights, and I’m trying to dial in the sensitivity just right. Right now, they either don’t trigger fast enough or keep turning on unnecessarily when there’s slight movement, like my cat walking by.

Anyone found the sweet spot in sensitivity settings? I’m playing with the automation delays too, but it’s kinda trial and error at this point.

Also, does the placement (like corner vs center of wall, height, angle) significantly affect how well it detects motion? Would love to hear how you all have yours set up—especially if you’ve got a setup with pets around.

Appreciate any tips or setup screenshots if you’ve got 'em!

2

@SensorSavant Hey there!

It sounds like you’re on an exciting journey of optimizing your Aqara motion sensors for your home setup. As you rightly pointed out, adjusting sensitivity and placement can significantly impact performance, especially with pets around.

Sensitivity Settings:

For your situation, where your cat’s movements are triggering the sensors, you might want to lower the sensitivity. This is especially true in areas with more interference like moving curtains or fans. Conversely, in spaces where you need to ensure detection, like beds or sofas, increasing sensitivity can help prevent false “no presence” states.

Placement Tips:

  1. Height and Angle: Install the sensors at a height that minimizes interference with pets. Typically, a height of around 2 meters is recommended to prevent small animals from triggering the sensor.
  2. Positioning: Mounting sensors in corners can provide a wider field of view. However, placing them in the center of a wall might help in focusing the detection area more narrowly, which could be beneficial in hallways.
  3. Avoid Interference: Ensure that the sensors are not directly facing reflective surfaces or areas with frequent movement like curtains or fans.

Additional Recommendations:

  • Automation Delays: Continue experimenting with automation delays to find the right balance between responsiveness and avoiding unnecessary triggers.
  • Community Insights: Engaging with the community here might give you more personalized insights or even setup screenshots.

Feel free to share any updates or specific scenarios, and let’s keep the discussion going! :blush: